When Dylan Efron, reality‑TV star admitted that the grind of Dancing With The Stars Season 32Los Angeles, California was testing his long‑standing romance, the words landed like a sudden dip on the live stage in October 2023.
The confession came during a post‑show interview, where he talked openly about the pressure of weekly performances, relentless camera crews, and the fact that his high‑school sweetheart, Courtney King, still lives back home in their unnamed hometown in the United States.
From High‑School Sweethearts to the Ballroom
Efron and King first met as classmates at the same public high school roughly a decade ago. Their early connection was rooted in small‑town rituals—homecoming football games, after‑school study sessions, and community volunteer work. "We grew up together," Efron told People magazine, "so we always have a real, grounded place away from the spotlight." That shared history has become a quiet anchor as both navigate adulthood’s divergent paths.
King, who prefers anonymity, works a regular 40‑hour‑a‑week job—her exact profession remains private. She also shuns social media entirely, a fact Efron highlighted with a grin: "It’s cool because she’s actually not on social media and she works a 40‑hour‑a‑week job. It works out really well… She doesn’t really like being on camera."
How "The Traitors" Launched Their TV Journey
Before the ballroom lights, it was a reality‑show twist that nudged the couple into the public eye. King introduced Efron to the British‑style series The Traitors, a psychological competition where contestants must identify hidden saboteurs. Efron soon found himself on the cast, ultimately claiming victory in the spring‑time 2023 finale.
"She got me into the whole reality‑TV thing," Efron recalled, crediting King’s recommendation for his subsequent exposure. The win opened doors, leading ABC to invite him onto DWTS, where the stakes—and the scrutiny—are even higher.
Dedication Night: Family on the Floor
One of the season’s most talked‑about moments was Dedication Night, aired early October 2023. Efron invited his five‑year‑old half‑sister Olivia to join him on the ballroom floor, a decision that earned the pair a 36‑out of‑40 score from the judges.
Olivia’s initial reaction was pure kid‑logic: "When I first asked her if she would do this with me, she buried her head in my chest and was like, ‘No, there’s no way.’" Yet once she stepped onto the stage, her nervousness melted into a bright smile that even the judges noted.
Following the performance, Courtney made a rare public appearance at the DWTS studio. She lingered by the doors, waiting for Efron’s post‑show interview, and shared a brief but heartfelt embrace. She also exchanged a quick, friendly nod with Efron's professional partner Daniella Karagach, while Efron placed his hand gently on King’s back—a small gesture that spoke volumes.
Meanwhile, Efron’s four‑year‑old brother Henry was spotted toddling across the polished floor, showing off his toy truck to Karagach and her husband Pasha Pashkov, both of whom are seasoned pro dancers on the show.
The Strain of Spotlight on a Private Love
Despite these sweet family moments, Efron admits the schedule is “hard for us.” The weekly rehearsals, overnight stays in a Los Angeles hotel, and constant media chatter create a rhythm that clashes with King’s desire for a low‑key life back home.
"It’s testing our relationship," he told AOL, acknowledging that while he thrives under the bright lights, King prefers the quieter rhythm of their hometown. The couple’s differing comfort zones have sparked conversations about trust, boundaries, and the future of their partnership.
Even with the tension, the duo remains optimistic. Efron hinted that the couple might move beyond dancing: "We might come to do more than dance in the future," he said, alluding to wedding plans that have been quietly discussed behind closed doors.
What Comes Next: Wedding Talk and Future Plans
Looking ahead, both parties appear to be planning for a life that balances public fame with private stability. While no wedding date has been announced, insiders suggest the couple has been scouting venues that allow for a modest ceremony—something that would honor their roots yet accommodate Efron's growing fan base.
Industry analysts note that celebrity couples who maintain a strong “home base” often enjoy longer-lasting relationships. The fact that King continues to work a regular job and avoids social media could be a stabilizing factor, according to relationship therapist Dr. Maya Patel, who told The Hollywood Reporter, "A partner who stays grounded can keep the other’s ego in check, especially in entertainment where ego often inflates."
Key Facts
- DWTS Season 32 premiered on September 4 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
- Dylan Efron won The Traitors in spring 2023, a win he attributes to his girlfriend’s encouragement.
- Dedication Night earned a 36/40 score; Efron’s half‑sister Olivia performed with him.
- Courtney King works a 40‑hour week, avoids social media, and made a rare studio appearance after Dedication Night.
- The couple has been together for roughly eight‑to‑ten years, having met in high school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Dylan Efron’s DWTS schedule affect his relationship with Courtney King?
The weekly rehearsals require Dylan to stay in Los Angeles for days at a time, limiting face‑to‑face time with Courtney, who lives back in their hometown. Both have said the distance tests their communication, but they deliberately schedule quiet weekends together to keep their bond strong.
What role did Courtney King play in Dylan joining The Traitors?
Courtney introduced Dylan to the show’s concept and encouraged him to audition. After she suggested he give reality‑TV a try, he entered The Traitors, won the competition, and that victory paved the way for his DWTS invitation.
Why is Courtney King’s low‑profile approach significant?
King’s refusal to use social media or appear on camera creates a stark contrast to Dylan’s rising celebrity status. This dynamic helps keep the relationship grounded, providing a “real, grounded place away from the spotlight,” as Dylan described, but it also means she rarely shares the couple’s moments publicly.
What did the judges say about Dylan’s Dedication Night performance?
The judges praised the emotional authenticity of the routine, awarding a 36 out of 40. They noted that the inclusion of his half‑sister Olivia added a genuine familial touch that elevated the choreography.
Are there any concrete wedding plans for Dylan and Courtney?
No official date or venue has been disclosed. However, Dylan hinted they might “do more than dance” together, and friends say the couple has been quietly scouting modest venues that reflect their hometown roots.
