Mark Estes gushes over Sommer Ray after Cavallari split as he promotes Special Forces Season 4

Mark Estes says his romance with fitness influencer Sommer Ray is “going awesome” as he promotes Season 4 of Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. In an exclusive interview with Page Six’s Virtual Reali-Tea, the former Montana State football player opened up about how his relationship is progressing after last year’s high-profile split from Kristin Cavallari. The 25-year-old reality star described the relationship as special, noting that they click very well and understand each other without needing constant discussion.

“It started there,” he said of sliding into Ray’s DMs on social media. “We click very well.” Estes described Ray as a constant in his life who shares a strong sense of timing and understanding, adding that their bond feels deeper than past romances. The couple’s romance has unfolded in a public eye, but Estes framed it as a meaningful connection that extends beyond the typical headlines that can accompany celebrity dating.

Ray, 29, is one of the most recognizable fitness influencers in the world, with more than 26 million Instagram followers, a viral workout empire and her own activewear line. While she has been connected to high-profile names in the past—including Machine Gun Kelly—Estes stressed that their bond is built on something deeper and values her strength in and out of the gym. This marks Estes’ first public romance since ending his seven-month relationship with Cavallari last year. Cavallari later addressed the split on her Let’s Be Honest podcast, candidly explaining that the pair were in “different places” in life and that there were no hard feelings, wishing him the best.

Estes also noted Ray’s potential as a teammate in the harsh conditions of Special Forces, which is filmed in Morocco and overseen by former special operators. Season 4 assembles a stacked cast that includes Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice and Eva Marcille, Barstool Podcaster Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, Sister Wives patriarch Kody Brown and actor Jussie Smollett, among others. Under the supervision of real ex-special forces operatives, the participants navigate a grueling sequence of physical and emotional challenges designed to push them to the limit. Season 4 premieres Thursday, Sept. 25, at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

In the broader context of the franchise’s fourth installment, Estes emphasized that his new relationship does not hinge on a single moment or headline; rather, he described a connection that aligns with his life and career trajectory as he continues to balance the spotlight with personal happiness. The ongoing narrative around his relationships has often intersected with his television journey, but Estes has consistently pointed to the present as a positive pivot point for him.

As the show gears up for its fourth season, fans will watch how Estes handles the competition alongside a diverse group of celebrities, whose backgrounds range from reality television to sports and entertainment. The dynamic between Estes and Ray—should it endure—could become a talking point as viewers observe how they support each other through the season’s demanding ordeals. The program’s premise remains rooted in authentic physical and mental tests, with a format that seeks to reveal who can persevere in extreme conditions under the supervision of navigating veterans of special forces.

While Ray’s public profile continues to grow, this relationship marks a turning point for Estes as he moves forward after Cavallari’s public reflection on their split. The season’s star-studded roster and Morocco-set challenges promise a high-stakes backdrop for the couple’s narrative, even as they pursue their own separate professional paths within the realm of reality television.