Paige DeSorbo’s time on Love Island USA was shorter than anticipated.
The Summer House alum appeared on the dating reality show to guest host the lumberjack-themed game, “Got Wood.” However, the cameo left some viewers scratching their heads, as Paige disappeared from the set mid-challenge without any explanation.
Paige DeSorbo recalls her medical incident on Love Island USA
Paige addressed her disappearance during the June 17 episode of Giggly Squad, her wildly popular podcast series with fellow Summer House alum Hannah Berner. Paige said she had to leave the set before the game concluded, as her body struggled to bear the hot Fiji temperatures.
“It’s a long filming day, and we started pretty early,” she began. “And mind you, I just landed… Not even a full 24 hours that I’m there. So, in no situation am I acclimated.”
Paige said she initially convinced herself she was “fine,” but the Fiji sun was causing heat exhaustion. The fashion designer said she stepped out in a dark brown suede maxi dress with a turtleneck, a mic pack down her back, and heavy hair extensions that felt “like a hat.” But Paige said she was determined to get through the shoot without any issues.
Paige DeSorbo explains what went down on the Love Island USA set
“I go out, I do my entrance. I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m not nervous at all. Thank f—king God. I’m like born for this. I’m cool, I’m good,’” she recalled. “The sun starts beating down on me pretty aggressively. And I’d say we’re about, oh, I don’t know, maybe like two hours into filming. And I’m standing there and I’m in a full suede skirt.”
Paige said she was becoming increasingly uncomfortable as the production rolled on, but was hesitant to let anyone know. She said the crew was very professional and attentive, as they would ensure there were enough water breaks, would come to her with an umbrella in between scenes, and had plenty of ice packs on deck.
“I’m not gonna be a diva. Like, I’m doing a job. I’m there, I’m doing it,” she said. “I have a high pain tolerance, I will also say that. So, if I’m uncomfortable, I’m really waiting until the very last second to tell you because I don’t want to be a problem.”
Paige DeSorbo leaves the Love Island USA set early because of the heat
The heat eventually became so unbearable that Paige had to speak up and let the crew know.
“I’m like, ‘You know what? Real quick, I’m feeling a little bit queasy. Let me take a moment to myself.’ I throw up,” she said.
Paige told Hannah that the production team then took a break and was mindful of her situation. But, in true Paige fashion, she refused to throw in the towel and insisted she could finish the second half of the game.
“They’re like, ‘Are you OK?’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah. Totally. Put me back in coach. I can do this. I just had to get that outta my system. It’s something I do,’” she said with a laugh.
Paige said she returned to the set to film the last four rounds of the game, but it wasn’t long before she began feeling more ill.
“I’m swaying a little bit. I’m like, ‘You know, I’m not feeling totally normal.’ But again, I’m not stopping the show that so graciously has asked me to come on,” she said. “I start looking at the medic. I’m like, ‘Why don’t you make eye contact with me, and you tell me if I’m OK and if that’s normal what I’m doing.’”
Paige said she eventually informed the crew she needed “another minute” and retreated to the cabin on set. She said medics came in to take her blood pressure, but she simply wasn’t in a state to continue without passing out.
“I’m like, ‘Guys, I’m so sorry, but I just don’t think I can finish it,” she recalled. “I was like, ‘Can you fix it in post-[production]?’ They were like, ‘Oh my God, don’t worry about it. You’re so fine… We’ll figure it out.’”
Paige DeSorbo sends thanks to Ariana Madix
Despite the health scare, Paige was clearly grateful for the Love Island USA experience. She extended thanks to Vanderpump Rules alum Ariana Madix, who began hosting the competition series in Season 6 (2024).
“Thank you [Ariana] for lending me the islanders,” Paige captioned a June 16 Instagram.
Paige’s guest-hosting gig went down after she announced her exit from Summer House. Find out what the multi-hyphenate is planning to do next.