Eva Marcille: Morocco trip for Special Forces far different from shelved RHUGT season
Real Housewives alum Eva Marcille contrasts the desert challenges of FOX's Special Forces with the unreleased RHUGT season, sharing lessons about strength and camaraderie.
Eva Marcille says her return to Morocco for FOX's Special Forces: World's Toughest Test was markedly different from filming Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip in the same country, the shelved RHUGT season tied to a controversy involving Brandi Glanville and Caroline Manzo.
On Special Forces, she faced harsh terrain and heat, including the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara, with tasks like clinging to the side of a helicopter. She said the conditions are a far cry from the social dynamics of RHUGT, noting there is no room for cattiness and the focus is on endurance and teamwork.
Marcille credited Bravo for introducing her to Morocco, saying her prior exposure to the country helped her prepare for the challenges. She highlighted that her eldest brother served in the Marines and that her father did three tours in Vietnam, and that their military experience shaped her mindset for the show. She also said that her brother advised her that nothing lasts forever and to keep pushing through hard moments.
She described forming bonds with teammates such as Jussie Smollett, Kody Brown and Chanel Iman. A moment when Smollett supported her during a panic attack helped cement their camaraderie, while she found motivation in Brown's resolve and Iman's strength.
Marcille said the experience revealed her own strength, insisting she did not know how strong she could be and that she became more determined than she previously thought.
She cited Kenya Moore and Cam Newton as inspirations, noting that success on the competition show required more than physical power and demanded mental and emotional resilience as well.
Bravo bonds also emerged with Teresa Giudice and her daughter Gia, who joined the cast. Marcille said their relationship grew through the experience and that the two became closer during the mission.
Special Forces: World's Toughest Test airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FOX, with Season 4 continuing the format of pushing celebrities through military-style challenges.
Marcille concluded by reflecting that the experience was a test of resilience and a reminder that real strength often comes from teamwork and perseverance rather than glamor.