More than two years ago, Ariana Madix experienced a significant turning point in her life when the infamous “Vanderpump Rules” cheating scandal, widely known as the Scandoval, exploded across social media and television. While the scandal brought turmoil, Madix emerged from the chaos with remarkable poise, leading to numerous transformative opportunities in her career. Following her breakup with fellow castmate Tom Sandoval in March 2023, she was cast in the fall season of “Dancing With the Stars,” performed as Roxie Hart in “Chicago” on Broadway not once, but twice, and became the host of Peacock’s “Love Island USA” for its sixth season in the summer of 2024. Madix’s captivating presence on the reality dating show, which airs almost in real-time, attracted a wave of new viewers, making it the top reality series of last summer and a cultural phenomenon.

As she prepared for the upcoming Season 7 in Fiji—prior to knowing any specifics about the new season that premiered on June 3—Madix had an engaging conversation with Variety at her West Hollywood sandwich shop, Something About Her, which she co-owns with Katie Maloney, another former cast member of “Vanderpump Rules.” During their discussion, she expressed her admiration for “Love Island,” shared her initial experience stepping onto the stage for “Chicago,” and reflected on her filming journey for Season 11 of “Vanderpump Rules,” which may feature a completely new cast upon its return.

Discussing Your Fandom: How Did You Get Hooked on “Love Island”?

My introduction to “Love Island” actually started with the Australian version. During the pandemic, my friend Brad introduced it to me, saying, “This is great—this could be our show!” I found myself binge-watching the Australian episodes, then moved on to the UK version, followed by the US adaptation. Each version brought its unique flavor and entertaining dynamics that kept me hooked, showcasing the engaging aspects of reality television.

Reviving the U.S. Version: What Changes Did You Aim to Implement as Host?

As a passionate viewer of “Love Island”, I have immense respect for the talented women who have hosted the show across different countries. When I took on the role in the U.S. version, I knew that simply imitating what others had done would not work. I wanted to bring my authentic self to the show, aiming for a more confident and slightly flirtatious approach. I believe in embodying the “fake it till you make it” mentality, and adding a touch of humor, which differentiates “Love Island” from many other dating shows that often lack that light-heartedness.

Additionally, I was determined to showcase some stunning looks as the host, influenced by various international hosts whose styles have inspired me. For instance, when Maya Jama walks into the UK villa, she exudes confidence and allure, which I aspired to match while creating my own unique style.

Your Hosting Impact: Bringing the Bravo Audience to “Love Island”

I’ve noticed comments online suggesting that viewers who hadn’t previously watched “Love Island” tuned in because of my hosting. While I appreciate that perspective, I believe the real reason viewers stayed was due to the incredible cast and their compelling stories. The chemistry among our cast members was simply undeniable, and that’s what kept audiences engaged throughout the season.

Expressing Opinions: How Are You Different from Previous Hosts?

Exactly! In some aspects, yes!

What Do You Mean by That?

What I mean is that I often had to hold back from expressing certain thoughts. Although I strive to remain unbiased as a host, I sometimes have seen footage that the Islanders haven’t, which makes me want to discuss those moments. You likely saw this during the Casa Amor recoupling, where I felt the liberty to encourage dialogue. “Aftersun” allows me to express my opinions more freely, but in the villa, I must maintain neutrality, which can be quite challenging.

Do You Feel That Your Authenticity Comes Through?

I’m definitely a real person, and I’m genuinely invested in what the Islanders are experiencing. I don’t want to come across as robotic. While my emotions may resonate with the audience, they might not be evident to the contestants themselves.

Acknowledging Your Influence: Empowering Contestants Through Your Presence

A colleague of mine, who is a huge fan of “Love Island,” believes that my presence as a host has empowered the female contestants to assert themselves more confidently. I find that incredibly flattering! The contestants are indeed much younger than I was during my time on “Vanderpump Rules,” and witnessing their strength and ability to express their feelings so openly is truly remarkable.

Your Fashion Choices: How Do You Curate Your Looks for Hosting?

I collaborate with my friend Emily [Men] who assists me in selecting outfits. I often send her inspiration from Instagram, and she has an incredible knack for sourcing the perfect pieces. However, one challenge we face is that fashion PR agencies or designers often want their items back within a few days, making it difficult to keep outfits for extended periods. Thankfully, we managed to secure a range of stunning looks while filming in Fiji, which we were able to keep for the entire duration. I’m actually meeting with her after this for my fitting.

