No, Elys Hutchinson and Bryton Constantin are not together. Although they experienced an immediate and intense connection during the early episodes of Too Hot To Handle Season 5, their romantic involvement ended shortly after Bryton was eliminated from the retreat. Elys later formed a significant relationship with fellow contestant Alex Snell, but that also concluded several months after filming ended.
As of 2026, both individuals have moved on to separate professional paths and different romantic interests, maintaining a distance that suggests their brief time together was a product of the show's environment rather than a long-term match.
The Origins of the Elys and Bryton Connection
The relationship between Elys Hutchinson, a professional model from the UK, and Bryton Constantin, a student and athlete from the US, began with the high-intensity atmosphere typical of Netflix’s Too Hot To Handle. From the moment they arrived at the villa in Season 5, the two were drawn to one another, primarily due to their shared "rule-breaker" energy and physical attraction.
During the initial days of the retreat, Bryton was vocal about his confidence and his lack of interest in following the strict celibacy rules enforced by the virtual assistant, Lana. Elys, who was initially hesitant to open up emotionally, found Bryton’s forwardness appealing. Their chemistry resulted in some of the season’s first rule breaks, which cost the group a portion of the collective prize fund. At that stage, viewers speculated that they might become the season's "it couple," similar to successful pairs from previous years.
However, the foundation of their bond was largely physical. While Bryton focused on the pursuit of the "prize" and the physical aspects of the competition, the show’s format began to demand deeper emotional growth—a pivot that ultimately exposed the compatibility issues between the two.
Why the Relationship Didn't Last On-Screen
The turning point for Elys and Bryton occurred much sooner than many fans anticipated. The collapse of their potential relationship can be attributed to three primary factors: Bryton’s elimination, a lack of emotional depth, and Elys’s shifting priorities.
1. The Elimination of Bryton Constantin
Lana, the show's arbiter of personal growth, frequently eliminates contestants who show no sign of emotional development or respect for the process. Bryton’s refusal to engage with the workshops or acknowledge the impact of his actions on the group led to his early departure. When Bryton was sent home, any momentum the couple had was effectively halted. Unlike some contestants who leave and wait for their partners, the "out of sight, out of mind" phenomenon took hold quickly.
2. Differing Approaches to the "Lana" Process
Elys Hutchinson eventually embraced the challenges set by the retreat. She began to focus on why she struggled with commitment and vulnerability. Bryton, conversely, maintained a more rebellious stance until his final moments on the show. This fundamental difference in how they viewed personal growth meant that even if Bryton had stayed, the relationship likely would have reached a stalemate.
3. The Arrival of New Connections
Shortly after Bryton’s exit, Elys began to explore a connection with Alex Snell. Alex offered a different dynamic—one that was more grounded and aligned with the "growth" arc the producers encouraged. By the time the season reached its midpoint, the "Elys and Bryton" era was already a distant memory for the cast and the audience alike.
The Elys and Alex Chapter and Its Aftermath
To understand why Elys and Bryton never rekindled their flame, one must look at Elys’s most significant relationship from the show. Elys eventually won Season 5, walking away with a significant cash prize (which she generously split with fellow finalist Dre Woodard). Her relationship with Alex Snell was the primary focus of her journey.
Post-filming, Elys and Alex did attempt to make their relationship work in the real world. They dated for approximately six months, dealing with the challenges of a long-distance relationship between the UK and the US. However, in late 2023, Elys confirmed in several interviews and social media posts that she and Alex had parted ways. She cited the difficulty of maintaining a connection across the Atlantic and the natural transition back to their individual lives as the primary reasons for the split.
Because Elys invested so much time and emotional energy into her relationship with Alex, there was never a "window" for her to return to Bryton. By the time she was single again, both she and Bryton had moved in completely different social and professional circles.
Where Are Elys and Bryton in 2026?
Looking back from the vantage point of 2026, it is clear that Too Hot To Handle served as a launchpad for their careers rather than a foundation for their love lives.
Elys Hutchinson’s Current Status
In 2026, Elys Hutchinson has solidified her status as a high-fashion model and a prominent social media influencer. Based primarily in London, she has worked with several international luxury brands and has leveraged her reality TV fame to secure long-term modeling contracts.
