Davina Rankin turns down new reality TV gig
MARRIED at First Sight’s biggest villain, Davina Rankin, has flipped the script, turning down a stint on another dating show because of her new relationship.
Confidential
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REALITY TV’s biggest villain, Davina Rankin, has flipped the script, turning down a stint on Channel 9’s Love Island to maintain her new relationship.
The Married At First Sight contestant, ho was heavily criticised for trying to partner swap with Dean Wells on the show, revealed she had been approached to appear on the new dating show, hosted by Sophie Monk.
But instead of prolonging her time in the spotlight, Rankin chose to stay loyal to boyfriend Jaxon Manuel making their relationship public last week.
“I did get asked to go on Love Island … and I did think about it,” the 27-year-old told Confidential while hosting her We Love Brunch Co. networking event on the Gold Coast.
“But now we are in a relationship, I wouldn’t risk it for anything.”
Rankin had been friends with Manuel, a part-owner of Brisbane cafe chain Pineapple Express, for five years before they began dating this year.
While he was living in Bali when the show aired, Manuel offered support by meeting Rankin in her home when she was avoiding the public because of the backlash.
Rankin admitted she was concerned about the effect her cheating scandal would have on her dating life, but said Manuel “wasn’t interested in it at all”.
“He didn’t watch much of the show,” she said. “He’s been my friend forever, so it was really nice to form something with someone who already knows me, and not what they’ve seen on TV.
“We are still learning. He’s still learning. The fact that his name is in magazines really blows his mind, but he’s really good with it.”
Rankin said since the end of the show, the online abuse and threats had subsided.
“It’s nice having my life back,” she said. “Of course I’m outspoken and sarcastic, but there’s a lot more to me that the public didn’t get to see. I am just a normal girl. I might be a little bit more opinionated than most.”
Originally published as Davina Rankin turns down new reality TV gig