Just when the Selling Sunset drama seemed to have reached fever pitch, producers decided to raise the stakes and introduce a new cast member for the eighth season. Alanna Gold, a luxury real estate agent who hails from a small town in Canada, is The Oppenheim Group's new girl, already proving a hit with fans for her mature attitude and enviable workwear. While Alanna has rocketed to Selling Sunset fan-favourite status, that energy has not been entirely reciprocated among the residents of a small Californian town called Pioneertown, which the aspiring reality-realtor claimed she owned in Selling Sunset season eight.
Here's everything we know about the newest Selling Sunset recruit, including her ties to Pioneertown.
The Alanna Gold/Pioneertown drama explained
Alanna and her husband Adam were thought to have co-owned part of a town in the desert called Pioneertown (located in San Bernardino County, California). Speaking to Bre Tiesi on Selling Sunset, Alanna said, 'I own a little Western town in the desert, it’s called Pioneertown. I’m sheriff of the town.' Later in the season, Alanna took Amanza Smith, Nicole Young and Mary Bonnet to visit the community.
Alanna said of her and Adam's affinity to Pioneertown, 'We've always really loved it, and it was actually where we went for one of our first trips. We always knew we wanted to own a piece of property out there or be a part of the community somehow. We kind of always assumed it was going to be through owning a home out there, which we do now, a place we call Cosmic Ranch.'
The couple wanted to bring Pioneertown 'back to life'. It was originally set up in the 1940s as a motion-picture set, as well as a living and working community. 'It’s really cool because most film sets function as ghost towns, and to this day, it still is a functioning town,' Alanna told People.
But the town's newspaper, Pioneertown Gazette, has 'kindly requested an apology from 'Selling Sunset and Alanna Gold', claiming that the agent does not own Pioneertown like she asserted.
The statement read, 'The baseless claims by Selling Sunset’s Alanna Gold that she "owns Pioneertown" undermines 78 years of internationally celebrated film, arts and cultural history.
'These claims belittle generations of artists, neighbours, nature lovers, community members, musicians, small business owners and otherwise magnificent people of Pioneertown.'
The message described Pioneertown as a 'mile-square census designated community with over 400 residents and is privately owned by more than 100 independent parties'. The post when on to explain Alanna's link to Pioneertown, writing, 'Mrs Gold has a small minority non-controlling interest in an entity that owns six of thirty five parcels in the Mane Street area, constituting less than 1 per cent of Pioneertown’s total 640 acres. The claim that she owns the "entire town" is verifiably false.'
It was signed off, 'Respectfully, the residents of Pioneertown.'
According to The Independent, Alanna has been reaching out to residents to apologise, with her letter understood to read, 'I want to reach out to personally say I am so deeply sorry for the confusion I have caused. I certainly do not own Pioneertown, I never should have said that and I apologise for doing so. I want you to know that I did not mean any harm, I absolutely love Pioneertown and I simply got too excited talking about it.'
'My first date with my husband was there and our wedding was at the Soundstage. We wanted to become part of the community so we invested in a home and other properties there.'
She added that they are contacting reporters to update their stories, before apologising once again and stating that she would 'never want to disrespect the town’s history or any of the people who make it such a wonderful place'.
Who is Alanna Gold?
Alanna Gold (née Whittaker) is a luxury real estate agent at Selling Sunset's Oppenheim Group. After moving to Los Angeles, Alanna decided to study for her license during the pandemic, which is when it dawned on her that she didn't want to return to her previous work as a model.
Before Alanna even ventured into modelling, she was studying to be a vet. She told People, 'I was going to university and I got discovered for modelling in the middle of it. I took the opportunity because I'm actually allergic to animals, so that was not a good path for me.'
She added that the veterinary route is not the one she sees herself on today, so is 'grateful' she embarked on something different.
According to Alanna's LinkedIn profile, she has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ontario Tech University, as well as a certificate in Digital Marketing from Cornell University. She joined The Oppenheim Group in November 2023, after leaving her real estate role at Westside Estate Agency in Malibu, which she'd held since September 2021.
Meanwhile, Alanna might just be the most stylish realtor we've seen on the show.
'From high-waist trousers to high-necked sleeved blouses, Alanna's fashion choices present something novel for Selling Sunset: actual workwear inspiration,' says Grazia's Associate Editor, Jane McFarland. 'Rather than revealing cut-outs and bold colours, Alanna's pared back wardrobe of good jeans, polished tailoring and understated accessories (see the naked sandal and YSL clutch) has shot her to the top of the best-dressed list.'
Discussing the opportunity to join the reality show, Alanna admitted that it wasn't a no-brainer for her. 'There was a little bit of hesitation there of course, and just thinking about how it will change my life,' she told People. 'It was this big shift and I really had to evaluate. I did go through all of the emotions, but at the end of the day I was like, "What is life for? Just put yourself out there and take opportunities as they come."'
Where is Alanna Gold from?
Alanna grew up in a small town in Canada called Nobleton, which is located just outside of Toronto. As of 2021, it was reported to have a population of just 6507.
Her work as a model took her all around the world, and she lived in New York for five years before settling in Los Angeles, where she was first inspired to start her career in real estate.
How old is Alanna Gold?
Alanna is 32 and celebrates her birthday on 17 February.
Who is Alanna Gold's husband?
Alanna married her husband, Adam Gold, in 2022. Last June, they reflected on their year of marriage, with Alanna writing on Instagram, 'Recently passed one year with my favourite human. Deeply grateful for this man. I love you more than ever.'
Adam is the managing director of Living Room, which, according to LinkedIn, is a 'private members’ club catering to a community with a passion for music, art, film, fashion and design' based in Los Angeles. Per its Instagram account, it's set to open officially this autumn.
What is Alanna Gold's net worth?
Thanks to her since-parked modelling career and real estate success, Alanna is reported to be worth $2 million (£1.5 million).
What is Alanna Gold's Instagram?
You can keep up to date with Alanna's life at thealannagold. She has over 55,000 followers, who have wasted no time complimenting her Selling Sunset looks. 'You just scream class and sophistication while also being so unbelievably gorgeous. You command respect just by your presence, it’s truly such a breath of fresh air,' wrote one fan.
Millie Payne is a News and Entertainment Writer for Grazia. She has specialised in showbiz interviews, features, articles and roundups for over three years and loves combining her love for writing, talking and all things popular culture.