“We’re just both naturally flirty people.”

Kirby Bentley and Parvati Shallow were dubbed “the game’s most powerful couple” by host Jonathan LaPaglia during a Survivor: Australia v The World promo — and when their alliance was cemented in episode 6, it sparked a wave of fans shipping the duo.

“Kirby not being afraid of me is the strongest aphrodisiac,” Parvati teased in a production-led interview.

Viewers quickly picked up on the chemistry, with one Reddit user admitting they felt “very aggrieved by the short-lived queer romance,” while another confessed, “I would have lived for the Parvati/Kirby power couple and borderline showmance.”

But the partnership was short-lived. In the very same episode, Parvati blindsided Kirby, sending her home. When asked whether there was a spark between herself and Parvati — or if it was a strategic move — Kirby told Chattr that their vibe came naturally.

“I think we’re just both naturally flirty people. I think that’s her gameplay as well as it is a part of my gameplay. And whether or not that was real at the time, it’s hard to say what was real when you are playing a game like that. So it does look fun and flirty, which is, I think, what the people wanted,” she laughed.

She added that there was “definitely” a genuine friendship between herself and Parvati.
Parvati and Kirby on Australian Survivor 2025. Image: Ten.

Where does Parvati and Kirby’s friendship stand post-Australian Survivor?

Although Parvati did the one thing Kirby asked her not to — blindsiding her — Kirby told Chattr that she has no resentment toward the five-time Survivor player, adding that they’re still friends now.

“It’s all a part of the game, and nothing is ever personal,” she said. “We check in all the time. She’s a boss, she’s a powerful woman, and is successful in all that she does.”

“I’m friends with everyone, it’s just the game. We know what we’re signing up for. We know we’re going out there to play this game, and there are lies and backstabbing and blindsides and everything, and I’ve experienced that.

“But, on the day, we step away, and we’re still human, and we still are our own selves. So yeah, I’d like to think Parv and I are mates, and I think whoever voted me off, we’re still friends, I hope we are,” she said.

Our Australian Survivor princess is all class!