Too Hot To Handle: How Brisbane student Georgia Hassarati became a global Netflix star

After becoming the breakout star of Netflix series Too Hot To Handle, Brisbane’s Georgia Hassarati explains how she ended up on the series and why she describes Aussie men as “jerks”.

After being plucked out of Brisbane’s Instagram ranks, Georgia Hassarati has become the breakout star of Netflix’s top-rating series Too Hot To Handle.

The third season of the hit reality series premiered globally on January 19, featuring Hassarati as one of a group of attractive singles from around the world isolated together in Turks and Caicos, where they are banned from all kissing and sexual contact.

Hassarati, who kissed three people during a challenge in the premiere episode before breaking the rules by kissing co-star Jaz Holloway, has seen her following sky rocket jumping from 60,000 Instagram followers to 631,000 in 10 days.

Brisbane's Georgia Hassarati on Netflix series Too Hot To Handle. Photo: Netflix/Supplied

“It’s honestly been an amazing journey so far. I take every day as it comes and I’m grateful for all the love I’m receiving from all over the world, so many fan messages and videos; it’s so surreal and heartwarming,” Hassarati, 26, said from London.

“Too Hot To Handle is an international series and although there wasn’t anyone from Australia in series 2, I’m so happy I got to represent my country in series 3.”

Hassarati – who says she is “obsessed with Harry Potter” and is “known to snort when I laugh too hard” – grew up on the Sunshine Coast and, after travelling Bali, Switzerland and Croatia, moved back to Brisbane to study midwifery.

Her Instagram following also began to grow, and a year ago she received a direct message from producers of a show she was told was called Pleasure Island, which involved singles living on an island together.

Brisbane's Georgia Hassarati on Netflix series Too Hot To Handle. Photo: Netflix/Supplied

“I received a message from someone on the casting team on social media. Pleasure Island sounded really fun! I was told it would be an adventure, I’d be surrounded by gorgeous single guys and girls and I’m always up for trying something new,” she said.

As filming began, the cast was told they were actually contestants on Too Hot To Handle, which meant any kissing or sexual contact would deduct from their $100,000 prize pool.

She was fined $3,000 for kissing Jaz on the first night.

“I didn’t do the best with avoiding the forbidden contact,” Hassarati laughed.

On the show, she described Queensland men as “jerks” and said she preferred international men.

“I guess it’s because I’ve had some very weird dating experiences and I think it’s also because I grew up in a small area where all the guys are like brothers to me and you see the sides of them that aren’t so attractive because you are all so close and have known one another for so long, so it kills the attraction a little bit I guess,” she said.

Georgia Hassarati and Olga Bednarska from Too Hot To Handle. Picture: John Phillips/Getty Images

“I am also super interested in international guys, a sucker for an accent and love hanging out with guys that are super confident and fun. A lot of guys I grew up with are super laid back and chill, but this isn’t my vibe so maybe that’s why I haven’t found an Australian guy who ticks my boxes.

“I’m sure they’re out there … maybe I’ll find one soon?!”

“My type tends to be guys who will break my heart.”

When asked for one thing fans might not know about filming the fit series, Hassarati responded: “The food was insane! You don’t really see us eating on the show, but we ate the most amazing food every day was like a buffet, we were very spoiled.”

Now that the series has dropped on Netflix, Hassarati is staying in London before she plans to travel with co-star Olga Bednarska and vlog their journey.