INTERVIEW - Ryan Malaty (Are You The One)

We just can't get enough of Are You The One and the fantastic cast of the first series. We spoke to the incredibly handsome and rather lovely Ryan Malaty who was one of the stars of the show about everything and more!

Hi Ryan, what made you want to take part in the show?

Hi! Well, I love to travel to new places, meet new people and experience new things. So when I was asked to stay in a mansion on a tropical paradise with 10 beautiful women for the chance to win money…how could I say no?

Were you skeptical about the idea they could find your 'perfect match'?

After going through such an extensive casting process, I was actually optimistic. I knew the girls were going to be attractive, smart and outgoing. Or else they wouldn't have made it on the show. As far as a "perfect match", well, at that point I wasn't sure what was perfect for me anymore, so I didn't know what to expect. But I was ready and willing to fall in love, and sometimes, that's all it takes.

You and Kayla were quite close, what attracted you to her?

Aside from physical attraction, we had amazing chemistry. It started with our shared passion for writing and grew over time. We laughed and flirted and had unforgettable moments that bonded me closer to her than to other girls in the house.

What made you think she was your perfect match?

I wasn't sure if what I wanted was all that different from what I needed. At first I thought she had it all, and then I started to realize that I was falling into old habits. I didn't need a truth booth to tell me we weren't a match.

How did you feel when she began spending more time with Wes?

Wes is a good guy and he respected what Kayla and I had going on - for the most part. The whole point of the game was to get to know everyone, so I gave her space. But when she acted touchy-feely with the other guys, I gave her even more space. Ain't nobody got time for that!

What was it like in the house during and after your argument with Kayla? 

It was heaping portion of awkward with a side of painful tension.

Jess was actually your perfect match (we thought that was obvious) did it ever cross your mind she was and not Kayla?

Of course it crossed my mind that Kayla wasn't my match, many times. And it might have been obvious to the viewers at home that Jess was my match, but it was a lot harder to figure out than what was seen on tv. A lot of the girls were sweethearts. It was a matter of strategy of the mind AND heart that brought us together.

What's happening with you & Jess now, friends? Potentially more?

Jess and I are great friends! We talk and snapchat all the time. Her weirdness fuels my inner-dork. She has a boyfriend-ish thing going on, and I'm happy for her. And honestly, I spent so much emotional energy on the girls in Hawaii, that I'm going to enjoy being single for awhile.

We heard you loved the game aspect of the show, did you have a strategy? 

I love math problems, puzzles, riddles, you name it. After being explained the rules of the game, I knew exactly how to win it. But the game wasn't just about winning money, for most, it was about relationships. And you can't treat relationships like a game or everyone will end up losing.

What was it like filming the reunion show? Did you expect Adam to reveal you'd had a few 'visitors'?

The reunion show was painful. I was expecting everyone to be nicer to each other, but hey, drama drama drama is what this group is good at. Adam definitely broke guy code that day! But I never hooked up with anyone before Kayla came out to visit. Even if I did though, I'm single, so it shouldn't really matter.

Watching it back did anything you saw shock you? Did anything happen you weren't aware of?

Watching the show was always a surprise. I never knew what the dates looked like that I didn't go on. Likewise, there's plenty of conversations that happened in the house I wasn't there for. JJ kissing Jacy in the Truth Booth was a shocker…etc. I was always on the edge of my seat when Are You The One came on.

In hindsight would you do a anything differently? 

I would definitely be more assertive. I tend to be so nice that people take advantage of me, and take me for granted. But honestly, life's too short for regret.

Has the experience changed you at all? 

Almost every experience changes me in one way or another. This show was an incredible experience that gave me better insight into what type of person I need to be with. And there are few experiences on Earth than can do that. I am truly grateful for the friends and memories that were made.

What's the reaction been like from people who've seen the show towards you?

Most people are happy for me, and I'm very fortunate that the show was received so well. Being the first season, there was really no way to know if people would like it. And I'm thrilled that they do!

What's next for you? More TV? Something different? Potential visit to us here in the UK?

Adam and I have been bouncing around the country doing a variety of appearances. Our eyes are set on California but there are other options, too. If I had the opportunity to work more in television, I would most definitely consider it. Television is a blast! I'm also working on a few book ideas. And if the UK will have me, I'd be honoured.