Romance could bloom on Survivor

BY ANNA CHALMERS AND CHRIS SCHULZ

EXCLUSIVE: Ousted Survivor competitor Kelly Sharbaugh says there is "definitely room" for romance on the reality TV show.

The dreadlocked hairstylist from Los Angeles was eliminated from Survivor: Samoa despite Russell Hantz receiving more votes at tribal council. But Hantz used a hidden immunity idol - his second - sending Sharbaugh, with the second-highest number of votes, home.

Sharbaugh, 25, told Stuff.co.nz her elimination was "a shock" but she had no hard feelings about going home.

"It was all such a blur," she said. "It all happened so fast I had to watch it on TV just to see what happened. I don't really have bad feelings for anyone.

"A lot of times you'll go into tribal council and your name has been thrown around. But I wasn't mentioned once so it was totally a shock for me.

"It is a game and unfortunately I didn't outwit, outlast and outplay."

Asked if there were any behind-the-scenes "showmances" going on in Samoa, Sharbaugh admitted she had seen co-star Erik Cardona - just casually - several times since returning.

Romance between contestants was a definite possibility, she said.

"Everyone's very attractive out there. You're snuggling and holding each other at night for warmth and to stay dry. There's definitely room for it, you could see it (but) you really don't have time to take your mind off the game."

Sharbough admitted the experience had taken its toll, and she had eaten Mexican food for eight days straight since leaving Survivor.

"I thought I could go that long without eating and sleeping, and dealing with all these people, but you put it all into one it's a little overwhelming at times."

Her advice for those left in the game was to think ahead.

"It's about endurance but it's definitely mind over matter," she said.

"There will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Keep your mind focused and your eye on the prize and you'll get through it."

She admired Hantz' gameplay but picked Brett Clouser to win, because he was physical and "playing smart".

Survivor: Samoa screens on TV3 at 8.30pm every Thursday. Stuff.co.nz will interview every contestant as they are eliminated.

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