Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano admits he wasn’t impressed with his Traitors costar-turned-best friend Dylan Efron’s first Dancing with the Stars performance.
Efron’s debut performance on this season’s “DWTS” was a nod to Kelis’ iconic 2003 hit “Milkshake” with pro partner Daniela Karagacci.
“After the first song, I was like, ‘We have to talk about song choices,'” the “Survivor” legend told Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” with a laugh while promoting his new Dunkin’ and Kahlua collaboration, “It’s Kahlunkin’.” “Because that ‘milkshake’…(I) didn’t come to the garden.”
Still, Mariano says he has been cornered by Efron in his own version of tough love. “I cut him down,” he jokes. “I said, ‘Listen, brother, the show isn’t over until it’s over. Even after you’re done dancing, look at the judges and make sure you smile. I want to see them fist pump like this show is still going on.’
However, the Boston native may not be keen on showing off his moves. When asked if he ever considered joining “DWTS” himself, Mariano didn’t hesitate to shut it down.
“No way,” he said firmly. “That’s the thing. I’m not going to the dance floor, like.”
Instead, Mariano happily cheers on Efron from the sideline. The role is perfect for the unlikely bromance that began when the two met while filming Peacock’s hit series “Traitor.”
“We created an atmosphere based on the fact that we both share a sense of adventure and competition,” Mariano explains. “And he’s just a good guy, and I like that.”
The reality star said their connection went beyond the show’s infamous betrayals and deceptions. “When you’re brutalizing or trying to kill people in a house, in a castle, or whatever it is, you’re playing a game,” he says. “But as soon as that was over, we started connecting on a normal level.”
Now, that friendship is turning into something even bigger. Mariano has teased that he recently teamed up with Efron for a new project that fans will see soon.
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“Dylan and I were actually working on another project that was coming out soon,” he reveals. “It’s a bit of a documentary, YouTube style thing, with a bit of a competitive spirit.”
As for the future of his own reality career, Mariano admits his days playing the brutal strategist may be over.
“It feels like it’s been 25 years since I was a contestant on these shows,” he says. “I have a reputation now that they might let me stay for a little while, but they’re going to come get me. So I feel like my time as a competitive reality guy might be over.”
Still, he’s not done entertaining fans just yet. “I’d like to move on to other aspects[of entertainment],” he says. If possible, I’d like to move on to the side of “milkshake” that doesn’t require the cha-cha.
