OWN
Going on vacation with a new romantic interest can make or break a relationship, as a change of scenery will likely either strengthen a love connection or expose its weaknesses.
For the budding couples on “Ready to Love,” a getaway to a massive Philadelphia mansion proves to be a prime place to test their relationships.
On Season 10 of OWN’s longest-running dating series, which exclusively features Black singles in their 30s and 40s, 20 eligible bachelors and bachelorettes share a home in the City of Brotherly Love as they search for a potential partner in their pool of housemates.
Comedian, actor, and show host Tommy Miles, 58, pops in each week with a fresh dating challenge, and after, the cast votes to eliminate anyone who they perceive is not ready to love.
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In an exclusive clip from the upcoming episode titled “Tommy’s Getaway,” Miles whisks away the remaining singles to a sprawling abode so they can deepen their bonds with one another—or decide to follow their hearts elsewhere.
Bartender Angla “Angie” Walls, 40, has so far had a strong affinity for contestant Husieen Edmonds, 42, though it’s the vacation home that appears to trigger love at first sight.
“Oh my God, the house is beautiful,” says Walls. “The windows are from the ceiling to the floor. Then there’s the pool. So many different rooms. I was just blown away.”
The floor-to-ceiling windows Walls refers to line the living room and look out to lush greenery. Above them, sleek wood paneling covers the peaked ceiling, and two patterned couches that flank a large rectangular coffee table invite guests to congregate.
The backyard pool is surrounded by a manicured lawn and plenty of mature trees that provide privacy for whoever strips down to a swimsuit for sunbathing on the pool deck’s lounge chairs.
Back inside, a monumental stone fireplace commands attention and is offset by a delicate white chandelier that drops down over a long wooden kitchen table. There’s a second casual seating area with another, smaller stone fireplace, inset shelving to the side, and a smattering of framed art on the white walls. It’s a mostly light and airy color palette, though warm-toned accents create a welcoming atmosphere throughout, and the singles immediately feel ready to mingle there.
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Upon arrival, the cast gathers around a large kitchen island with multiple white pennant lights hanging above. Behind them, a stainless steel double refrigerator and bar area stocked with stemware are visible as they start to stake out their sleeping quarters.
“Let’s try to unpack and change our clothes so we can get this party started, unwind, right?,” says one contestant, as another chimes in, “Let’s all find our room, let’s do that.”
They disperse down a modern wooden staircase and through a maze of white-walled hallways in a race to claim their space.
Nurse anesthetist Takesha “Tae” Hedgman, 35, appears to be looking for the one, as in a room with one single bed.
“I’m going, OK? I’m out,” says Hedgman, as she dismisses all the double occupancy spots and declares, “I’m trying to find the best room.”
One room is sparsely furnished but has a great view of the outdoors from a wood-trimmed window. Another has a similar window setup, wood floors, and two beds, but boasts standout decor: Strings of colorful pompoms and other tapestries are strewn along the walls.
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As contestants continue to wander the grounds looking for a place to rest their heads, firefighter Deona Green, 35, calls out to her crush, 31-year-old roofing company vice president Calil Clark.
“Calil! Come!” shouts Green, as she beckons him to a room with two beds, two windows, and a custom blue built-in shelving and desk unit that spans a wall.
“It’s lit,” declares Clark. “Yeah, it’s lit.”
Green and Clark seem to settle inside the room together, which leads Green to contemplate whether she wants to share a love nest with Clark forever—or continue to spread her wings.
“Tommy putting us in the house for two days, I’m like, what the f–k?” admits Green. “I’m nervous a little bit because I’m still trying to get to know Calil. The rest of the guys, that’s a gray area so I’m still trying to feel that out.”
“Ready to Love” airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on OWN.