Top 10 reality TV men that took 2023 by storm: From The Golden Bachelor's Gerry Turner to 'DWTS' star Harry Jowsey
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: This year was a blast for reality TV fans as they got a fair share of their coveted content in different shows like 'The Golden Bachelor', 'Dancing With The Stars', 'The Bachelor', and 'Love Island Games', to name a few.
Needless to say, some of the men managed to stand out for various reasons. While some caught the spotlight due to upheavals in their personal lives, others had the eyeballs of the viewers on them due to their professional lives or marvelous performances.
So, let's have a look at 10 such men who managed to take 2023 by storm.
1. Gerry Turner
One of the most eventful reality TV shows that debuted in 2023 was ABC's new Bachelor spinoff show, 'The Golden Bachelor', starring Gerry Turner, who had the dream of finding the lady of his dreams after the death of his wife.
The 71-year-old took extra interest in Theresa Nist and proposed to her during the season finale, which aired in November.
Now, the two lovebirds are all set to tie the knot in a televised wedding on January 4, 2024, and it will air on ABC at 8 pm ET.
2. Harry Jowsey
In 2023, Harry Jowsey continued to be in the spotlight as he competed in 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 32. He and his dancing pro partner, Rylee Arnold, made it to the quarter-finals, and the two even managed to spark romance rumors.
It seemed that the two shared a sizzling chemistry both on and off the screen. However, they haven't confirmed their relationship as of now.
Prior to 'Dancing With The Stars', Jowsey was seen on Netflix's hit show 'Too Hot To Handle.'
3. Tom Sandoval
This has been quite a year for the 'Vanderpump Rules' star Tom Sandoval.
In March, Sandoval and Ariana Madix ended their 10-year-long romance after he reportedly cheated on her with fellow cast member Rachel Leviss. Soon after, Sandoval and Leviss pulled the plug on their relationship.
Even though Sandoval and Madix still own a home together, the latter has moved on in her life and is currently dating Daniel Wai.
4. Mauricio Umansky
Mauricio Umansky, who is also a real estate broker, is best noted by the fans for starring on Bravo's show 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills'.
In 2023, all the spotlight was on Mauricio as he took part in Season 32 of the dance reality show 'Dancing With The Stars'.
Having said that, the year was rather difficult for Umansky as he and Kyle Richards separated in July after 27 years of marriage.
5. Chris 'CT' Tamburello
Chris 'CT' Tamburello is an actor and producer who is most noted for his works on reality shows such as 'Hunting Games' (2023), 'The Most Dangerous Game' (2022), and 'Habitual' (2019).
The thing that pushed him into the spotlight in 2023 was the finalization of his divorce from his wife, Lilianet Solares, in November. However, the former couple agreed to share the custody of their seven-year-old son, Christopher Jr, and share the child-rearing expenses.
While going through a messy divorce battle, Tamburello lost a significant amount of weight and shed about 65 pounds (29 kg), which didn't skip the eyes of the viewers.
6. Johnny Bananas
Johnny Bananas aka Johnny Devenanzio, first appeared on the popular reality TV show 'The Real World: Key West' in 2006.
During the show, he didn't make a great impression on the viewers but he gained the most attention after starring in 'The Real World's' sister competition show 'The Challenge'.
Right now, the fans are rooting for the reality TV star as he participates in the second season of Peacock's 'The Traitors' Season 2 as he continues to entertain his fans.
7. Nick Viall
Nick Viall has been a fan-favorite since the time he appeared in two consecutive seasons of 'The Bachelorette'. Soon after, he appeared on ABC's 'The Bachelor' Season 21.
He may have not found love on the show, but he has met the love of his life in real life. In January 2023, the reality TV star announced his engagement to his partner, Natalie Joy, whom he met on social media.
As per reports, Viall and Joy are expecting their first child together, a baby girl.
8. Curtis Pritchard
Curtis Pritchard, a dancer and choreographer, was first seen in Season 5 of 'Love Island UK'.
At that point, the dancing pro and his then-partner Maura Higgins ended their run in the contest in fourth place. Later on, down the lane, the pair called it quits after he was accused of cheating on her.
Pritchard, who is 27 years old, has also starred in the Irish version of 'Dancing With The Stars'. In 2023, he surprised the viewers by appearing on the 'Love Island Games', where he was coupled up with Lisa Celander.
9. Peter Weber
Peter Weber is a pilot by profession who was first seen on Season 15 of ABC's reality show 'The Bachelorette'. Later on, the 32-year-old Fairfax native was cast as the lead star for 'The Bachelor' Season 24.
At the end of the show, he ended up with Kelley Flanagan. However, their love couldn't stand the test of time, and they confirmed their break up in April 2023.
Now, the fans are keeping an eye on him in Peacock's 'The Traitors' Season 2, which will air in January 2024.
10. Eyal Booker
Eyal Booker is a British media personality who was previously seen in the fourth season of 'Love Island UK'. During his time on the show, he was linked to Hayley Hughes and Megan Barton-Hanson.
In the past, the 28-year-old reality star has appeared on a couple of shows such as 'Ranch and Celebs', 'Go Dating', as well as 'The X Factor: Celebrity'.
In 2023, Booker joined the star cast of Peacock's dating show 'Love Island Games'. Interestingly, his former flame Barton-Hanson was also a part of the show, leading to a bit of drama.