For our July cover story, we got to chat with the beauty that is Emily Miller. Known as one of the rule breakers on Netflix’s hit dating show Too Hot to Handle, for many Emily’s life on social media might not seem relatable but her personality couldn’t be more different. 

We had the pleasure of talking to her about her reality TV experience, navigating real-life romance off screen and why having such a big platform has allowed her to help some of her 2.1 million followers during some of her darkest and scariest moments in life. 

First things first, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I watched Too Hot to Handle. Why do you think it differs from other romance reality TV shows? 

I think it’s a very fast-paced TV show, making it the perfect hangover cure. There’s a lot more action and tension because we’re being told we can’t do something, so naturally we want to do it and break all the rules.

Is there anything you can share about the show that you think would surprise fans? 

It’s such a shame they didn’t film us when we were eating our meals together as a group. For all of us, those moments were the funniest. Cam and I would have a cheeky fondle under the table or by the dishwasher. But it would 100% go against the prize fund if we got caught. 

Lana does know everything. Do you miss your time in the villa?

I do because you’re in your own little bubble. No social media or outside drama. It was great. Having your bed made, and clothes washed felt pretty good too. 

You and your boyfriend Cam are proof you can meet someone on these shows and make it out the other end. What’s the best piece of relationship advice you’ve followed?

Communication is key. Cam and I still struggle with this sometimes as well. There’s always those days when I’m in a mood. I should tell him what’s going on, but I’m stubborn. It’s so easy to see our relationship as perfect online, but no relationship is. There’s stuff that goes on behind closed doors. 

As an influencer with a huge following, what do you think people should know?

You know I’ve never been asked this before. I guess it’s the cliche thing that we only post what we want people to see. That being said, you have to keep it real. Even on social media, I never put a filter on. People have seen me and followed me in all my glory on Too Hot to Handle, and they’ve followed me because they like me as a person through the good and bad times. There’s no point trying to be fake.

Is that what made you want to share your ectopic pregnancy experience with your followers on Instagram?

I’ve always been an open book. My mum used to say I need to stop being so vocal and keep things to myself, but I’ve never really believed in that. I’m all about realness. When all of this happened, I was going to go off social media for a week, and I knew people would start to wonder what was going on and possibly make up my own narrative for me. My manager and people around me thought it would be good for me to share my story in a month. I remember saying to them, why. It’s happening right now, and I want to share it. 

Having a platform made me realise I could end up helping someone who’s going through the same thing and I actually have. I feel so good about that. It’s terrifying to think that if I was going through my situation in America right now I might not be here to tell the tale. 

We love that you’re putting more information about the issue out there. It’s clear you're dedicated to helping people in the best way you can. What else are you passionate about? 

I love animals. That’s one of the reasons I’m so happy to be back at my mum’s because I get to be with my dog. I volunteer when I travel, going to sanctuaries etc. I went to Morocco recently with Cam and made him travel 12 hours on a train to go to a dog sanctuary. 

That’s true love. What else do you have planned for 2022? 

I’m shooting one of my biggest campaigns to date with Oh Polly in LA, which I am so excited about. And then I have a second campaign coming out soon, which I can’t speak about yet but I’m thrilled. All of this is what I’ve dreamt of doing way before I knew I was going to be on TV. I’m buzzing around what 2022 has in store.