Fans of Bachelor in Paradise were shocked to learn that Chris Conran and Alana Milne may have had a relationship before the show. Everything unfolded when Chris was caught sneaking a kiss with Alana, and fellow islanders suspected it wasn't the first time from the looks of things. Alana and Chris were ultimately sacrificed and left the island to protect Jessenia Cruz, but now fans are wondering how far back their relationship really goes.
As far as viewers and contestants knew, Chris and Jessenia were a likely match, and they had been developing their relationship on the show for a while. Neither Chris nor Jessenia made much progress in their respective seasons of The Bachelor and Bachelorette. Clearly, Jessenia had feelings for Chris after an earlier date they had caused her to immediately dump fellow Bachelor in Paradise contestant Ivan Hall. That all changed during the VIP party in which Chris was caught kissing Alana who many believe he was in a relationship with before the show.
For her part, Jessenia has made her relationship history with Chris very clear, telling Us Weekly in August 2021 that "there was absolutely no romantic relationship going on before the show even started." Meanwhile, Alana and Chris may be a very different story despite each denying any romantic history. That being said, many fans have given Alana a considerable amount of flack on social media, but she has continued to refute having had met Chris at all before the show.
After leaving the island, Chris and Alana initially called it quits. It's clear their abrupt departure wasn't the best way for a relationship to develop between the two. At the end of the episode, Chris wanted Alana to leave with him, but she clearly wasn't ready after the pair had only one date. Fortunately, Jessenia still has a shot on the island, and fans are wondering who she will date next.
Appearing on a recent episode of Bachelor Happy Hour, Alana revealed she has started dating Chris again. It seems the criticism the Bachelor in Paradise pair faced on social media has only solidified their relationship. Alana reported she has gone "on a bunch of dates" with him as they continue to support one another.
That being said, it's still not clear whether the two are actually in a relationship. It seems more likely they are currently friends but exploring the possibility of a more serious connection. Alana's hesitation may also be because the season is only partway through. Time will tell what happens next on Bachelor in Paradise.
Bachelor in Paradise airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Source: Us Weekly, Bachelor Happy Hour