Lessons Learned: What Insights from Season 6 Will You Bring to Season 7?

Through my experience in Season 6, I learned a lot about the nuances of hosting versus being a contestant. It’s crucial to navigate the challenges of not being able to express my thoughts and feelings directly to the Islanders in the moment. Additionally, I’ve become more aware of my surroundings, especially regarding the slippery areas on the deck. They sometimes wet it down to make it look shiny, which means I have to be extra cautious!

Have You Ever Experienced a Slip on Stage?

Yes, I’ve definitely had my moments of wobbling! There were times when I thought, “I need to turn around and try that again. You didn’t see that!” I learned to embody a confident and commanding presence when I enter the Villa, which is quite different from my everyday life. Typically, I don’t walk into my sandwich shop strutting like I own the place. This experience has taught me how to feel comfortable in that persona, which has been quite enlightening.

Reflecting on Your Stage Debut: How Did It Feel to Perform in “Chicago”?

The first time I stepped onto the stage for “Chicago,” I felt a mix of terror and exhilaration, which is typical for anyone making their stage debut. The audience was incredibly loud, which added to my nerves and excitement.

What Was the Audience’s Reaction Like?

The audience was incredibly supportive, but at times, they were so loud that I struggled to hear the band on stage. I thought to myself, “Let’s hope the choreography and music are ingrained in my muscle memory enough to carry me through.” One of my castmates, Jeff Gorti, reassured me when I expressed my nerves, saying, “You don’t have anything to prove—just go out there and showcase your talent.”

That perspective shifted my mindset, as I often feel an immense pressure to prove myself in every situation.

After Your Successful Debut, Are You Open to Future Performances?

I would love to reprise my role as Roxie in “Chicago” and also explore other shows in the future. The experience was incredibly fulfilling, and I feel ready to embrace more opportunities.

Returning to “Vanderpump Rules”: Were You Always Planning to Come Back After the Scandal?

I was definitely inclined to return, as I was not in a position to decline work. I felt a strong desire to say yes to “Vanderpump Rules”. However, as the situation evolved, I hoped to reach a point where I would not feel compelled to participate, especially given how emotionally challenging it was. My love for the show remains, but being in a situation where I feel like I don’t have a choice is never ideal.

Navigating Opportunities Amidst Personal Turmoil: How Did You Manage?

It was an incredibly difficult time. I often feel frustrated when discussing my work, and the narrative often revolves around someone else’s actions, overshadowing my experiences. The phrase “post-breakup glow up” feels dismissive, suggesting I was somehow unattractive before this period. The reality of that time was brutally challenging, and it’s strange how social media loves to capture memories that don’t reflect the truth of my emotional state.

Reflecting on the Past: How Do You Feel About Your Journey?

There are so many memories captured during that time, and it can be overwhelming to see images of myself during what was a challenging phase. The narrative often suggests I was thriving, while in reality, I was navigating a complex emotional landscape. The truth was much darker than what was portrayed, and I wasn’t prepared to share that depth of vulnerability during Season 11.

While filming, I was trying to manage my life, packing up my belongings, and dealing with the aftermath of my previous living situation. Unfortunately, much of what I was working through did not make it into the final cut, which often led to misinterpretations of my circumstances.

Struggling with Your Living Situation: How Did You Cope?

It was extremely frustrating to feel like a squatter in my own home during such an upheaval. The struggle to uproot my life from a place I thought I would call home for many years was incredibly tough. As I attempted to organize my belongings, I felt unfairly labeled as a loser for being in such a challenging situation.

Opening Up About Mental Health: Where Were You When Filming Started?

I was slowly finding my footing, perhaps feeling a bit better, but it was still a difficult process. I wanted to be open with viewers about my struggles, and I believe that came through during filming. The audience witnessed me trying to organize my life while grappling with substantial uncertainty regarding my future. Questions about my living situation and the urgency of getting pre-approved for a new mortgage were constant sources of stress.

Navigating Financial Challenges: How Did You Manage?

The biggest challenge for me was navigating the mortgage process while already having a mortgage. I managed to work through it, but it required a significant financial commitment. I aimed to be candid about my situation, showing the raw and unfiltered aspects of my life. However, when the show aired months later, viewers were left questioning my circumstances without understanding the timeline of my challenges.

Do people understand how time works? Are they aware of the emotional toll involved?

Frustration with Perception: What Were Your Thoughts?

I feel it’s essential to share my journey authentically. If someone can relate to my experiences, then I believe it holds value. Interestingly, my mental health began to improve during my time on “Dancing With the Stars,” as I was able to express myself physically and creatively.

