“Bachelor in Paradise” bartender Wells Adams on the premiere's toe-sucking love triangle
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Each week, Bachelor in Paradise bartender/de facto therapist Wells Adams will share his insights about the latest ridiculous happenings on the beach. This week, Wells explains how he preps for Paradise, talks toe-sucking etiquette, and teases what to expect from the Paradise Truth Box.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: First off, this is your fifth season behind the bar. What's on your must-pack list for Paradise?
WELLS ADAMS: Listerine strips! You don't want dragon breath when you're going in for the big kiss. Sunscreen. Every year someone turns into a lobster, and no one wants to hook up with the person that is shedding like a lizard.
But most importantly, an open mind. I tell the group every year, "Whatever you think your type is, it isn't, 'cuz if you were right about what you thought you wanted in a partner, you probably wouldn't be here. So keep an open mind. The best relationships that have come out of Paradise are always the ones that no one could see coming.
What drink were you making the most on night one of Paradise?
I think it was tequila shots and margaritas. But everyone's favorite drink by the end of paradise is always the "Jorge Special." That was Jorge's (the original bartender) special drink, and everyone loves it. It's basically a vodka soda with a splash of Sprite and cucumbers. It's really refreshing on those hot days.
In general, how do you handle all the second-hand embarrassment? I'm cringing while watching from home — but you're right in the midst of all the ridiculousness!
Usually I just slowly bend down below the bar and wait for it to finish. Or I sit back and try not to laugh. But mainly, I'll try to pull whoever is in an awkward spot aside and attempt to help them out. I don't want anyone to feel embarrassed.
ABC Wells Adams raises a glass on 'Bachelor in Paradise'
Host Jesse Palmer told us that unlike the contestants, he stays somewhere with air conditioning. Does that luxury extend to you, or do they make you sleep under the bar?
Well, poor Jesse needs AC. But yes, I have AC in my room. And I am forever grateful for it!
Will fell in the pool during his date with Kylee. Do you think that was clumsiness, or karmic retribution for telling Olivia he'd suck her toes but then accepting a date from Kylee?
Ugh, I felt soooo bad for him when he came back and told me that story. Will is such a sweet guy and you could tell he was really embarrassed. But I calmed him down with a stiff drink and the reminder that very few people have such a great "meet-cute" moment on the show.
ABC Will takes a tumble
Speaking of Will and Olivia, on a scale of horrible to God-awful, how would you rate the idea of toe-sucking on a first date?
Listen, I'm not one to kink-shame anyone. Never yuck anyone's yum! But with that being said, I think we are going to need some stronger cleaning agents to wash off those feet than the ocean. So, yeah, sure... if you wanna suck on some toes on your first date, go for it! But let's just get some bleach and a pumice stone first.
Finally, give us a tease of what viewers can expect from the Paradise Truth Box.
Well, I think it will give the viewers a better understanding of how people really feel when they can be honest about things in the safety of anonymity. It's going to cause a lot of chaos. But I think in the end, it will help couples get to where they need to be if they really want to take their relationship to the next level. Viewers are also probably going to see me fixing it a bunch, 'cuz people keep breaking it!
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Bachelor in Paradise airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
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