Lockdown has been made easier by a wealth of treats available across a host of streaming services. Netflix has, naturally, seen major growth in recent weeks, thanks to shows like Tiger King, After Life and Money Heist. But if you’re seeking escapism, you can’t beat Too Hot To Handle. The show saw a group of beautiful singles sent to an equally gorgeous beach resort, only to be told that they were not allowed to enjoy physical, romantic contact with their fellow contestants. At a time where we are also advised to resist such proximity, it seemed a timely commission. But one pair struggled more than others. For Canadian Francesca Farago and Australia’s Harry Jowsey, sparks flew instantly, and there were moments where they simply couldn’t keep their hands on each other. But the path to love is complicated. Despite their lows on the show, they emerged as a genuine couple and are together and committed even now.
Filmed last year, it’s been difficult to revisit the past. ‘There were a lot of hard moments to rewatch’, Francesa tells Grazia over the phone, citing her feelings of exclusion from the group. ‘But it was also amazing watching Harry and I's little love story. That was really, really cute. The positive reaction that both of us have received from the fans has been overwhelming. I wasn't expecting this much love. I was honestly expecting to be “the villain.”’ With attention, though, comes trolling, and in the age of social media it can be hard to maintain a thick skin. For Francesca, it’s a case of protecting yourself from the negatives.
‘I kind of avoid social media’, she explains. ‘I told my friends and family “if you see something negative, unless it needs to be legally taken down for any reason, then I don't want to see it.” In this kind of environment, ignorance is bliss. I don't go online and Google my name because that’s a downward rabbit hole to somewhere you don't want to end up.’
Due to the lockdown, she and Harry haven’t been able to see each other in recent weeks. But they speak daily, and Francesca cites open communication with maintaining a healthy, long distance relationship at such a difficult time. That, and gratitude. ‘I found love of my life, and I learned so much about myself and I made some great connections,’ she says. ‘The producer that DMd me about coming on the show - I message her every day, and I'm like “thank you so, so much for changing my life.’
But she’s also been sliding into someone else’s DMs. Ariana Grande, pop princess and ponytail maven, is a fan, having followed Franceca’s ethical swimwear brand Farago The Label. ‘Yes!’ Francesca exclaims when I bring it up. ‘She follows me and she follows my swimwear label and I just reached out to her and said thank you. She’s so sweet. I was like “what the hell is going on here? Ariana Grande likes me? Sweet!’
The future is uncertain, but throughout the ups and downs Francesca is excited about sharing her life with Harry. But there was an initial, brief hesitation when she wondered if an element of the romance was playing to the camera.
‘I knew it wasn't for me,’ she says. ‘But you don’t know how people are acting. But after we finished filming, we had two days in Mexico together and we were all over each other, and he was so loving. And that’s when I knew it wasn't just for show, that he loved me as much as I thought he did.’ Nevertheless, there are other worries. ‘He is also a lot younger than I am’, she concedes. ‘We’ve talked about getting married, but I'm like “is he really ready for this?” I don't want to make him miss out on his twenties. But like when you do find that person that you want to spend your life with, I feel like nothing really else matters. He reassures me as much as he can.’
Too Hot To Handle has brought Francesca into the living rooms of millions. Her swimwear brand will inevitably benefit hugely from the attention. Her social media following has rocketed. But, for her, the key benefit is clear. ‘ knew when we were there that I had never loved anyone as much as I love him’, she says. ‘So I'm really glad we're still together. I honestly can’t picture my life without them.’
The Too Hot To Handle Reunion Episode Streams on Netflix from Friday
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