Paige DeSorbo is admitting she had some concerns about her decision to leave Summer House, but her BFF, Hannah Berner, showed her there is life after reality television.
Paige, 32, announced her exit from the hit Bravo reality show in June after seven seasons and one highly public breakup with Southern Charm star Craig Conover.
In an interview with Byrdie published on Tuesday, September 16, the influencer said she knew that she had to leave the show, but it was still a tough decision.
“I just had this overwhelming sense that I couldn’t go back. I know I would’ve been doing a disservice to [the show]. They expect a certain level of showing up, and I couldn’t give them that,” Paige explained.
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“I definitely had to get over the [feeling] that my career would be over,” she added of leaving the show.
Thankfully for Paige, her former costar and “Giggly Squad” podcast cohost Hannah, 34, is proof that life goes on. Since exiting Summer House in 2021, Hannah has developed a burgeoning stand-up comedy career, including her own Netflix special, We Ride at Dawn, which dropped last year.
Paige said, “There’s an element of thinking you need that show and network, and Hannah was reminding me they’re not in charge of where you are in your career.”
Looking back on her time on Summer House, Paige said that, “Being on reality TV, there’s a level — this is a harsh word — of, like, brainwashing,” revealing she felt pressure to say whatever was on her mind in front of cameras.
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“That’s not real life. You’re not stopping people on the street and being like, ‘I just had a thought that I hate my boyfriend,’” Paige explained.
Paige confirmed her exit from Summer House in an Instagram Story in June. “I have a little life update for you: I’ve made the decision not to return to Summer House,” she said. “Being a part of this show has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life — the friendships, the drama, the giggles, all unforgettable.”
“You’ve seen me grow up over these last seven summers. I’ll always be beyond grateful for the memories, the community, and the opportunities this wild ride has brought me,” she added. “But like all good things (and some bad decisions), it’s time for this chapter to close.”
During an August appearance on the “Bravo by Gays” podcast, Paige said she is happy to be “out of [the] reality TV” space for now.
“I wouldn’t say I would be going back or a similar show where there’s an ensemble cast [that] dives into your life anytime soon,” she said. “If something popped up in the next two years, [I would say] maybe, but as of right now, I just don’t see it for myself.”
