It was a bit greater than two years in the past that Ariana Madix’s life blew up on Bravo, because of the “Vanderpump Guidelines” dishonest scandal that got here to be often called the Scandoval. That was the dangerous information: The excellent news was Madix dealt with the mess with such grace that she ended up getting a number of life-changing alternatives when the smoke cleared. Sure, after the breakup of her nine-year relationship with fellow “Vanderpump Guidelines” castmate Tom Sandoval in March 2023, Madix was forged on that fall season of “Dancing With the Stars,” appeared as Roxie Hart in “Chicago” on Broadway (twice!) and, in summer time 2024, turned the host of Peacock’s “Love Island USA” for its sixth season final summer time. Madix’s presence on the relationship present — which airs nightly on Peacock, virtually in actual time — introduced new viewers to the collection, making it final summer time’s No. 1 actuality collection, and an inescapable juggernaut.

As she ready to go to Fiji for Season 7 — earlier than she knew something in regards to the new season, which premiered on June 3 — Madix sat down with Selection at her West Hollywood sandwich store One thing About Her, which she owns with Katie Maloney, additionally late of “Vanderpump Guidelines.” She mentioned her love of “Love Island,” her first time stepping on the “Chicago” stage and her expertise of filming Season 11 of “Vanderpump Guidelines,” which may have a completely new forged when it will definitely returns.

It truly got here up on “Vanderpump Guidelines” that you simply had been a “Love Island” fan. Which one bought you? U.Ok. “Love Island”?

It was truly “Australia.” My buddy Brad had launched me, type of pandemic-time. He was like: “Effectively, it’s nice — I believe this could be our present.” I began binge-watching “Australia,” then I went to U.Ok. after which I went to U.S.

The U.S. model had struggled a bit earlier than you took over. What did you wish to convey to it?

I’m an enormous fan of so most of the girls who’ve hosted the present within the completely different nations, and within the U.S. I believe that it doesn’t matter what, for those who attempt to do what another person is doing or has carried out, it gained’t work. I wished to essentially convey myself to it. So no matter that’s — being a bit bit extra on the horny aspect, and making an attempt to convey a degree of confidence that, even when I’m not feeling it within the second, you pretend it till you make it. And naturally, humor. That’s one factor that “Love Island” has that loads of generally relationship reveals don’t have, is the extent of humor.

And I knew I actually wished to convey some superb seems, and that was one thing that was additionally impressed by different hosts around the globe. As a result of when Maya Jama is strolling into that U.Ok. villa, she is intercourse on a stick.

I’m going to say this for you as a result of you may’t. However I really feel like your presence because the host introduced within the Bravo viewers, after which it was an unbelievable forged and an ideal season, and folks stayed. What do you consider that concept?

I’ve seen folks say that on-line — that in the event that they hadn’t watched it earlier than, they turned it on initially pondering, “Oh, Ariana’s internet hosting.” With the forged, finally, they stayed as a result of that’s who they’re connecting with all through the season. And our forged was so unbelievable.

You’ll make your opinion recognized in a method that previous hosts didn’t —

Kind of!

What do you imply?

I imply that I undoubtedly was holding again on loads of stuff. I’m not allowed to be biased, but when I’ve seen footage as a result of I’m watching the present and the Islanders haven’t, however I do know that it is a factor, I’m going to wish to get them to speak about it. Which I believe you noticed undoubtedly within the Casa Amor recoupling, as a result of we actually do have on a regular basis on this planet. I’ll stand there till you speak about it. That’s what “Aftersun” is so good for — as a result of then I can go on “Aftersun” and speak about stuff. However within the villa, in entrance of them, it’s attention-grabbing having to maintain my mouth shut a bit bit, as a result of I can’t present bias.

Don’t you’re feeling prefer it comes by way of a bit bit, although? You’re an individual.

I’m an individual, and I’m watching what they’re going by way of. You don’t wish to be a robotic. Possibly it comes by way of to the digicam, however it could possibly’t actually come by way of to them.

A colleague of mine who’s an enormous “Love Island” individual thinks that your mere presence empowered the ladies contestants to face up for themselves extra.

Oh, wow! Oh, I like that. I imply, they do such a very good job of that, they usually’re a lot youthful than me. They’re method youthful than I ever was on “Vanderpump” or something. And for them to be as sturdy and as empowered and as vocal, however capable of categorical how they really feel at that age, they’re doing nice.

By way of your garments, which viewers love, what do you wish to challenge? Do you will have a stylist you’re employed with?

I simply have my buddy Emily [Men] who helps me, and I’ll ship her stuff I see on Instagram. Emily is superb — I’ll be like, “I like issues like this,” after which she’s actually good at sourcing. However I believe one of many robust issues is that loads of instances style PR locations or designers don’t allow you to maintain on to one thing for 2 months, they need it again in two days. So it was actually superb that we had been capable of get all of those seems and have them with us in Fiji your entire time. I’m truly going to see her after this for my becoming.

What did you be taught from doing it in Season 6 that you simply wish to convey to this season?

