Survivor

Benjamin “Coach” Wade’s Marriage and secret love life just got fans talking — What we know about the four-time returnee’s love life … including the Jerri Manthey rumors.

Benjamin 'Coach' Wade and Jessica Newton
Benjamin Wade/Instagram

Benjamin “Coach” Wade remains one of the most unforgettable figures in Survivor history, so it makes sense that he’s been called back for a fourth run in Season 50. Coach first appeared in Season 18 in 2009, returned for Season 20 a year later, and then made it all the way to the end in Season 23 in 2011, finishing in second place after coming incredibly close to victory.

Now, he’s back for another shot at redemption, and from the previews and preseason interviews, the self-described “dragonslayer” looks ready to deliver the same big, eccentric personality fans remember.

But what about life away from the island? Coach has a wife and family waiting at home, and we’ve rounded up everything there is to know about them. We’re also breaking down the buzz around those Jerri Manthey romance rumors.

READ MORE: Remembering the 17 Survivor Contestants Who Have Died Since Competing on the Show

Who is Coach’s wife?

Coach is married to Jessica Newton. The couple wed on December 31, 2011. To mark their 10th anniversary, Coach shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, “10 years ago you took a chance on us and eloped with a selfish arrogant man. Today our growth symbolizes all that love should be. Love is empowering, when you find the right one. Never degrading, rarely selfish, always allowing freedom and forever giving purpose. Thank you for taking that chance @jessicanewtonwade_. Happy New Year and Happy 10th anniversary 💖.”

After their elopement, the pair appeared to celebrate an official wedding ceremony in July 2013, which Coach later recognized in another anniversary post. “You can have your cake and eat it too fellas,” he gushed. “Marriage is frigging AWESOME! Happy 10th anniversary.”

Jessica runs J&J Performing Arts dance studio. She grew up dancing, launched her studio at just 18, and has performed around the world in numerous productions.

Does Coach have kids?

Yes. Coach and Jessica share two children together. Their daughter, Lenna, was born in May 2014, and their son, Bekston, arrived in October 2016.

Jessica also has a son, Avvan, from a previous relationship. He was born in February 2009.

Related: ‘Survivor’ Star Speaks Out About Secret Showmance Rumor

Did Coach date Jerri Manthey?

No, Coach and Manthey never officially dated, though they did share a brief flirtation during Season 20 of Survivor. Both were on the Villains tribe and were aligned early in the game, which led some castmates to tease them about what was going on between them. Still, nothing ever happened, Coach later explained after his elimination.

“We really hit it off,” he admitted. “I looked like a little school boy peeking over the bushes, flirting with her. There were a couple of times when Jerri and I, you could feel it, it was like, ‘OK, I think we’re about ready to kiss.’ But there were cameras around so we wouldn’t. I think it is very tough to start a relationship out there.”

Meanwhile, Manthey said her flirting with Coach was part of the game. “I find Coach to be a very fascinating person,” she admitted. “And I knew going into the game that he was a very loyal, honest person. And those are the kinds of people you really want to keep around you in Survivor. So, I made it a point to bond with him immediately. I just didn’t realize I was going to have such a strong effect on him.”

At the time, she said she was “looking forward to getting to know Coach outside of the game,” but nothing came of it once filming wrapped.

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