The Challenge star CT Tamburello is revealing new details about his surprising romance with The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Phaedra Parks.
“I’ll say — I don’t want to jinx it — but I’ll say we’re in a good place,” CT, 46, exclusively told Us on Saturday, September 19, while walking the UFC 331 on Paramount+ red carpet outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Phaedra, 52, shocked the Bravoverse and MTV world alike when she confirmed her once-platonic relationship with CT had turned romantic. The pair later made their red carpet couple debut while attending 2026 Creative Arts Emmys on September 5.
“It’s definitely the real deal, and they’re really smitten with each other,” a source exclusively shared with Us shortly after their romance went public. “They became really close on The Traitors, but CT never thought he actually had a chance with Phaedra.”
The couple met in 2023, while filming season 2 of Peacock’s hit reality show. Although the pair grabbed the attention of viewers with their palpable chemistry, which included Phaedra’s loving “castle daddy” nickname for CT, their platonic relationship didn’t evolve until recently.
“He always had a bit of a crush on her and was interested, but he really valued their friendship and never wanted to cross that line,” the source said. “After his marriage ended, he and Phaedra started talking a lot more, and their relationship naturally grew from there.” (CT and his estranged wife, Catalina White, got married in 2024. She filed for divorce in January but later requested to dismiss the motion. Months later, in June, CT filed his own petition, claiming the pair’s marriage “is irretrievably broken.”)
The source continued, “Most of their relationship has been long-distance so far, but they have made it work and travel to see each other.”
When speaking to Us on Saturday, CT opened up about the pair’s long-distance romance and why — for now — he thinks it’s the perfect setup.
“I know I’m crazy in my own right. It’s probably for the best if I’m not around her every day, to be honest,” CT dished. “But she’s amazing. She really is. The way I would describe it is like Paula Abdul, ‘Opposites Attract.’ You remember that old video? That’s us, you know?”
While the reality TV star is obviously giddy about his new romance, he told Us he has learned that some things are best kept secret.
“I mean, contrary to popular belief, I do learn,” he joked. “Maybe a slower learner, but I do learn, and some things are better left unsaid and I think oversharing can be a bad thing.”
One thing CT is willing to share, however, is the thing he appreciates the most about his new girlfriend.
“With her, she just brings peace,” he said. “It’s easy to just stay calm around her.”