I undoubtedly discovered quite a bit about what it’s wish to not have the ability to actually speak about what I’m pondering and feeling within the second with the Islanders. I discovered about what it means to host versus being forged. And I actually discovered the place the moist spots are on the deck, as a result of it may be very slippery. And so they moist it down generally and make it look shiny, and I’ve to watch out!

Did you ever go down?

Oh, I undoubtedly had some wobble moments! Like, “I’m going to show round and try this once more. You didn’t see that!” I discovered type of, I don’t know — be that character? Be that assured, horny, command- the-presence-of-the-room character once I come into the Villa. As a result of in actual life, I’m not doing that — on a day-to-day foundation, I’m not strolling into the sandwich store and strutting in and commanding the room! So I really feel like I discovered a bit bit extra about what it means to try this, and really feel comfy doing that.

Switching matters! How did it really feel the primary time you went on stage in “Chicago”?

Terrifying and exhilarating, and I used to be tremendous, tremendous nervous. The gang was so loud.

They had been there for you.

It was actually superb, however so loud at instances that I couldn’t hear the band on stage. So I used to be like, “Effectively, let’s actually hope that we now have this ingrained within the muscle reminiscence sufficient that that’s OK.” One among my castmates, Jeff Gorti, once I instructed him how I used to be tremendous nervous, he stated, “You don’t have anything to show — solely to exit and exhibit.”

And I used to be like, “OK, that’s not one thing I had considered earlier than.” As a result of I all the time really feel like there’s so a lot to show.

You went again a second time too. Would possibly you do it once more?

I’d like to. I’d like to do Roxie once more. And I’d like to do one other present.

OK, “Vanderpump Guidelines”! After the dishonest scandal occurred in Spring 2023, which turned a global information story, had been you all the time going to return again for a Season 11?

I imply, I needed to. I used to be undoubtedly not able the place I might say no to work. So I wanted to say sure to “Vanderpump Guidelines.” However the subsequent time it got here round, I wished to be able the place I didn’t should, as a result of I wasn’t feeling nice, clearly. I like the present for therefore many causes. However while you really feel such as you don’t have a selection, it’s not a very good place to be in.

It was such an enormous story, and loads of alternatives got here your method due to it. However on the identical time, you had been experiencing horrible private turmoil.

Horrible! Sure. I get so grossed out by each time I strive speak about my work, and the headline is about someone else, or making my life about someone else. Saying “post-breakup glow up,” I discover insulting — it insinuates that I used to be some kind of troll earlier than. And that point was tremendous, tremendous arduous. It’s humorous, me and my two finest mates — you understand your telephone loves to point out you images?

“Reminiscences from…”

Like, “Are you able to not?” There’s so many images of us, photos of me sleeping in mattress the place they had been like, “She’s doing high quality!,” and us collectively having sleepovers. It’s like this actually bizarre, considerably lovely and scary time.

And sure, the headlines and the eye had been all about this factor, however the actuality was a lot, a lot darker. The truth of the scenario was very, very darkish. And that’s not one thing that I used to be going to convey to “Vanderpump Guidelines” Season 11 both.

I used to be like, “Look, I’m placing all my containers in my room; my room is my residence.” After which they arrive in and movie, they usually don’t speak about me making an attempt to maneuver, they minimize all of the scenes of me with an actual property agent. They minimize all of the stuff of me speaking about assembly with a lender, and switch it into some kind of different story.

You’re a squatter in your personal residence.

And that proper there was one other factor that was irritating. As a result of as if it’s not arduous sufficient, making an attempt to uproot from what you thought was a home you’re going to stay in for a minimum of 10 years. Making an attempt to drag every thing out that you simply personal, and attempt to set up — after which being instructed you’re some kind of loser.

You’ve been very open about your psychological well being struggles. The place had been you when the cameras began rolling on Season 11?

I used to be slowly getting there, possibly a bit bit higher. But it surely was arduous as a result of I wished to let folks in on the place I used to be. I really feel such as you’re actually seeing that. I imply, you see me holed up in my room making an attempt to arrange my life and making an attempt to determine what’s subsequent. What am I doing? The place am I going to be dwelling? I’ve bought to get pre-approved, as a result of I must get out of this home.

It’s arduous to get a mortgage when you have already got a mortgage.

That was the largest situation for me. I ended up doing it, however I needed to put down much more. I used to be actually like, “Let’s present the place I’m at. Let’s present the warts and all.” After which I believe when it aired, as a result of it aired a lot later — it airs six to seven months after the wrapping — so I believe folks had been like, “What’s her drawback?”

Do you guys understand how time works? Are you guys OK?

That drove me insane.

I believe it’s essential to point out the place I used to be at. And if someone pertains to that they usually’ve additionally been there, then I really feel like that’s value it. My psychological well being actually began to get higher once I was doing “Dancing With the Stars,” as a result of I really feel like I used to be capable of bodily categorical issues.

You had an argument with a forged member about being offended, and the way males can present rage however girls can’t. Throughout the season, had been you anxious in regards to the present’s capability to point out what you had been going by way of?

