Alexis Lete Clarifies Relationship Timeline with Johnny Bananas on 'The Challenge'

Alexis Lete, a contestant on "The Challenge: Cutthroat," has shared new details about her on-screen relationship with fellow competitor Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio, stating that their showmance developed more slowly than what was presented in the show's edit.

"The showmance happening in the second episode… I was like, ‘I don’t think that happened until episode four or five,'" Lete told Page Six. "So this is interesting to see it so early on, especially after I said this is bulls–t. Everyone’s like, ‘Wait, how did this happen?’ It didn’t happen like that, y’all. It was a slow burn."

Lete acknowledged that producers may have accelerated the timeline to increase viewer engagement early in the season. The "Deal or No Deal Island" alum explained that her connection with Devenanzio began in an unconventional way when she borrowed his clothing to dress up as "Oliver Clothesoff" for a castmate's birthday celebration. "I used his clothes, a few days later, I left a note and I was like, ‘Thank you for letting me use your douchey clothes.’ And then he wrote a little love letter back and he was like, ‘Wait, does this mean you like me?’ And I just put ‘maybe,'" Lete recalled.

She further described the progression, stating, "And that’s how I ended up in the bathtub because he was like, ‘Oh my gosh, put a bikini on come meet me here.' But that’s ultimately where it was starting to get a little spicier, I would say."

Despite the show's portrayal, Lete characterized her bond with Devenanzio as akin to a "middle school crush relationship." She confirmed that they did attempt to date after filming concluded, even though Devenanzio had indicated during the season that he was not in a position to start a relationship. "So, I knew going out of the house that it wasn’t gonna lead to anything. And I think he tried to explore if it would, but ultimately, if someone tells you who they are, believe them the first time. So we’re just friends now."

Lete also expressed that Devenanzio was not her initial romantic interest on the show. "I was not interested in Johnny at all. Even on his podcast, he’s like, ‘You went for CT before me. You thought Josh was cute before you wanted me. So I was like option five,'" she shared. She admitted to having heard negative information about Devenanzio before the season and was initially wary of his reputation as a "pot stirrer," fearing involvement in potential drama. However, Lete noted that their interactions remained drama-free, serving as a "nice escape from the game."

The season finale of "The Challenge: Cutthroat" is scheduled to air next Wednesday on Paramount+.