Joe Bradley And Maddi Reese Detailed Moving Out Of The Friend Zone And Into A Relationship “Timing Was Everything”

Joe Bradley is out of Maddi Reese‘s friend zone, and the Southern Hospitality stars are living their best lives as Bravo TV‘s newest power couple.

Who are they to fight The Alchemy?

Maddi had the revelation that Mr. Right was under her nose after her breakup from Trevor Stokes. “There was no one I trusted more than Joe and our friendship.” While she noted the risk of dating someone you work so well with, she decided, Joe was “worth the risk.”

Maddi and Joe dating explained that their relationship “just kind of naturally happened.” Joe “knew we had a connection. The timing was definitely in our favor.” Maddi agreed. “I definitely think the timing was everything.”

Joe acknowledged he “needed to grow and Maddi needed to heal. As soon as those two things happened, we started hanging out every day, and it developed naturally.”

Joe and Maddi have history:

Maddy reminded the audience, “We’ve known each other so long. There was already that trust built and established.”

Joe added, “We know each other’s flaws.” He also noted, “She’s seen me at my worst. I feel like I can be myself around her, which was always hard for me.”

Breaking out of the friend zone:

Joe knew it wasn’t “too farfetched” for him and Maddi to end up together. “I knew the way we looked at each other, even when we were friends, that there was a connection. Little things built up over time, so when she kissed me I wasn’t as surprised. I was like, ‘Finally.’ It just felt right.”

The VIP Host-turned-manager continued, “My biggest concern was not letting it go too fast. I didn’t want this to be a rebound [after Maddi’s last relationship].”

“I want this to be forever,” declared Joe. “That’s always how I’ve looked at Maddi.” He knew if he could “wait three and a half years,” he could “wait a few more months to make sure she’s ready.”

Since Maddi’s been in a committed relationship on camera, she went into her relationship with Joe with that perspective. “It can get chaotic. Having time to really develop our relationship was beautiful.”

Maddi and Joe Bradley didn’t want to spoil the season, but another Bravolebrity put a wrench in their plan:

To be clear, there are two Joe Bradley’s on Bravo. There’s Joe Bradley from Southern Hospitality and Joe Bradley from Below Deck.

Below Deck’s Joe Bradley hinted on Watch What Happens Live that Southern Hospitality’s Joe Bradley and Maddi were dating. Unfortunately for the Republic employees, they wanted to keep their relationship quiet … for a while.

Maddi was like, “God dang it!” Joe chimed in, “We’ve done such a good job of not posting because we do care about the show and the viewers.”

I’d like to state, for the record, that Joe and Maddi will be Bravo’s next Paige and Craig … with a happier ending.