I don’t suppose I used to be interested by it within the second; I used to be simply making an attempt to point out myself authentically and actually be myself. I believe that we as girls are conditioned to not present our rage. And so many instances, even different girls will come at you for that.

However I’m very impressed by feminine rage. I discover it lovely. Generally I believe it’s so lovely I would cry once I see it in different girls. I simply suppose it’s so highly effective. And one thing I discovered about myself over the previous few years is that my rage or my anger, no matter it’s, is a really highly effective motivator for me.

As a substitute of being afraid of it, it’s one thing that I’ve been capable of harness like a dragon or one thing. It’s one thing that I believe can actually take you locations for those who actually let it course by way of you, and you then harness it and also you make one thing of it.

The finale — which turned out to be the collection finale for that forged of “Vanderpump Guidelines” — was explosive, and broke the fourth wall in an enormous method. Had phrase reached you what occurred after you left that social gathering?

I knew that individuals had been going off, and I used to be like, “Yeah, see, I used to be proper.”

To depart and go to Applebee’s?

Yeah. I used to be like, “Bro, I simply proved the entire level! I’m glad. Present your true selves.” Particularly understanding that my ex was being like that. I used to be like, “That’s precisely what I’ve been saying! This entire factor is pretend.”

The concept of being collectively in the identical area?

Him coming, “Oh, can I simply discuss?” I used to be like, “See? As a result of for those who don’t get what you need, and also you flip like that, and begin screaming, you then’re actually proving me proper.” I used to be like, “Nice,” over my Buffalo hen wings — I went actually old fashioned. I believe I used to be taking photographs of Fireball or one thing.

What was it like watching the final a part of the finale stay on the reunion?

The final phrases of the present being what they had been was so nice.

You imply Sandoval saying, “It’s good for me”? The Robert Durst confession?

Precisely, yeah, the Robert Durst second! Let that be your final second. As a result of that to me was very becoming, and I used to be like, “That is what I’ve been saying this entire time!” As if I wouldn’t be the one to know.

But it surely was actually emotional. You take a look at these previous clips of all people, myself included, and also you suppose like, oh, my gosh, so a few years. I imply, it was actually emotional, wanting on the method they clipped every thing collectively.

Had been you instructed forward of time that they had been going to announce that “Vanderpump Guidelines” can be rebooted with a brand new forged?

Yeah.

What did you suppose?

I stated, “Cool! Good luck.”

Do you watch “The Valley”?

I don’t. I don’t watch something on Bravo.

Do you watch any actuality?

“Love After Lockup.”

So good.

It’s so good!

Who’re you closest to on “The Valley”?

In all probability Janet, Kristen, Jasmine — however Janet and Jason as a pair, very near them as effectively. We went to Scotland collectively.

So we gained’t ever see you popping up on “The Valley”?

No.

What do you consider the entire Jax Taylor scenario?

What I do know of it, it’s horrible. And I’m pleased with Brittany for locating her voice and getting out of that.

After we final met right here in December, unbeknownst to all of us, James Kennedy had been arrested the night time earlier than. No costs had been filed finally, however what did you consider that?

Terrible. I imply, it’s horrible. Once more, pleased with Ally [Lewber] that she’s out of that, and she or he’s thriving. She’s bought this fucking superb podcast. Cutest residence. I’m joyful that she’s good.

Your previous home nonetheless hasn’t bought. What’s occurring!? Why!?

There’s much more than simply the home. So yeah. But it surely’s going.

Is it available on the market?

No. But it surely’s not simply put the home up on the market — there’s contents inside it. There’s loads of stuff that must be labored out. It’s high quality, although. I imply, the longer I personal it, the extra I’ve fairness. It’s truly high quality, and I’ve my very own place. So for me, it’s extra essential that issues get labored out the best way they need to than to only rush to promote.

The place do you image your self dwelling within the subsequent few years?

I believe right here for a minimum of the following 5 to 10 years. I’m not in a spot proper now professionally, the place if I had been to up and transfer to New York, for instance, I believe I’d simply find yourself coming again — I’m simply doing quite a bit right here proper now. And particularly with the store, wanting to have the ability to bodily be right here, have the ability to be reached when issues are happening. I like New York, and I’d love to return there at some point. However I really feel like proper now I’m additionally actually having fun with simply having the area. And L.A., it will get a foul rap generally, however I simply suppose it’s a beautiful metropolis.

How’s this place doing?

Good! I imply, look, individuals are not kidding once they say that opening a restaurant is tough. And it comes with an entire set of issues that make it arduous. I believe for us, the issues which are not arduous, are we love our employees, Katie and I, and we love working collectively. We actually share the identical imaginative and prescient.

What’s robust is simply loads of our enterprise is vacationers, which we love. Please by all means, come. However we’re wanting into faucet extra into the L.A. native market scene and meals scene.

Which sandwich is it that’s the Greek salad one?

She’s a salad now.

She’s a salad?

She’s actual messy, which is why we swapped over. We might wrap it, although!

Might I get that to go, please?

This interview has been edited and condensed.