Despite the glitz and demanding schedule of Dancing with the Stars, contestant Dylan Efron candidly reveals that the true strain of the competition falls more heavily on his long-term girlfriend, Courtney King. However, their relationship, rooted in a private high school romance, continues to thrive amidst the challenges, built on mutual understanding and unwavering support.
The spotlight on Dancing with the Stars often illuminates the incredible transformations and emotional journeys of its celebrity contestants. But for Dylan Efron, the current season has shed light on a different kind of challenge: the impact of the demanding competition on his personal life and, specifically, his relationship with long-term girlfriend, Courtney King.
Efron, 33, who has seen his public profile rise significantly this past year with a winning stint on The Traitors and his successful partnership with Daniella Karagach on DWTS, recently opened up about the hidden toll of his newfound commitments. He admits that while the show is undoubtedly tough on him, it’s even more so on Courtney.
The Unseen Toll of the Ballroom
In a candid discussion on the “Viall Files” podcast, Efron detailed the reasons behind his perspective. His intense schedule requires him to be in the rehearsal studio for “five hours a day,” leading to mental and physical exhaustion. “My brain’s mush, my body hurts,” he confessed, explaining that these repercussions leave Courtney to navigate many aspects of their shared life on her own.
Adding to the strain, Efron has temporarily relocated, “living outside of our Manhattan Beach place right now, closer to where the studio is.” This physical distance, combined with his demanding schedule, makes juggling the relationship and the competition a significant challenge. “It’s trying right now,” he admitted, echoing the sentiment across multiple reports, including one from Parade.
Courtney King: The Unsung Pillar of Support
Despite the difficulties, Efron is quick to emphasize the strength and resilience of their bond. He describes Courtney as “so supportive,” highlighting her understanding of the temporary nature of his intense schedule. “She knows I love her, 100 percent,” he stated. “So it’s like, we know it’s all temporary, so that’s why I don’t think anything’s really changed. I know it’s hard for us right now, but we’re still where we are. We still love each other and, yeah, we’re in a great place.”
Their relationship dates back to high school, a foundation that seems to equip them well for navigating the pressures of public life. Unlike Efron, Courtney maintains a largely private existence, working a regular 40-hour-a-week job and staying off social media. This dynamic, Efron explained in a previous “Viall Files” appearance, “works out really well” for them.
Navigating Fame and Privacy
Efron assures fans that despite his rising fame, the core of their relationship remains unchanged. He isn’t “hiding her from the world or anything”; rather, Courtney simply “doesn’t really like being on camera”; but “understands the job, all that stuff.” In fact, Efron credits Courtney with introducing him to the “Viall Files” podcast itself, showing how deeply intertwined their lives are, even with her preference for privacy.
One positive adaptation to Efron’s increased public visibility has been their ability to travel together more frequently. “The cool thing that’s changed is we started traveling together a lot more,” he shared. “Like, for a lot of these trips I’ll do with brands or whatever, I get to bring her with me. I think incorporating her more into that has helped our relationship a lot.” This shared experience allows them to connect and enjoy new adventures amidst his busy schedule.
A Future Beyond the Dance Floor
Looking ahead, Efron hinted at significant milestones for their future together. When asked about a potential proposal, he offered a teasing but positive response: “She knows the answer. We’re working on it.” He praises Courtney’s down-to-earth nature, noting that at 33, neither of them is imposing strict deadlines on such decisions. This patient approach speaks volumes about the depth of their understanding and commitment.
Moreover, Efron openly shared his desire to start a family. “I am looking for that next chapter. I want kids. Definitely,” he revealed with enthusiasm. His experience as an uncle to his 4 and 5-year-old brother and sister has solidified this aspiration, allowing him to witness “the joy of them growing up” and envisioning that for himself. It’s clear that while the competition occupies his present, his sights are firmly set on a long-term future with Courtney.
The Enduring Power of Partnership
As Dylan Efron continues his journey on Dancing with the Stars, his story offers a valuable glimpse into the personal sacrifices and steadfast support required behind the scenes of celebrity life. His transparency about the challenges, coupled with his unwavering affirmation of his relationship with Courtney King, underscores the strength of their partnership. Their high school sweetheart romance, built on mutual respect, privacy, and shared dreams, proves capable of navigating even the most demanding of public stages.
