Risk meets romance as 20 singles look for “the one” in the depths of the Costa Rican jungle. CTV continues to deliver top shows this summer with the debut of the spicy new reality series LOVE IN THE WILD, a new “extreme” dating series from the producers of SURVIVOR and THE APPRENTICE premiering Wednesday, June 29 at 10 p.m. ET on CTV. Hosted by Australian heartthrob Darren McMullen (Australian MINUTE TO WIN IT), LOVE IN THE WILD puts relationships to the ultimate test. An encore broadcast of LOVE IN THE WILD airs Fridays on E! beginning July 1 at 9 p.m. ET and will also be available on demand on the CTV Video Player at CTV.ca following the PT broadcast.
Sparks are lit and hearts are broken as 10 adventurous single men are paired with 10 equally adventurous single women for a romantic journey unlike anything they could have ever imagined! After each exhilarating adventure quest, the winning couple is treated to a night of five-star luxury, while the others scramble to cement a love-connection or risk being sent home at the next day’s elimination.
Speed-dating, blind-dating, Internet dating – these singles have tried it all and failed at finding love time and again. Now these romance-seekers are headed to the unlikeliest of places – deep into the remote jungles of exotic Costa Rica to see if they can find their match.
With host Darren McMullen at the reins, each episode sees couples pair up for exhilarating quests pushing their bodies and emotions to the limit. From paddling down crocodile-ridden waters, to navigating dark and damp bat-infested caves, couples must compete and unite to be the last ones standing. After each outrageous adventure, the winning couple share a night together at the Oasis, a lavish, five-star bungalow teeming with everything a couple could imagine for an intimate night of romance. Meanwhile, the remaining love seekers hang out in the less luxurious accommodations.
McMullen brings all of the couples together the next day for the eliminations, where each couple reveals if they were successful in forming a romantic connection with their current partner – or if they would like to switch and get to know someone else. At the end of every episode, two singles will be sent home broken-hearted. And at the end of the series, two will unite after finding “love in the wild”!
About Darren McMullen
Darren McMullen currently serves as the host for the Australian version of MINUTE TO WIN IT. McMullen started in television as host of IGNITION a monthly car show in Sydney, Australia. His additional hosting credits include EXCLUSIVE from Australia’s Arena TV along with MTV’s FAN VS. BAND and live music show THE LAIR.
Below are the 20 singles set to compete:
Jason Jackson
Age: 28
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Occupation: Sales
Jason is a trained opera singer and adrenaline junkie who is surprisingly terrified of ants. However, his combo of good looks, great career and awesome personality would seemingly make him the complete package for one of the women.
Steele Dewald
Age: 24
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Occupation: Pro Golfer
A pro athlete with killer looks who oozes charm, Steele is someone viewers will love – or love to hate. The women will all want him but need to decide if he’s the typical player or really in this for love.
Benjamin Hooker
Age: 27
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Occupation: MBA Graduate
Benjamin is the guy that will tell it like it is and women are going to fawn over him. He is a man’s man and a buddy to go have a beer with.
Jared Ines
Age: 28
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: MBA Student
Jared is the guy who will keep the party going. Women will be attracted to him but it’s uncertain if he will let his guard down to really connect with someone.
Mike Spiro
Age: 29
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Broker
This self-proclaimed “brains and brawn” type is the life of the party. The women will be attracted to his wit while his swagger will surprise the guys.
Skip Sullivan
Age: 30
Hometown: Milton, MA
Occupation: Loan Underwriter
Skip is buff and tough but underneath it all, he’s a fun guy and also a big flirt. He’ll be a risk taker when it comes to switching partners and if he finds the right one, it could be life changing.
Derek Leach
Age: 28
Hometown: Venice, CA
Occupation: Medical Sales Representative
Derek is a mama’s boy who is romantic and truly looking for “the one.” He’s also a risk taker who will switch it up if the girl he’s with isn’t right for him.
Middle row L-R (minus Darren McMullen)
Vanessa Guerrero
Age: 26
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Occupation: Law Student
Vanessa knows she’s hot and isn’t afraid to speak her mind and will stir up the pot amongst the contestants. Definitely one who thinks any guy there is lucky to be with her.
Jessica Debolt
Age: 24
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Occupation: Travel Executive
Viewers will fall in love with Jessica – and so will the men in this competition. She is the quintessential girl next-door who’s cute, vibrant, fun and very memorable.
Samantha Woods
Age: 23
Hometown: Bridgewater, MA
Occupation: Wedding Planner
Samantha is sweet, smart and put together. Not only are the men going to be attracted to her, she’s also the one that viewers may fall in love with too.
Kim Nguyen
Age: 24
Hometown: Quincy, MA
Occupation: Hair Stylist
A self-proclaimed natural beauty, Kim falls in love fast even though her instincts tell her resist.
Jessica Soares
Age: 23
Hometown: Bridgewater, MA
Occupation: Retail Supervisor
Loud and boisterous, Jessica can hang with the guys or gossip with the girls. No matter what, she will make sparks fly.
Erica Scherle
Age: 24
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Occupation: Self-Employed/Songwriter Management
Once accused of being a gold digger, Erica proves there’s more to this ugly duckling turned swan than meets the eye. A fiercely private person, it will take the right guy to help her let her guard down.
Dawn Christjaener
Age: 27
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Occupation: Hotel Guest Services
Dawn is quite simply a firecracker! She will totally throw herself into any experience, speak her mind and viewers will be grateful she does.
Adam Rose
Age: 25
Hometown: Taunton, MA
Occupation: Bouncer
Adam is a bouncer with heart. He’s tough on the outside, but deep down he’s an emotional young man who’s ready to meet someone special.
Heather Pond
Age: 26
Hometown: Sonoma, CA
Occupation: Public Relations Professional
Heather is a vibrant, no-nonsense woman who will go to extreme lengths in her quest for love. She once ran a marathon just to win a box from Tiffany’s. Fun and athletic, Heather will have the men sprinting to be with her.
Theresa Trujillo
Age: 24
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Occupation: Hooters Girl/Real Estate Agent
Theresa is an attractive woman and not afraid to be herself. She speaks her mind and if she doesn’t like someone, she makes sure they know it.
Miles Haefner
Age: 28
Hometown: Saint Louis Park, MN
Occupation: Client Services Manager
Serious about finding love, Miles is a fun-loving guy that is sure to grab the girls’ attention
Brandee Dillehay
Age: 25
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Occupation: Mental Health Specialist
Brandee is unlucky in love with numerous bad dating stories to prove it. The men will want to turn the tables for this southern sweetheart.
Peter Paris
Age: 31
Hometown: Venice, CA
Occupation: Surf Camp Owner
Peter is a classic surfer dude who is not looking to make any waves with the ladies. His laid-back style will attract those who are seeking a drama-free adventure.
LOVE IN THE WILD is produced by Endemol USA. Tom Shelly serves as executive producer. Liz Schulze, Eric Gardner and Mark Allen are co-executive producers.
