Fans have been getting a sneak peek at the highly anticipated “Baywatch” reboot, as the cast shares behind-the-scenes photos from a Venice Beach set, sporting the iconic red swimsuits. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the cast includes veteran actors and influencers Stephen Amell, Hassie Harrison, Shay Mitchell, Livvy Dunne, reality star Brooks Nader, and more.
During a recent episode of “The Nikki and Brie Show,” former “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Nikki “Bella” Garcia revealed she was supposed to audition for a role on the new reboot. However, she ultimately turned it down because of her insecurities about wearing the famous bathing suit.
Nikki Garcia Reflects on Turning Down ‘Baywatch’ Reboot Audition
GettyNikki Garcia is getting real about why she passed on auditioning for the “Baywatch” reboot. Speaking on her “The Nikki and Brie Show” without her twin sister, Brie Garcia, on an April 27th episode, Nikki answered fan questions, including one that asked about finding self-confidence and how that tied in with her ultimately turning the show down.
“I had an audition for ‘Baywatch.’ I ended up not doing it. Because I knew that I would not be comfortable wearing—if I was to get it—I would not be comfortable wearing a red swimsuit 24/7,” Garcia admitted.
“I am not confident yet in a swimsuit, so I didn’t do it,” she continued. “What I’ve learned is I have to put myself in positions of, like, where I feel most confident.”
Garcia feels most confident in the ring, working as a professional wrestler for WWE, a career she’s built over nearly two decades. “I feel more confident when I’m walking down that ramp, and I’m in my Nikki Bella gear,” she shared.
In fact, Garcia said that despite receiving negative comments about her body when she is in her pro wrestler gear, they don’t “affect” her because it’s where she feels most beautiful and confident. “The minute you love yourself, you’re not going to care what people think,” she added.
Garcia & Artem Chigvintsev’s Co-Parenting Relationship
GettyGarcia shared a positive update about her co-parenting relationship with her former husband, and former DWTS pro Artem Chigvintsev, with whom she shares a 5-year-old son, Matteo. Garcia filed for divorce in September 2024 following his domestic violence arrest.
Speaking on her podcast a year after she filed, she called her ex “amazing” since she returned to pro wrestling.
“I have to give it to Artem, who’s been amazing in adapting to my schedule,” Garcia said, with her sister, Brie, adding, “He’s been great.”
“And I get Matteo almost more, and he lets me. Like, he’s amazing,” Garcia shared. “You and Artem have been a great team,” Brie then said.
According to People, the former couple’s divorce was settled in May 2025, with Garcia having to pay Chigvintsev a $200,000 lump sum and $3,500 in monthly child support.
In an April appearance on Peta Murgatroyd’s “The Penthouse with Peta” podcast, Chigvintsev shared that despite their bad breakup, he strongly believes their son “needs to have both parents present.”
He added, “I want my kid to have a full family. There is a huge amount of relationships that, I think, nowadays people exit way too early.”
