Yes, AD Smith Still Has Love Is Blind Regrets

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Getting noticed on reality TV isn’t always difficult – a dramatic moment can quickly go viral on TikTok. But truly standing out and being remembered for the right reasons? That requires genuine charm and skill, and AD Smith clearly possesses both.

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Chelsea Smith first gained attention on Love Is Blind season six, where she avoided a difficult situation after her fiancé, Clay, ended things at their wedding. She then found a connection with Ollie Sutherland from Love Is Blind: U.K. on Perfect Match. Now, her podcast, What’s the Reality?, is making her even more popular. Smith is skilled at creating a friendly, conversational interview style, and her YouTube channel has over 82,000 subscribers. She interviews contestants from various Netflix reality shows, exploring their lives and the drama surrounding them with sensitivity. Having been a reality TV star herself, she can connect with her guests and understand their experiences – and the strong emotions involved – without seeming intrusive. This careful and respectful approach has made her podcast a go-to destination for many Netflix stars, including Ashley Adionser, who gave a widely shared interview about the breakdown of her relationship with Tyler Francis.

With her podcast gaining popularity and frequent returns to the LIB show, it’s clear AD is here to stay. However, she’s also become more private about her personal life, likely due to her marriage to Sutherland and the recent arrival of their daughter.

It’s funny, the moment you realize you’ve ‘made it’ in reality TV isn’t during filming. There’s a confusing period after filming ends where you’re unsure how the show will be received. Then, once it airs, it’s a bit awkward, wondering if people like you or not. But eventually, things settle down, and you build a real connection with the viewers who genuinely support you. For me, that’s when it feels like success – having those people who’ve been with me from the start still reach out and share how happy they are to see me grow. That’s what truly feels like ‘making it’ in this world.

What’s the first thing you spent your money on after getting paid? Probably rent, actually. I didn’t have much money at the time.

If I had to describe my character in just five words, I’d say she’s fun, relatable, energetic, positive, and a true friend to other women.

If I had to pick one moment that really stands out in my career, it would be from my recent appearance on Perfect Match. I had to go to a party with the guys, and when I came back, I shared everything I learned with the women. People really connected with that because the guys expected me to cover for them, but I stayed loyal to the girls. That moment really cemented my reputation as ‘the girls’ girl’ in the reality TV world.

If you could change one scene in a movie or TV show, what would it be? For me, it would be saying ‘yes’ at the wedding – I’d have immediately called it off and left!

If I could trade places with anyone on reality TV right now, it would be Olandria. She’s incredibly beautiful and elegant, and she’s successfully turned her on-screen persona into a thriving business. While I wouldn’t want to change my own life, being alongside her would be fantastic.

It’s rare to find a reality star who’s genuine both on and off camera. But aside from myself, JaNa Craig from Love Island comes to mind. She’s truly one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and she’s completely consistent – what you see on TV is exactly who she is in real life.

It’s hard to pick just one, but most guys on reality TV seem very different from how they come across on screen. They often present one image on TV and are completely different in real life.

Do you think that every good reality-TV show needs a villain?
Yes, I do.

Who did you consider the villain on your season, or seasons, of the show? On Love Is Blind, I’d say it was Sarah Ann, mainly because she was actively trying to disrupt other people’s relationships.

Looking back on the season, the moment I felt most misunderstood was when I said ‘yes’ at the altar. Many viewers didn’t believe I was genuinely there for the right reasons or to find what I was looking for, and I think that really confused them.

I really miss the freedom of posting whatever I wanted on social media – even silly or unflattering things – without overthinking it. It was nice when social media felt like a way to connect with family and friends, rather than a platform for everyone’s opinions.

If you lost your fame overnight, what would you do? I’d continue to focus on what’s most important to me: spending time with my daughter and husband, and nurturing my family.

My advice for anyone wanting to be on reality TV? Go to therapy before filming, and continue after the show ends. It’s crucial to have a strong sense of self before entering a situation where others will try to define you. Afterwards, therapy can help you stay grounded and separate what was real from the manufactured drama, and remember who you are, not just the persona the show created.

A common misconception about Love Is Blind is how quickly engagements happen. People often focus on the number of days – eight or nine – but the process is more complex than it appears. The show has tried to clarify the timeline and length of dates over the seasons, but viewers still seem surprised by how fast things move.

Chris Coelen is a real innovator in the reality TV world, especially when it comes to dating shows. He’s truly changed how these shows are made by focusing on genuine connection and understanding what people really want in relationships. He cleverly removed the focus on physical attraction and created a format where couples could connect on a deeper level, and it’s been incredibly successful. He’s a remarkably talented producer.

If you follow all the drama from Netflix reality shows, who do you think is currently the biggest star? For me, it’s definitely Jimmy Presnell from my season. He’s really transformed himself, seems to be enjoying the attention, and is totally owning the reality TV game right now.

It’s a challenge being in the public eye while also trying to keep some parts of my life private. I think being a Scorpio helps – I’m naturally reserved. I also pay attention to what my fans want. They’re interested in seeing me evolve and improve, and I try to share that journey without oversharing. Protecting my daughter and family is my top priority, and I intentionally keep those aspects of my life private – if I don’t want public input, they simply won’t get it.

If you could be on any reality TV show besides the one you’re on now, what would it be? I’d pick Dancing With the Stars and The Traitors.

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2026-05-06 15:57