Exclusive Interview
‘Summer House’: KJ Teases Dara Romance & Reveals If There Will Be a New Love Triangle
What To Know
- Summer House Season 10 cast member KJ Dillard will strike up a romance with fellow newbie Dara Levitan in Episode 5.
- He opened up to Swooon about how they first connected and whether there will be a love triangle with Ben Waddell.
- Dillard also discussed his future with the show and the response to his opening up about his mental health struggles on camera.
KJ Dillard wasn’t looking for love with someone in the Summer House cast when he joined the show for Season 10, but he’ll be striking up a romance with fellow newbie Dara Levitan in the March 3 episode. Fans met Dara in Episode 4 when her ex, West Wilson, invited her to a singles’ party in NYC with other Summer House cast members and friends.
However, she’s listed as a main cast member for the show’s 10th season, so it looks like she’ll be popping up much more in the coming episodes, including at this week’s Renaissance party, and KJ dished to Swooon about the start of their relationship.
“We met briefly at the singles’ party,” he shared. “The party ended, I just wanted to introduce myself to her, gave her a quick hug, and went on about my day. I had no idea that I would be seeing her again at the Renaissance party and it’s embarrassing because I didn’t even remember her at first. I look back at that clip and I’m like … what state of mind was I in? I mean, probably had a few Loverboys at that point, but I still can’t believe I didn’t remember her.”
KJ admitted that he thought he stood “no chance” when he saw such a “super beautiful girl” talking to him. “I was caught off guard because I was just like, ‘No way is this happening, who is this beautiful girl talking to me right now?'” he added. “And then it clicked.”
While KJ couldn’t say much about how things progress from there, he described his and Dara’s relationship as “two strong, emotional individuals who romanticize.” He also hinted that there’s a future between the two, noting, “We’re definitely into each other and I stopped trying to be one of the boys [when we started hanging out],” and said they’re on “great terms” today.
When it comes to whether or not Dara will be staying in the house with the rest of the cast this summer, KJ teased, “To be continued.”
Of course, things never just come easy on Bravo, so we also caught up with KJ about the possibility of a love triangle with Ben Waddell, who had his eye on Dara after the singles’ party, too. Plus, he opened up about sharing his mental health journey and more. Scroll down for the rest and check back later this week to find out what he had to say about rumors that something’s going on between West and newly single Amanda Batula!
Were you aware that Ben was crushing on Dara a little bit when you first started talking to her?
KJ Dillard: Oh, he made it known. And I didn’t know if I was going to be able to get her to like me or not. Because I thought she was really into Ben.
So, is it going to be a love triangle situation or did she nip that in the bud?
KJ: She nipped it in the bud, for sure. She made it known and I’m very grateful.
Bryan Bedder/Bravo
I thought the Ben situation with me and Dara was going to turn into some drama, but Ben’s chill, and he does his own thing, so I’m grateful it didn’t. I don’t really like entertaining drama unless I have to, then I’ll entertain it. But if I don’t have to get to that point, I’m a pretty chill dude.
We’ve seen how things can get messy between people in the cast who date. Was that something you were worried about at all?
KJ: I definitely was worried because I really did come into the summer being like, “I’m gonna have a hot boy summer. I’m gonna be single and not date anyone in the house, and if I end up dating somebody, it’s not going to be somebody in the house because I don’t want to mix,” you know what I mean? I don’t want it to affect my summer and this experience. But obviously things happen when you least expect it, and that happened, and it was just one of those things where it felt right.
How did the casting situation come about for you? Were you familiar with the show? Was there any hesitation when you were approached?
KJ: My mom’s a big Bravo fan, the Housewives, everything. I never watched reality TV, but I always heard it in the background. My mom’s watching it, so that’s the space I was familiar with. West is the homie from Missouri and, you know, [he’s] how I got on.
You’ve been so open on the show with talking about your upbringing and mental health struggles. As someone who doesn’t watch reality TV, how were you able to open up so easily, and why was that important for you to share?
KJ: It wasn’t easy until I did it, and now it’s becoming easier to share my story or things that I struggle with. I was always intimidated to open up about mental health, but once you do it, I think it’s just practice. And once you see how it affects other people, too, it makes you realize … this is bigger than me, and I’m not the only one who’s going through this, so you start to feel the community around you.
What has the reaction been so far?
KJ: Nothing but support and people thanking me for just being honest and vulnerable. I love to hear, also, what other people are going through, just so I can be there for them too.
Like you said, you came into the house with a connection to West, but who else did you kind of click with off the bat?
KJ: Carl [Radke] and Ciara [Miller].
I don’t know if any casting decisions have been made for next season yet, but would you be interested in returning if you were asked back?
KJ: 110%. I definitely am ready for next summer. I had a great summer. It feels like family. It’s my second family.
We know there’s a spinoff coming later this year. Do you think that means it’s the end of the road for OGs like Kyle [Cooke], Amanda, Lindsay [Hubbard], and Carl on Summer House?
KJ: I’m not exactly sure. I think the spinoff is a great concept, though. You know, people have spent their time in the house and having that transition, I think, is always good. You move on from a chapter of your life, so I’m excited for it.
Is there anything else you’re excited for viewers to see this season?
KJ: My outfits definitely get better each episode compared to the first episode. I’m excited for people to see my outfits evolve over time. And just me opening up more and being the loverboy that I am!
Summer House, Season 10, Tuesdays, 8/7c, Bravo
