Dylan Efron, a former winner of “The Traitors,” faced strategic challenges on “Dancing With the Stars” influenced by advice from fellow reality TV star Boston Rob Mariano. Efron, among the finalists competing for the Mirrorball Trophy, revealed how Mariano’s approach, honed through years of “Survivor” gameplay, shaped his decisions during the competition.

During a recent interview, Efron detailed conversations with Mariano, known for his cutthroat strategies on “Survivor.” Mariano reportedly offered Efron advice on navigating the DWTS landscape, emphasizing the importance of understanding the judges' preferences and strategically leveraging his performances to gain an advantage. These suggestions, while helpful, were described by Efron as “brutal” due to their direct and competitive nature.

Efron's experience on “The Traitors” demonstrated his ability to excel in strategic environments, ultimately leading to his victory. Bringing that skillset to “Dancing With the Stars,” he aimed to apply similar principles, albeit within the context of ballroom dancing and audience appeal. Mariano's insights provided a unique perspective, drawing parallels between the social maneuvering of reality competitions and the performance-based pressures of DWTS.

The influence of Mariano’s “Survivor” mindset highlights the intersection of different reality TV genres and the transferability of strategic thinking across various competitive formats. Efron’s journey on DWTS showcases how experience in one type of reality show can inform and shape performance in another, even one as seemingly disparate as ballroom dancing.