Walking into Summer House is no easy task. Literally, you’re stepping into a house wired with cameras, sharing tight quarters with seasoned reality veterans, and expected to have fun, look good, and somehow generate compelling storylines along the way. Figuratively, you’re joining one of the biggest franchises in reality television (now in its tenth season) and navigating the kind of hyper-attentive, deeply invested fanbase that comes with it. All while trying not to visibly sweat on camera.
Fortunately, Ben Waddell is no stranger to the format. Prior to Summer House, he starred as The Bachelor Australia, an experience he’s candid about being far less enjoyable than this one. But if there’s any learning curve to jumping between reality worlds, Waddell doesn’t show it. He’s as calm, self-aware, and easygoing in conversation as he appears on screen.
“I definitely swore off reality TV for good after The Bachelor in Australia. That was an experience, but perhaps not for me. I was intrigued though, because I like to say yes to things when they come my way. I don’t ever want to die wondering.”Ben Waddell
Only halfway through his first season, he’s already weathered house drama, navigated shifting friendships, and introduced a romantic partner into the mix, no small feat in a house built on chaos. Even more impressively, the relationship has lasted beyond filming. In the world of reality TV, that might be the biggest plot twist of all.
You’re not really new to reality TV. You were formerly The Bachelor in Australia. Summer House is obviously a very different kind of reality TV chaos. What made you say, “I’m going to go back and do this again?”
Yeah, it’s funny actually. I definitely swore off reality TV for good after The Bachelor in Australia. That was an experience, but perhaps not for me. I was intrigued though, because I like to say yes to things when they come my way. I don’t ever want to die wondering.
It kind of came about through my friendship with Kyle and Amanda. They asked me to do it and I was like “okay, what’s the catch?” And it didn’t seem like there was one at the time. It was just coming to hang out on weekends. I had met them, we were having a good time together, partying at a wedding, then hanging out with friends after. So it felt like an easy-going, fun time.
At the wedding, did Kyle already have wheels turning, like “we’ve got to get you out to Summer House”?
No, I don’t think so. I didn’t even know they were on a TV show at the time. It came up a couple of hangouts later in New York. Our friend Matt must have told him I was on The Bachelor. Kyle ran up to me and was like, “Oh, you were on The Bachelor?” I was like, “Oh yeah.” I don’t really go around telling people that.
We had a quick chat about it, and then later they reached out and asked what I thought about joining. That’s kind of how it happened.
Did Kyle or Amanda, as seasoned pros, give you any advice going in?
No, no advice. It just sounded like, you go there on weekends, throw a couple of dress-up parties, which sounded incredible. I was like, ‘Alright, this sounds pretty easy.’ And the catch is you let us into your life. I was like, ‘Yeah, okay. I’m ready to have a good time.’
And I did. I had the best time ever. The whole summer, I had a blast.
Were you anxious going into that first weekend of filming?
Yeah, definitely. I actually got in the car early because I was worried about traffic. But I love those situations that get your heart pumping. I’m getting older, so I feel like I might not have as many of those moments. I was like, enjoy this.
You’re about to walk into a house full of cameras and you have no idea what to expect. Looking back, it was such a wild experience. I love those moments where anything can happen.
“Having done The Bachelor, I’ve seen how forced it can feel. That didn’t sit well with me. This felt more natural. I wanted to see how things would work with her in that environment. She came in and fit right in with everyone. You’ll see that.”Ben Waddell
Did you watch any past seasons, or go in blind?
I watched a bit of the reunion, just to get a sense of the people. I watched the first episode, the second one got a bit boring, so I stopped.
It actually made me more nervous, because it seemed intense. But I didn’t really watch much. When I did The Bachelor, I didn’t watch it beforehand, which was a big mistake. I had no idea what I was getting into and I hated it. It was very intense, very forced. This format felt like something I could handle.
Who surprised you most this summer, in a good way?
Jesse, for sure. I bonded with West straight away, but Jesse was a bit more standoffish at first. It took some time. But what I love about him is that he does these little things for people that don’t get attention. He really cares. He checked in on me a few times, texting and stuff. He’s a really kind-hearted guy.
That’s nice. You and West did really seem to hit it off right away. You both seemed like fast friends. I was saying earlier that (fellow new cast member) Mia fit really seamlessly into the house, but I think the same applies to you. Maybe because you knew Kyle and Amanda? Whatever the reason, it does feel like everyone’s having a good summer, even only halfway through.
Yeah, 100%. West and I bonded immediately. We just had the same sense of humor. We’d throw things out and pick up on each other’s jokes. That made me feel really comfortable.
And I love going into a house and meeting new people. I feel like I thrive in that environment. I came in with good energy, hugging everyone, just enjoying it.
I love that — we’re seeing not just romance but bromance. And now you have a love interest entering the picture. And you’re still together — which is rare! What was it like bringing a real relationship into that environment with cameras and audience commentary?
It was nerve-wracking. I was surprised she said yes, honestly. We had just met before the summer, and the more I opened up in the house, the more I kept thinking about her.
When I invited her, I was nervous, but she handled it incredibly. I kind of fell for her again immediately. She did better than me. I just sat back like, wow, this is amazing. We’re still very much in love. It’s going really well.
Amazing. And it feels like smooth sailing is rare for reality TV relationships.
Yeah, totally. Having done The Bachelor, I’ve seen how forced it can feel. That didn’t sit well with me. This felt more natural. I wanted to see how things would work with her in that environment. She came in and fit right in with everyone. You’ll see that. I had nothing to worry about.
You’re no longer single. If you were invited back, would you do another summer?
I’d be down, but there’d be a plus one.
New Season 10 Episodes of Summer House are available to stream on Hayu every Tuesday at 9pm ET.
FEATURE PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC.
