Phaedra Parks and Chris “CT” Tamburello’s relationship may be new, but the connection between the reality stars has been building for some time.
The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, 54, confirmed that she and Tamburello, 46, are romantically involved after previously keeping their relationship private. Parks revealed on SiriusXM’s “Jeff Lewis Live” that their relationship is not “platonic” and that the two planned to attend the Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles together.
“He’s a presenter so I’m his date,” Parks said.
The pair also planned to travel to New York City together after the awards show.
An Insider Talks About Their Relationship
Tamburello and Parks first appeared together on Season 2 of Peacock’s “The Traitors” in 2024. According to a source who spoke to Page Six, Tamburello developed feelings for Parks while they were filming the reality competition series.
“He made it clear to her he really, really liked her and he fell for her when they were on ‘Traitors,’” the source said.
The source added that Tamburello had recently begun reaching out to Parks more frequently, while describing their relationship as “pretty new.”
“He makes her really happy,” the source said. “They really do laugh together a lot and their relationship is really sweet.”
The romance also appeared to get a public boost last month when Tamburello seemingly hinted that he was hoping Parks would be his Emmy date.
The “Challenge” star posted a photo of Parks from the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 17 reunion on Instagram and wrote, “Anyone want to throw in a good word for me!? Still looking for a +1 to the Emmy’s. A man can dream 😏.”
Parks responded in the comments, “Baby I’m already yours 😍🔥😘.”
Fans Are Loving the News
Their Emmy plans were further confirmed during Parks’ appearance on “Jeff Lewis Live.” When a caller asked whether the “CT” she was referring to was Tamburello, Lewis said, “I can confirm it because I see him right outside the studio.”
Tamburello later appeared to confirm he was nearby by posting a behind-the-scenes video of Parks during the radio show on his Instagram Story.
The new romance has already sparked plenty of excitement among fans, with many expressing surprise over the pairing and speculating about whether Tamburello could eventually make an appearance on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
“Honey, this is an awesome move. If he shows up on Housewives we know for a fact that CT is not afraid to be confrontational and rock the boat.”
“Just in time for the new season of RHOA. That woman is something else”
“I didn’t see this one coming. Lol,” one added. Another expressed similar thoughts. “I did not have this on my 2026 Bingo card lol….i love it though.”
Parks was previously married to Apollo Nida. The former couple shares two sons, Ayden, 16, and Dylan, 13. Parks and Nida finalized their divorce in July 2017 after nearly eight years of marriage.
For now, Parks and Tamburello appear to be enjoying their new relationship — and taking it from the reality TV screen into the real world.
