Everyone knows that getting over an ex is sometimes one of the hardest things to do. But what if instead of getting over them, you had to work with them in order to receive $350,000? Would you do it? This is the concept of MTV’s The Challenge: Battle Of The Exes II.
In the 26th season of this reality game show, alumni from MTV’s The Real World and, for the first time, MTV’s Are You The One? are teamed up with an ex-lover to compete in endurance and mental challenges until there is only one team left standing. While some couples seem to be able to put aside their differences and just think about the grand prize, other duos are having a hard time even communicating with one another.
Though the show is broken off into couples, there are also two sets of groups: Rookies and Veterans. The Rookies are some of the contestants that were on recent episodes of The Real World and Are You The One? While committed fans need time to decide if they like the Rookies or not, on the Veteran side are cast members that fans have fallen in love (or hate) with over the past couple of seasons.
One of the most famous couples on the series is Chris “CT” Tamburello and Diem Brown. With their on-again/off-again relationship that has carried through multiple seasons, fans have grown to love them when they are together as well as when they are apart. Brown had been categorized as a true fighter both on the screen during challenges, but also off the screen when she was battling cancer. In October of 2014, Brown was hospitalized for her third and most brutal battle with cancer. Devastatingly, in November of 2014 at the age of 34, Brown passed away.
Fans took to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to express their condolences, but one thing seemed to be on everyone’s mind: were Brown and Tamburello an ‘on again’ couple when this happened? A few days after the heartbreaking news, Tamburello posted on Instagram to voice what he was feeling. Under a picture of Brown, with Rosary beads and a ring around it, he wrote, “You have always been My Angel. And now you have your wings. We’ve been thru so much over the years. Thru the ups and downs we somehow managed to keep your promise. We never gave up on each other. Our plan to be together forever hasn’t changed… it’s just going to take a little longer now. And I’m going to hold onto this ring for you till we are together again. So don’t worry mama, I’m not afraid. I know you will always be with me to give me your strength. You are The Love of My Life. My reason to be a better man. I Love You Always and Forever.”
It was later revealed that the couple would be featured on this season of The Challenge: Battle of The Exes II. When the series premiered in early January, fans were eager to see just how far the couple would make it. Throughout the first two episodes, it was clear just how in love Tamburello was with Brown. He was always trying to kiss her, dance with her, and encourage her to be the best possible person she could be. In episode two, Brown began to have severe stomach problems. By episode three, she was admitted to the hospital. As soon as Tamburello heard that she was in the hospital, he rushed to pack his bags and get a ride over. For once the competitive guy who always had his mind set on the grand prize was thinking about something other than the game. It was later revealed that both Brown and Tamburello would have to forfeit due to the hospitalization.
In her final episode, MTV shared a special interview that revealed exactly what Brown wanted out of life. She stated that she was ready for the American Dream, with a family and a white picket fence, and that she wanted to enjoy her life. With the prize money, she was hoping to adopt a child since she was unable to have her own.
During this episode, I do not think there was one person who was watching who was not crying. Knowing that such a brave woman just wanted to live a normal life, but was unable to, was unbelievably heartbreaking to watch. A few years back Brown created a website called “MedGift,” which offers financial, physical, and emotional support to patients going through any sort of health related issue. Her legacy will now live on through the website.
While cast members and fans were still mourning the death of Brown, another tragic story of a Battle of The Exes II cast member surfaced: Ryan Knight was found dead on Thanksgiving morning. It has been speculated that Knight choked on his own vomit, but there has not been any confirmation yet. Knight also appeared on this season of Battle of The Exes II and was partnered with his long time enemy Jemmye Carroll.
At the end of each episode this season, the show is dedicated to both Brown and Knight. MTV’s The Challenge: Battle of The Exes II airs every Tuesday at 11 pm on MTV.
IMAGE TAKEN from mtv.com
