Interview by Lori Bizzoco. Written by Courtney Shapiro
Evan Smith joined his longtime girlfriend Kaci Campbell along with three other couples and 24 eligible men and women on the first season of the rebooted reality show, Temptation Island, which began airing in January. Going into filming, Smith and Campbell, who had been together for 10 years total and five years exclusively, seemed to want different things out of their relationship, and they were hopeful that they would get answers to their questions during their time on the island.
In our exclusive celebrity interview, we talk with Evan about why ultimatums can be problematic, his connection with single cast member Morgan Lolar, and what life is like for him after Temptation Island.
Check out our celebrity interview with Temptation Island star, Evan Smith to hear more about life on the island, his relationship with Kaci and how hard he fell for single cast member, Morgan:
1. How does it feel now that you are a famous reality star?
I think I’m just south of famous (laughing). I never thought I’d be a part of it [reality TV]. It is wild seeing yourself every week on Tuesday nights, but life’s still the same for me.
2. How did your family and friends react to you being on the show?
My family and friends were so supportive. I have two younger brothers that actually work for in reality TV for MTV, but they’re behind the camera not in front of it. I got the talks from them telling me how it is. You know it’s reality TV, so it’s how they want to tell your story and see what’s going to be the most fun to watch and the most sensationalized, so I came into it knowing full well that was going to be the case.
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3. Do you feel like you were your authentic self on the show?
It’s funny you say that. I definitely was my authentic self. It was just that I feel like the viewers only got to see one side of me. Obviously, Morgan and I just had lightning between us and it was so much fun. Morgan and I had such amazing conversations and that led to the connection that everyone got to see.
4. It must be hard with the cameras always on you. But, you didn’t seem to care. You were able to just be in the moment with Morgan. Can you tell us more about that?
It was definitely weird. I’m not gonna lie, I was pretty shook when we started, but the producers told us, ‘You’re going to just forget that the cameras are there, and just look at whoever you’re talking to.’ when you speak. I look everyone in the eye when I talk to them, so I just tunnel visioned it. I was there to find answers, I was there to explore connections, so that’s what I wanted to do.
5. You were in a long term relationship while being cast on ‘Temptation Island.’ What were your expectations going into this show? Were you hoping that Kaci would change or slow down about wanting a commitment?
Going into it, we both knew that we were at a crossroads. It was make it or break it time. Kaci was very adamant about me proposing and taking that next step in our relationship. For whatever reason, before we left the island, I had my reservations about it. I respect marriage so much, and I know that I’m going to be the guy that asks one time, and it’s going to be with one person for the rest of my life. I just want to be 100% sure. I was hoping that going to Temptation Island would help open my eyes to what I have with my old connections and new connections. I just wanted to find answers.
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6. We spoke with the show’s host Mark Walberg previously and he said, “It never works when you give an ultimatum.” How do you feel about that statement?
Ultimatums are cruel, especially when dealing with matters of the heart. To be frank, Kaci telling me I needed to propose by a certain date takes the love and passion out of what that amazing day is supposed to be. I remember being a kid and thinking about the day I would propose to somebody. It’s going to be special, and you’re going to be nervous, but so excited, and wanting to do it, not being told you have to do it by a certain date.
7. Do you think having an ultimatum from Kaci led to you building those stronger feelings for Morgan?
I think Kaci and I both went into this knowing we weren’t in the best place. I knew what I was getting myself into, and I originally didn’t want to do the show, but I did. Going into it with those ultimatums and where we were in our relationship, it was tough, but I knew I needed to be there. It was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.
8. On a scale of 1-10, how strong were your feelings for Morgan?
While we were filming, up until the point of the bonfire, I’m there, I’m at a 10. Morgan and I were talking about how I would have to face Kaci. It was a very high stress moment and we were both just a little shook.
9. The viewers got to see your incredible chemistry. Sometimes, when it’s a 10, it’s hard to think logically, so did you feel like that?
That’s the thing about Temptation Island, and what was so incredible about the experience. We were completely unplugged from the real world. It was no cell phones and no television, so when we’re there we’re just with each other. Spending time on the island is real time together. Morgan and I talked about everything, where we grew up, what our siblings are like, funny stories, we were cracking up laughing at each other through the entire show. There was so much more being said, and I was thinking 100% clearly.
10. Is there any particular scene that was edited off or didn’t make it onto the show, but you wish it did?
Here’s the thing about the editing; they have so many stories to tell. There are 13 singles on our side of the island alone, so I know it’s not out of malicious intent that they don’t show certain things. I just wish they showed the stories about Morgan growing up. She and I had so many discussions, and she told me about growing up in Arizona, and then moving to the south in Alabama. We had very serious and profound conversations that I wish made the cut. There were also just some silly things that I guess weren’t entertaining enough.
11. You and Morgan definitely follow each other on social media. Are you guys still talking?
A little banter back and forth on social media is always healthy.
12. Where are you living, and what do your plans for the future look like?
I’m a personal trainer, and L.A. is my home. My clients are here, my best friends are here, so L.A. is definitely the place for me. As for moving forward, I definitely want to explore more reality TV, maybe try MTV or something. I just want to be happy, and I’m just excited for this Temptation Island ride to be over
13. Is there anything else you want to leave us with?
I hope you guys understand that all of us put our hearts on the line, all my cast mates, including the singles, we all put ourselves out there, and I hope everyone comes out on this other end better or at least learned something from this.
Want to keep up with Evan? You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Tune into tonight’s finale of ‘Temptation Island’ premiering at 10/9c on USA Network to see if Evan chooses to stay with long-time girlfriend Kaci, or he leaves the island with Morgan.
