“I Honestly Thought That Russell and Natalie Were My Allies” – RealityNewsOnline’s Exclusive Interview with Survivor: Samoa’s Ashley

RealityNewsOnline: Hello, Ashley, and thanks for taking the time to talk to us here at RealityNewsOnline!

Ashley: You’re very welcome.

RNO: Your CBS bio indicated that you’re a fan of the show. As such, what was your strategy coming in to Survivor?

Ashley: My strategy was to try to make the strongest alliance I possibly could. Before coming, I watched people and they made these alliances and everyone’s lying and backstabbing. I wanted to make sure I had the strongest alliance possible and make sure I knew what was going on at all time. Well, I tried. (Laughs.)

RNO: Indeed, at Tribal Council, you seemed pretty convinced you were safe. Did you believe you were in any danger?

Ashley: I kind of had a sense, just a little one, but it was the most awkward situation. Before Tribal Council, we were stuck in our shelter and we couldn’t strategize. I had been told it was going to be Liz and everyone’s like, “You’re safe, don’t worry about it,” but once people started talking at Tribal Council, I started realizing what was going on around me.

RNO: Given that the vote against you was unanimous, do you think there was some sort of discussion held that we just didn’t get to see?

Ashley: I believe there had to have been. I don’t know when it happened. Maybe I was doing some type of interview at the time. I might have left the shelter for whatever reason and they must have discussed it then. I don’t know when it happened.

RNO: We did see a one-on-one interview with you during the rain.

Ashley: Right, exactly, so maybe that’s when it happened.

RNO: You talked about how Russell took you under his wing – how surprised were you that he and Natalie voted against you along with the others?

Ashley: I was pretty surprised. I honestly thought that Russell and Natalie were my allies, I really did. I don’t hold it against either of them now because I know it’s a game. But I was shocked with what they told me and then the way they voted.

RNO: As you said, you were (or at least believed you were) allies with Russell and Natalie. What other scheming and plotting did you do that we didn’t get to see?

Ashley: I honestly feel like I had a large part in getting Ben out – me and Ben did not get along. I felt like I was really connected with Russell. He’d go to me and say we need to rally to get Betsy off or Marisa off. I felt like it was kind of us two. I think that Russell was doing that to everyone but he just made me feel extra special.

RNO: What did your fellow tribemates generally think of Russell?

Ashley: Honestly, we all pretty much liked him. He was really good to our faces. He was especially nice to me and Natalie. I felt like us three were the strong three. He was so good to our face – we’re all seeing this now and I’m kind of taken aback with what he’s saying behind our backs.

RNO: I would imagine so.

Ashley: Yeah, definitely. It’s kind of a shock.

RNO: If you could talk to him now, what would you say to him?

Ashley: Oh, man. Honestly, he played one hell of a game. He had me, so I think I’d congratulate him on playing such a good game with me. I don’t really have anything else to say to him because I’m kind of upset with everything he’s saying behind my back.

RNO: I can’t imagine why, just because he’s calling you a “dumb blonde” and the like!

Ashley: Right, right. At least my friends and family know I’m not dumb – it’s just the other millions of viewers. (Laughs.)

RNO: In your bio, you suggested that you would employ a flirting angle. Since we didn't see it, did you try it, and on whom?

Ashley: I actually did not go for that because everyone on my tribe had a significant other and I’m not that kind of girl – if someone’s taken, I’m not going to go that angle. I worked with what I got and that wasn’t something I was able to do.

RNO: We saw Shambo talking about how much she enjoyed going to Foa Foa. Did Foa Foa really enjoy Shambo’s visits to your camp?

Ashley: I personally love Shambo. It was so nice to have her over there. It was like this breath of fresh air. She’d help out the women and take us on these trips and show us these things the guys wouldn’t show us. I absolutely adore Shambo.

RNO: What was the most eye-opening thing you saw on TV that you didn’t know about while you were there?

Ashley: When Russell dumped out our water, I about had a heart attack. Seriously. Nobody had any idea when we woke up that morning and our water was gone. Nobody is going to point fingers and say, “You drank our water.” I thought somebody just drank mine. You’re trying to make your tribe strong, not weak. I could not grasp the concept of the strategy he was playing.

RNO: Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us about your time on Survivor?

Ashley: It was such an amazing experience and it breaks you down the worst – you feel absolutely horrible, but it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I’m pround of myself – with the situation I had with my tribe, I’m proud for how far I made it.

RNO: Why was it the best thing you’ve ever done?

Ashley: It gave me a new sense of independence. I believe in myself a lot more than I did before. I think I have a different outlook on life. You go in there with one outfit on your back and I realized I can do whatever I set my mind to.

RNO: Thanks again, Ashley!

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