Addressing Gender Dynamics: What Were Your Insights During Filming?

During the filming, I didn’t focus too much on the show’s portrayal; I was just trying to show my true self. I believe women are often conditioned to suppress their emotions, particularly their anger. Even other women can sometimes judge you for expressing anger, which is frustrating.

Yet, I find female rage to be a beautiful and powerful force. Witnessing other women express their anger often moves me to tears, as it signifies strength. Over the past years, I have realized that my rage and anger can be powerful motivators, and instead of fearing those feelings, I’ve learned to embrace them and channel that energy into something productive.

Captivating Finale: How Did You React to the Season’s Conclusion?

The finale, which ultimately became the series finale for that cast of “Vanderpump Rules,” was incredibly intense and broke the fourth wall in remarkable ways. I was aware that tensions were high and felt validated in my beliefs regarding the authenticity of the situation.

What Was Your Take on the Events Following the Party?

I was fully aware of the chaos that ensued, and I thought, “See, I was right all along.”

How Did You Feel About Your Ex’s Actions?

Exactly! I couldn’t help but think, “I just proved my point!” I was relieved to see people revealing their true selves, especially knowing my ex was part of that. It reaffirmed everything I had been saying about the inauthentic nature of the situation.

Reflecting on the Reunion: How Did It Feel to Watch the Finale?

The final moments of the reunion were incredibly gratifying, especially when my ex made that infamous statement. It felt like everything I had been saying was finally being validated, and I found it to be a fitting end to that chapter.

Watching the clips from past seasons was emotional, reminding me of how far we’ve come and the many experiences we’ve shared over the years. It certainly stirred up a lot of feelings as I reflected on the journey.

Did You Know About the Reboot Plans for “Vanderpump Rules”?

Yes, I was informed about the plans for a reboot with a new cast.

What Was Your Reaction to the News?

I thought, “Awesome! Best of luck with that.”

Do You Still Follow “The Valley”?

Not really. I’ve stepped away from watching anything on Bravo.

What Reality Shows Captivate Your Interest?

I’m a big fan of “Love After Lockup.”

What Do You Think of Its Appeal?

I find it incredibly engaging!

Who Are Your Closest Friends on “The Valley”?

I’m probably closest to Janet, Kristen, and Jasmine, but also very close to Janet and Jason as a couple; we even traveled to Scotland together.

Will We Ever See You on “The Valley”?

No, I don’t think so.

What Are Your Thoughts on the Jax Taylor Situation?

From what I know, it’s unfortunate. I’m proud of Brittany for finding her voice and moving on from that situation.

Reflecting on James Kennedy’s Arrest: What Were Your Thoughts?

It was terrible news. I’m happy for Ally that she’s moved on and is thriving with her podcast and new home. I’m just glad she’s doing well.

What’s the Status of Your Old Home?

There’s a lot more involved than just selling the house. But it’s in the process of being sorted out.

Is Your Property Currently on the Market?

No, it’s not actively listed for sale. The situation involves more than just putting the house on the market; there are contents and other matters to address. It’s fine, though. The longer I hold onto it, the more equity I gain. I prioritize resolving the situation correctly rather than rushing to sell.

Envisioning Your Future: Where Do You See Yourself Living in the Coming Years?

I envision myself staying in this area for at least the next five to ten years. Currently, I’m not in a position where relocating to New York makes sense, as I have plenty of commitments here. I enjoy having a physical presence at my shop, allowing me to be hands-on when things arise. I have a deep appreciation for New York and dream of returning someday, but for now, I’m embracing the space I have here. Despite its reputation, I find Los Angeles to be a beautiful place to live.

Business Updates: How Is Your Sandwich Shop Performing?

It’s going well! People aren’t exaggerating when they say that opening a restaurant is challenging. It comes with its own set of difficulties. Fortunately, my business partner Katie and I genuinely love our team and enjoy working together, sharing the same vision for our sandwich shop.

One of the challenges we face is that a significant portion of our clientele consists of tourists, which we appreciate. However, we’re also working on tapping into the local Los Angeles market and food scene to build a more consistent customer base.

What’s the Name of the Greek Salad Sandwich?

We’ve affectionately dubbed her “She’s a Salad.”

Why Is She a Salad?

She’s a bit messy, which is why we decided to rename her. But we can definitely wrap it up for you!

Could I Order That to Go, Please?

This interview has been edited and condensed.