Regarding her dating life, Elys has been linked to several high-profile individuals since her split from Alex Snell, including rumors of a brief involvement with other reality stars like Nathan Soan Mngomezulu. However, she has remained relatively private about her long-term commitments, focusing more on her career longevity in the fashion industry.
Bryton Constantin’s Current Status
Bryton Constantin has leaned heavily into the fitness and lifestyle niche. Since his time on Netflix, he has built a brand around athletic training and personal coaching. He remains a polarizing figure in the reality TV fandom, often appearing on podcasts to discuss his "villain" edit and his views on modern dating. In 2026, he continues to reside in the United States and has shown no public indication of maintaining a friendship—let alone a romance—with Elys.
Comparative Timeline of Events
| Period | Event/Status | Relationship Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Late 2022 | Too Hot To Handle S5 Filming | Initial spark and rule breaks between Elys and Bryton. |
| Early 2023 | Bryton’s Elimination | The pair is separated; Elys moves on to Alex Snell. |
| July 2023 | Season 5 Premiere | Fans discover the short-lived nature of the connection. |
| Late 2023 | Official Breakup (Elys & Alex) | Elys confirms she is single; no contact reported with Bryton. |
| 2024 - 2025 | Individual Career Growth | Both focus on personal branding and separate social circles. |
| 2026 | Current Status | No romantic connection; living on separate continents. |
Why Reality TV Couples Often Fail Post-Show
The story of Elys and Bryton is a textbook example of why reality television connections rarely translate to long-term success. Examining the variables that led to their separation provides insight into the "Reality TV Curse."
- Proximity and Pressure: The "vacuum" effect of a reality show creates an environment where emotions are heightened. Once the cameras stop rolling and the contestants return to different countries, the logistical hurdles of international travel and time zones often outweigh the initial attraction.
- The "Edit" vs. Reality: Producers often highlight the most dramatic interactions to create a narrative. While Elys and Bryton appeared to have an unbreakable bond in the first three episodes, much of that was based on physical tension that lacked the substance required for a real-world partnership.
- Evolution of Intent: Many contestants enter these shows for exposure. Once that exposure is achieved, the incentive to maintain a "show-mance" often diminishes, especially if one partner becomes significantly more successful or famous than the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Elys and Bryton date after the show ended?
No. There is no evidence or confirmation from either party that they pursued a relationship after Bryton was eliminated from the villa. Elys moved on to Alex Snell during the filming process, and by the time she was single again, she and Bryton were no longer in contact.
Are Elys and Bryton still friends?
While they follow each other on certain social media platforms, they do not appear to be close friends. They have participated in group promotional events for Netflix, but their interactions have remained strictly professional and cordial rather than personal.
Who is Elys Hutchinson dating in 2026?
As of 2026, Elys Hutchinson has not publicly confirmed a long-term partner. She has been spotted with several figures in the UK fashion and reality TV scenes, but she appears to be prioritizing her modeling career and personal growth over a public relationship.
Why did Elys choose Alex over Bryton?
Elys chose to explore a connection with Alex Snell because he demonstrated more interest in the emotional "growth" required by the show’s format. Alex was seen as more stable and committed to the process, whereas Bryton was perceived as being there primarily for the fun and the rules-breaking.
Did Bryton ever comment on Elys winning the prize money?
In various interviews following the release of Season 5, Bryton expressed that he wasn't surprised Elys won, noting her popularity among the cast. However, he maintained that his own journey was authentic to who he was, regardless of the prize money or his early exit.
Final Summary for Fans
For those still wondering about the status of Elys and Bryton in 2026, the answer remains a definitive "no." Their brief, fiery connection served as a major plot point for the early episodes of Too Hot To Handle Season 5, but it was never destined for the long haul.
If you are a fan of either individual, the best way to support them is to follow their current professional endeavors—Elys in the world of high fashion and Bryton in the fitness and coaching industry. While they didn't find lasting love with each other, both have successfully used their platform to build careers that have lasted far beyond the shelf life of their reality TV debut.
Image Gallery
Select an image to open it in a new tab.
Celine Dubois
Contemporary Living and Global Arts Columnist