If you’ve successfully ticked every reality TV series off your checklist, we’ve got you another one. Shot in a private eco-reserve in Columbia, Love in the Jungle takes 14 singletons on a whirlwind journey of putting their skills to the ultimate test. What’s the catch? They have to participate in a bunch of tasks with little to no verbal communication.
This all-new dating series is set to launch in the Middle East this June and will be available to stream exclusively on discovery+ via STARZPLAY. While you wait for Love in the Jungle, we got to chat with contestants Austin Nogiec and Paige Dacanay to give you a glimpse of what you’re in for.
Meet the cast members Austin Nogiec and Paige Dacanay of Love in the Jungle here…
Cosmo ME: What’s the funniest thing that happened to you behind the scenes of Love in the Jungle?
Paige Dacanay: Oh boy. It was the first night that we all went up into the nest to party together and it was extremely hot. I just remember that I was trying to cool down and I grabbed a pitcher of water and tried to just pour it on my chest to just cool off a little bit but the water ended up completely spilling and hitting me in the face. It was so not graceful and cute.
I remember Austin was laughing at me and was probably like, ‘Who the hell is this girl?’, but I was like well, I don’t care.
C: We have to say that the cast looked beautiful on the show. So, we obviously wanted to ask you if you got to pick your own outfits for Love in the Jungle?
PD: So for the girls, we all picked out our own outfits but a lot of us were sharing each other’s wardrobes with another. We just wanted everyone to look beautiful so we were really tight-knit and supported one another.
However, we did get a wardrobe for the different challenges but other than that yeah, we all wore our own outfits.
C: And was it the same for the boys?
Austin Nogiec: Yeah, we all definitely wore our own wardrobe but that’s not to say hair and makeup weren’t on set. They kind of offered probably so that nobody was wearing too much of the same thing but it definitely was all our own stuff.
C: Who are you the most in touch with from all the Love in the Jungle contestants post-shooting?
PD: Honestly, we’re all really close-knit. I think I personally talk to Lynsey all the time but in general, we have such a strong connection with everyone that we have a group chat together.
C: And, do you plan on visiting Dubai anytime soon? If so, what’s one place you’re really looking forward to visiting?
AN: I feel like Dubai would be an absolute dream. I always see everybody skydiving in Dubai and I think like doing that somewhere in Palm Jumeirah would definitely bring me out there.
PD: I would love to visit Dubai it’s beautiful I’ve heard nothing but amazing things maybe it’ll be on my world tour at some point. I’ve heard the buildings are extremely cool and just different so I’d love to check out the architecture.
C: Is there something you’re embarrassed for viewers to stream on Love in the Jungle?
PD: I wouldn’t say I’m too embarrassed about anything. I was just a hundred per cent myself on the show so it’s pretty nerve-wracking to be that vulnerable because you never know how anyone’s going to take it or how you’re viewed but, you know, I know what happened there.
I think the only thing is I wish my hair and makeup didn’t look the way they did sometimes but granted we were in the jungle and it was an experience so I’m happy about it.
AN: I guess there’s sometimes my skin isn’t always in the best condition, you know, it’s stressful when you’re in a different environment and I think we’re all like hypercritical of ourselves when we see ourselves on screen but again, you’re so used to seeing reality TV shows and everybody is like in this beautiful place like Malibu or Bali in this massive mansion and we’re roughing it a little bit so I guess the natural environment takes a toll on my body sometimes.
C: What were your friends’ reactions to the Love in the Jungle series? Have they watched it?
PD: Yes. I’ve had a lot of support from friends and family, and they absolutely love it. I think the biggest thing they’ve mentioned is they really see how authentic and real I’m being and it shows through the screen. They’re like we know you personally but you seem more real and I’m not holding anything back which I think, will resonate with people. I’m happy that it showed through the screen.
AN: Yeah, everyone’s super supportive and obviously really excited that they’re going to see me. It’s funny because during high school, I got nominated for most likely to appear on a reality TV show and it freaking happened.
C: How are you dealing with social media after Love in the Jungle?
PD: I would say it’s best not to look at any negativity and if there is just to take it with a grain of salt. I think a lot of us kind of laugh and just make jokes when people troll or have something negative to say because a lot of times people have no idea what actually happened.
They just see what’s shown and they have their own opinions. I personally loved the experience and I’ve stayed really positive. I’m just excited about any new opportunities to come.
AN: I too think the same and understand that they’re creating a story on the show so just staying positive through it all and it’s is always good to have fans. You know, I like seeing the negative feedback as well as the positive ones because everyone’s always going to have their opinion but if people didn’t have different opinions they wouldn’t make this world what it is.
If anybody ever reaches out whether it is positive or negative, I always try to respond with a comment, you know, just a positive one so that they can learn a little bit more about me.