When we caught up with Katy Johnson, the gorgeous Clifton Shores starlet, she revealed to us that she’s currently in France – taking some what of a break from her crazy work schedule. We chat to Katy about love, life and living large!

What made you decide to be a part of Clifton Shores?

I thought it would be an amazing experience! No matter what happened, It could have been a once in a lifetime opportunity. I love to travel, meet new people and learn new ways of life, so this was right up my alley.

I think I’m very good at the work I do, I’ve been throwing parties for big celebs and hosting them for a long time, I thought I would really be a great fit for the job. I’ve also worked with some of the top clubs in LA so I was thrilled for a new challenge in a new city.

What had you heard about SA before you got here?

Honestly…a lot of negative things, only spoken by ignorant people that haven’t travelled nor know anything about South Africa! I heard how poor it was and how dangerous it was. I was told to be careful not to get Aids…it was such ignorant and silly stuff.

Not many people realise that Cape Town is absolutely beautiful and yes, of course there is an element of poor but there is also a really awesome lifestyle filled with really glamorous people and events. I look forward to people seeing just how amazing South Africa and Cape Town really is.

What was your favourite part about SA?

The Scenery – I always tell people that, although I’ve travelled to many places in the world I still say Cape Town takes the trophy for being the most beautiful! You have the mountains, beaches; sunsets…it’s truly stunning!

I also loved being in Sun City and seeing the bush and the animals. The sunrises were magical! You South Africans are truly blessed to live and wake up to such a beautiful place!

Are you currently dating anyone?

I’ve had a boyfriend for just over two years; we live together in France while he plays rugby here. His name is Max Evans. He’s an amazing guy and I love him dearly! He’s the total package and I’m a lucky lady.

South African men versus American men – who’s hotter?

Well, I had a boyfriend the whole time I was in South Africa so I wasn’t really out much. I was Skyping him a lot. BUT…my boyfriend is half South African, half English so maybe that tells you something! He’s amazing and very good looking. I always say that if we ever broke up – although I don’t plan on ever breaking up with my guy – I don’t think I’d date another American guy again!

Clifton shores….is what we’re seeing 100% real?

You are seeing real reactions. Sometimes we were put in situations and manipulated but the reactions you see from us are real! There is or never was any script. Ever. However, there are story lines that come about or are manipulated a little, pushed and edited in certain ways.

Again on that subject though, this was never a “scripted” TV show like many think. If a scene looks “staged” as many say then it was staged. The production would obviously have us sit down and speak to the people we may be fought with the day before off camera – they wanted to really show what was going on so that the stories and episodes would make sense.

We shot 12 to 14 hours a day sometimes but stuff still happened a lot off camera that we then would want to discuss on camera. But then the audience would be like, “Ok what are they talking about?” So we really needed to show what was always going on.

How many episodes of the show have you watched?

I have seen the first nine episodes I think I’m really looking forward to seeing the last episode – it’s so intense, thrilling and very unexpected. It will definitely be something people will be talking a lot about that’s for sure!

What do we have to look forward to from the rest of the season?

A lot of drama, a lot of relationships changes and struggles – some new relationships are formed as well. You will also see many stunning places we visit, the fun things we do, and also some nice charities and events. I really hope people don’t just judge the show on the first episode. It really gets juicy as you go on!

What was your favourite moment on the show?

I just loved being able to be myself. I could always be honest on how I felt. I was the only one who would say how I felt. A lot of girls would complain about the others behind their backs but then be buddies face-to-face. I’m not like that. I’m not a fake girl at all. If I like you I will have your back always and protect you but, if you cross me or hurt me then I can be a really mean girl.

I see so many girls trying to be something they aren’t and that’s really irritating for me. If I’m a b*tch then at least I can admit it and take responsibility for it! I hate people who always act like victims in situations! It’s just a total cry for attention. At the end of day just be real and be you!

When it comes to friendships – who do you form the closest bond with and why?

I don’t want to say too much, however you will see people who seem to be friends and then that changes…..You have to tune in to find out!

What have you learned about fame?

Well, I wouldn’t really say I’m famous, but if I ever did become really well known I think I would always stay as modest as possible and as humble as possible. My parents taught me well and always tell me to never forget where I came from and so I never will.

There are ups and downs in being in the entertainment business and I’ve experienced those hardships of being a struggling model and actress living in a tiny apartment in LA with no money, so I will always remember those times. I always say “be careful how you treat people on the way up because you never know when you will be on your way down.” I think this is a great quote to live by that a lot of people forget!

When it comes to paparazzi – do you find that you are hounded by them? And if so, how do you deal with them?

It’s not bad yet as far as them following me around, however, I have had a lot of gossip mags in the UK follow me on Twitter and then write stories about what I tweet about or the photos I tweet. I guess that also comes with dating an international rugby star from the UK as well. Most stories are about the two of us or photos of the two of us!

What new projects do you have lined up?

At the moment I’ve been doing a lot of modelling and print work and working on my suicide awareness website….That itself is time consuming. It’s also been harder for me to work in France as I need to be in LA. In the New Year I will go back to LA and start my acting again – I really miss it! I will also be doing some presenting up in Scotland later this year again as I did last year for Celtic Quick news and Karbon TV. I just love being in front of the camera!

By Lauren Lee