Community Corner

Dunedin Couple Stars in 'Marriage Boot Camp'

Kirsten Stiff Walker and Jeff Walker are veterans of the reality TV circuit. Still, they said that this latest stint was a challenge.

A Dunedin couple who are veterans of reality TV appear in a new series for We TV, called "Marriage Boot Camp: Bridezillas."

Kirsten Stiff Walker and her husband, Seth Walker, told the Tampa Bay Times that the money they earn from the reality series helps to pay therapy bills for their toddler, who has developmental challenges.

"Marriage Boot Camp" is described as an all-star edition of "Bridezilla," in which several couples live together in a large house and try to thrash out their differences – all before intrusive TV cameras.

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According to the TV show's website, "Boot Camp" places five former bridezillas  together (with their hubbies) in a last-ditch effort to save their marriages. The show airs at 9 p.m. on Friday nights. This is Season 1.

If the Walkers seem familiar, well, they are. They appeared in "Bridezillas" in 2009 and on "Bridezilla" updates. Then they were on "Judge Heanine Pirro" regarding a dispute with the band from their wedding.

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Even though their marriage is young, the couple passed through TV's "Divorce Court." And, back in 2007, Kirsten made her reality TV debut on "American Princess." She describes herself as a dancer and actress.

Yet the Walkers' stint on "Marriage Boot Camp" may bring them their most celebrity yet.

The show debuted May 31, and includes confessional videos, with participants saying what they really feel about each other.

Kirsten Stiff Walker emerges as an unpopular wife who is talked about behind her back and who eavesdrops on others. The camera seems to focus on her drinking, as do other members of the show.

Whether all this drama is just part of the show, or is, in fact, reality, is not clear.

Indeed 34-year-old Kirsten – who has a big, bold personality – seems to attract a cult following of TV watchers who can't seem to get enough of her.

The viewing public seems fascinated – and sometimes appalled – by the TV couple. More importantly, they talk to Kirsten online like they've known her since high school.

AquaSeaShells91 wrote on YouTube:  "BTW, Kirsten. The reason Seth doesn't show affection is because he's afraid of you!"

That is one of the more tame remarks. (See the "Boot Camp" YouTube videos.)

Yet in a Hollywood kind of way, all this negative attention adds to Kirsten's star appeal.

Kirsten told The Tampa Bay Times that she is not rushing to do future "house" reality shows, though she is not ruling out the genre of reality TV altogether. For more on Kirsten Stiff Walker, see her Facebook Page.

What do you think of "Marriage Boot Camp" and of Seth and Kirsten Stiff Walker of Dunedin? Leave your comments below!

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