- - Whitney Duncan and Keith Tollefson Reflect on “Survivor” Romance and Reveal the One Moment They Wish Cameras Had Captured (Exclusive)

Stephanie SengweFebruary 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM

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Whitney Duncan and Keith Tollefson

Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty; Whitney Duncan/Instagram

Love birds Whitney Duncan and Keith Tollefson shared a special moment days into the time on Survivor: South Pacific and the rest is history

The couple competed on season 23 of the show, as well as The Amazing Race 25

For PEOPLE's 2026 Love Week, the couple reflects on their early days, pros and cons of falling in love on national TV and one moment they wish was captured

Reality TV relationships are notorious for not lasting, with a lot of showmances often ending in contentious breakups that play out on social media for all to see.

However, some reality TV stars have successfully found their soulmates on dating shows, competition shows, and even unscripted series, and created relationships that have gone the distance. For PEOPLE's 2026 Love Week, we chatted with the couples who have managed to make it work, defying the pitfalls that sometimes come with launching your love story on national television.

Below, Whitney Duncan and Keith Tollefson talk about first impressions, pros and cons of meeting on reality TV and how they keep that Survivor spark alive.

Whitney Duncan and Keith Tollefson

Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty

A small gesture on day 3 of Survivor: South Pacific has led to 12 years of marriage.

Back in 2024, Whitney Duncan, who competed on season 23 of the competition show, told PEOPLE of the exact moment she knew fellow contestant Keith Tollefson was something special. "He held my hand on night three of the game and the rest is history. I knew deep down he was my soulmate," she said.

They got married on July 27, 2014, shortly after doing a bout on The Amazing Race as a duo. Though they didn't walk away with the big prize, they walked away with an even closer bond, and have since welcomed two kids: son Duncan, 3, and daughter Vada Von, 1.

Whitney Duncan and Keith Tollefson

John Paul Filo/CBS via Getty

Do you remember your first reaction to seeing each other?

Whitney: I obviously thought he was good-looking and had a feeling he’d be my alliance.

Keith: I just remember thinking she was probably from California, but when I heard her thick southern accent, I was shocked!

What is the best and worst part about meeting on reality TV?

Whitney: Becoming a couple on Survivor can put a target on our backs, so trying to keep it secret was the hardest part. The best part is that it was completely unexpected, and we have the coolest story ever.

Keith: Worst part is people assuming it’s just a “showmance” and not real.

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Whitney Duncan and Keith Tollefson's family

Whitney Duncan/Facebook

Why do you think your relationship has beaten the reality TV odds?

Whitney: I think we’ve made it 15 years because we really are on the same page with our beliefs and family values. Keith is my soulmate, and I just knew right away.

Keith: I think we learned a lot about each other in the game and knew we had what it takes to make it in real life.

One sentence of advice for someone trying to find love on reality TV?

Whitney: I personally never would’ve looked for love on reality tv. But I guess I would say to ask the hard questions and make sure you are really compatible, besides just being attracted to each other.

Keith: Good luck. Ha!

Whitney Duncan and Keith Tollefson family

Whitney Duncan/Instagram

What's an onscreen moment from your TV history you still love to watch?

Whitney: I wished they would’ve gotten our first kiss on camera. Sunset in Samoa — it was magical.

How do you talk about 'how we met' to your kids?

Keith: They are so young we haven’t yet, but I'm excited to watch our season together in a few years.

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”