‘Shocked’ Craig Conover speaks out after Paige DeSorbo breakup: ‘Have to start living my new normal’

Craig Conover has spoken out for the first time since Paige DeSorbo announced their breakup a week ago.

“This has all been very, very unexpected to say the least, but I guess life has to, I gotta start living again, whatever that looks like, whatever my new normal looks like, I have to start,” Conover said in an Instagram Story on Tuesday.

The “Southern Charm” star added that the split occurred “right before the holidays,” so he’s taken some time to process.

“I was very shocked, and it’s OK,” he admitted. “It takes two people to be in a relationship and can’t control other people.”

Conover confessed that he is “still processing” his new normal, which no longer includes his “best friend” who he talks to “everyday.”

He ended his message by encouraging fans to be “kind” to both DeSorbo and himself and thanked them for their messages of support.

DeSorbo, 32, stunned Bravo fans on Dec. 30 by revealing she and Conover, 36, had split after three years of dating.

“Craig and I have decided to no longer be together,” the “Summer House” star shared on her and Hannah Berner’s podcast, “Giggly Squad.”

DeSorbo clarified that there was no wrongdoing on either end, explaining that they had each simply grown and changed since they began dating in 2021.

“I love him. I think he loves me. I think we will remain friends,” she said. “No one did anything. It wasn’t a bad thing. I think we both were just being really mature and saying what we want and what we didn’t want, and I think that’s extremely powerful to be able to voice how you’re feeling in real time and what you want for your future.”

DeSorbo raved that she still has “so much love and respect” for Conover and referred to him as the “best boyfriend” she has ever had.

“I think he is one of the best people I’ve met in my entire life,” she continued. “I will remain the biggest fan for him and want the best for him, and he truly will get the best because he is the best. But, with that said, I think it is the right decision for both of us.”

DeSorbo also denied speculation that the Bravolebrities had previously split and were waiting for their respective reality TV shows to air to announce the news.

“No one can tell me what to do,” she said. “The network has power, but they don’t have that much power. So, that was not a real thing. Rumors of us breaking up months ago — again, also not a real thing.”

DeSorbo did not go into detail over the exact reason for their split nor when they decided to call it quits. However, Conover spent Thanksgiving with her and her family last month.

“He was a great boyfriend, and he did everything correct, and he never made me feel insecure or anything like that, so it almost is harder when no one’s done anything to be mad about, and that’s hard,” she continued.

The now-exes had previously spoken about the difficulties of having a long-distance relationship, since she lives in New York City and he resides in Charleston, SC.

However, Conover spoke to Page Six on Dec. 6 about the possibility of him moving to the Big Apple.

Page Six broke the news of the “Winter House” alums’ relationship in October 2021.