After finding love on The Bachelor NZ in 2015, Art and Matilda Green are still going strong and still not afraid to share the real story behind reality TV. From awkward first meetings and emotional filming moments to unseen on-set drama and life after fame, the pair lift the lid on what really happens when the cameras stop rolling. Now seasoned reality TV veterans, including appearances on Celebrity Treasure Island, they reflect on the highs, the chaos, and the life lessons they never expected to learn along the way.
What are your most memorable moments from The Bachelor?
Art: Definitely when Matilda got out of the car in front of the mansion. Prior to seeing her, I was so nervous there wouldn’t be anyone I was into. When she stepped out, I could see she was beautiful and instantly knew she was special.
Matilda: The same for me. I was a nervous wreck, with no idea what to expect, but after chatting to Art for a few seconds, I knew we’d be OK. We felt a spark instantly!
Are there any parts you’d prefer to forget?
Matilda: Probably the last week or so of filming. I was emotionally exhausted, anxious and convinced Art wasn’t going to choose me in the end. It was a real mind game trying to stay energised while preparing to be rejected on national television. Luckily, it didn’t work out that way!
What did viewers not see behind the scenes?
Art: Initially, the women on the show were very suspicious that I was an actor. They thought something was fishy as I’d been given a fake name, Ben, to guard my identity. Some of the crew actually thought my name was Ben and kept calling me that, so it was very confusing.
Matilda: During one rose ceremony, the enormous dining-room centrepiece caught fire from a candle. It was very dramatic and there was a lot of screaming. Luckily, no one got hurt, but it certainly added an element of excitement!
How did The Bachelor change your lives?
Matilda: Gosh, in so many ways. I’m forever grateful for all the ups and downs of the show. My beautiful family wouldn’t be here today without it and my career would have looked completely different too!
Art: It’s changed the trajectory of our lives immensely. For the first five years after the show, it put us on a rocket rollercoaster full of opportunity and excitement. It’s hard to say whether or not we would have found each other if not for The Bachelor, but we’re so grateful to have connected, which all comes down to that brave decision we made 11 years ago to go on the show.
Any secrets from your time on Celebrity Treasure Island?
Art: During my second season on the show, Lance Savali and I secretly hid chocolate bars and cans of food in the bushes. We shared them with our team when we were very hungry and morale was low.
Matilda: One moment on my season that didn’t make the edit was when I was team captain and had to put someone up for elimination. James Mustapic got really upset as he thought I’d put him up, so I gave him a hug and promised I wouldn’t do it – only for him to form an alliance and get rid of me! I suspect producers wanted him to be a fan favourite in the edit as he went on to win. But no hard feelings – I love James and you gotta do what you gotta do!
What life lessons has reality TV taught you?
Art: No risk, no reward.
Matilda: You cannot control other people’s opinions of you. I’d get really frustrated if viewers thought I was a certain way based on the snippet of me they saw, but I had to learn to let go
of that. People think what they want to think and it’s none of my business!
What reality TV do you guys watch at home?
Art: None. We don’t actually have a TV. We usually get the kids in bed, then do some household jobs and tie up work loose ends before reading in bed.
Matilda: Although my sister-in-law came to stay once and got me dangerously into Love Island!
If you could be on another reality show, what would it be?
Matilda: Some sort of cooking one, like The Great Kiwi Bake Off. I’d be a flustered mess, but it’d be a lot of fun – and there’s no kissing, which is a real drawcard for me!
Art: Some show where I would have to physically compete in something. I like having things in place that force me to train and push me out of my comfort zone.
