Hunted contestants reveal surprising impact show had on their relationship

EXCLUSIVE: Byron and Tanase open up about their experience on the run.

In addition to hopefully winning $100,000, Hunted Australia contestants Byron and Tanase signed up for the reality show with the aim of repairing their relationship.

The South Australian-born siblings revealed on the series that while they had a tight bond growing up, they have drifted apart in recent years and hoped going on the run would bring them closer.

Hunted Australia’s Byron and Tanase.
Hunted Australia’s Byron and Tanase reveal how the show impacted their relationship. Photo: Channel 10

Speaking with Yahoo Lifestyle following their elimination, the pair admit the experience had a profound impact on their relationship.

“I think it's really brought us back together,” Tanase shares. “Because we've been away and we've shared this experience away from everyday life, we’ve been able to bond again and have fun like we used to and it really repaired our relationship in that way.

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“It's something that we needed, and who would have thought going on a reality TV show and being scared every day would help a relationship?”

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While they managed to evade the Hunters for the first week of filming, Byron and Tanase became extremely emotional when they were captured by surprise during Tuesday night’s episode.

“For me, it was the sadness at the end of this experience with Tanase, because it was such a special thing to do together,” Byron explains. “And obviously there was the pressure and the stress, but it was still a really beautiful memory and moment, so I was really upset about that. And I think we just had shared pain.”

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“There's a lot they don't show on TV and there's so much pressure every single day,” Tanase adds. “It's almost like an emotional relief [when you’re captured] because you're shocked, you’re devastated, you’re sad, there’s just so much going on.

“So I think in that moment, and I think doing it with my brother, there was just another level of intimacy and connection. It was just a roller coaster of emotions.”

Hunted Australia’s Byron and Tanase crying.
The pair teared up when they were captured during Tuesday night’s episode. Photo: Channel 10

'Keep pushing forward'

When asked to share their advice for future contestants, Byron recommends next year’s cast should use their burner phones “as intended”.

“Use it once, then get a new one every time,” he laughs, referring to their faux pas. “I also wish we knew a little bit more about number plate recognition because we were driving around in blissful ignorance.”

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“I would say also you have to be on the ball 24 hours a day,” Tanase adds. “I felt we dropped the ball because we got a bit complacent on that last day just because of other things, we had an argument and we were a bit tired.

“You can't let it drop, even if you're feeling tired. You have to keep pushing forward because the minute you drop, they smell weakness and that's when you'll be captured.”

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