By Kristin Mattern
Ali Fedotowsky is no stranger to ABC’s The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. She was a contestant vying for Jake Pavelka’s affection in season 14 of The Bachelor and later starred on season 6 of The Bachelorette. Well-versed in love, relationships and reality television, Fedotowsky is now putting her dating and media expertise to work on a new blog for E! about the popular dating competition show. Additionally, she has continued her foray into the world of the small screen as the host of 1st Look, the Emmy Award-winning travel show from NBC. In an exclusive interview, this adorable TV personality opens up about the current season of The Bachelorette, moving on after heartbreak and her happy relationship with Kevin Manno, host of Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition.
The bubbly blonde has a unique point of view to share with readers of her E! blog. “I kind of feel like my time as the bachelorette was a lifetime ago, so I don’t have any emotional connection to the show,” she explains, “but I do enjoy watching with my girlfriends. And I definitely have a different perspective on what it’s like for Desiree. I know firsthand that it’s not easy!” Fedotowsky remembers her time on the reality series as one the most stressful and emotional times of her life but says that being a contestant on The Bachelor was “just fun!” She enjoyed her time hanging out with the girls and talking about boys. The big life lesson she learned from her experience on the shows is to be honest with yourself: “I don’t think it changed the way I date. It just made me trust my instincts more.”
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Given their similar circumstances, Fedotowsky has become friends with the current bachelorette, Desiree Hartsock. The two hit it off while filming a special that will air during tonight’s Men Tell All episode. “Desiree is as sweet and down to earth in person as she is on the show. I really have nothing but wonderful things to say about her,” the television personality remarks. Wondering if they shared secrets about the end of this season? “When we hung out, I told her to please not tell me anything. I didn’t want her to think I would try to pressure her for those details. I’m there as a friend, not to interrogate her!” However, Fedotowsky did tell us that she is rooting for Chris but that she “will be happy with whoever she [Desiree] picks because she’s happy! She’ll pick the guy she falls for; that’s not for me to judge.”
Fedotowsky is no stranger to love and heartbreak. She was lucky enough to find her happy ending on The Bachelorette with Roberto Martnez, but the couple called it quits after an 18-month engagement. When it comes to moving forward after a broken heart, she suggests staying as busy possible. With this thought in mind, she’s thankful for her role as host of the travel show 1st Look. “It was good timing for me since I was in a transitional period of my life.” Of course, this adventure-filled opportunity doesn’t come along for everyone. “Volunteer,” she advises. “I’ve done that in the past, and it not only keeps you busy but makes you feel good.”
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It’s no secret that the Los Angeles native has jumped back into the dating scene. She confirmed her relationship with Manno in April, and the pair was recently spotted celebrating his 30th birthday in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. When they’re not soaking up the sun south of the border, the twosome enjoys playing “darts or any sort of game, like Bingo or bowling.”
And for those of you just dipping your toes into the water after a split, the starlet shares this sage wisdom: “Get out there and do what makes you happy! I really feel that, when you show everyone that you love and respect yourself, you attract more love and happiness into your life.”
Be sure to tune in for tonight’s Men Tell All episode on ABC at 8/7 pm c. To learn more about Fedotowsky, you can connect with her on facebook.com/MissAliElaine or Twitter @AliFedotowsky. You can also check out her blog for E! and her travel show, 1st Look.
