Phaedra Parks confirmed Friday she is dating Chris “CT” Tamburello, her co-star from Peacock’s “The Traitors.”
The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, 54, made the revelation during an appearance on SiriusXM’s “Jeff Lewis Live,” where she clarified their bond is not “platonic.” She disclosed that Tamburello, 46, had brought her as his date to the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles over the weekend, noting, “He’s a presenter so I’m his date.” The pair planned to travel to New York City together following the ceremony.
When a fan called in seeking confirmation that the “CT” in question was indeed Tamburello, host Jeff Lewis vouched for the couple’s status with an on-air sighting. “I can confirm it because I see him right outside the studio,” he said. Tamburello subsequently posted behind-the-scenes footage of Parks on the radio show to his Instagram Story, offering visible proof of his presence.
The romance follows months of public flirtation that began well before Friday’s confirmation. Last month, Tamburello shared a snapshot of Parks during the “RHOA” Season 17 reunion on Instagram, captioning it, “Anyone want to throw in a good word for me!? Still looking for a +1 to the Emmy’s. A man can dream 😏.” Parks responded directly in the comments, “Baby I’m already yours 😍🔥😘.”
Their connection first developed during filming of “The Traitors” Season 2 in 2024, where both appeared as contestants on the Peacock reality competition. According to a source familiar with the couple, Tamburello’s interest was apparent from the start. “He made it clear to her he really, really liked her and he fell for her when they were on ‘Traitors,'” the source said. The same source noted that Tamburello had recently intensified his outreach to Parks.
The relationship marks a new chapter for both following significant previous partnerships. Parks shares sons Ayden, 16, and Dylan, 13, with ex-husband Apollo Nida, from whom she finalized her divorce in July 2017 after nearly eight years of marriage. She also previously dated Medina Islam for three years until their 2021 split.
Tamburello’s romantic history includes his engagement to “The Challenge” co-star Diem Brown from 2006 until her death from cancer in 2014, a relationship that drew considerable public attention. He later married Lilianet “Lili” Solares, with whom he shares son Christopher “C.J.,” 10, before their 2022 divorce. He was also briefly married to OnlyFans model Catalina Hager from 2024 to 2025.
The source emphasized that despite its relatively recent public emergence, the couple’s dynamic has developed genuine depth. “He makes her really happy,” the source added. “They really do laugh together a lot and their relationship is really sweet.”
Parks and Tamburello’s Creative Arts Emmy appearance together and subsequent New York travel plans suggest they are moving forward openly with their relationship rather than maintaining the discretion that characterized its initial months.
The pair’s trajectory from reality competition co-stars to confirmed couple mirrors a pattern of on-set romances that have become increasingly common in the unscripted television landscape, though their two-year timeline from filming to confirmation indicates a more gradual development than typical “showmance” narratives.
Parks and Tamburello are expected to continue their joint appearances with upcoming travel to New York City together.