‘The Challenge’ Stars Jenna Compono and Zach Nichols Announce Pregnancy: ‘Never Been This Excited’
The Challenge stars Zach Nichols and Jenna Compono got engaged in 2019 after dating on-and-off for a few years. However, the couple had to postpone their Feb. 2020 wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though they initially planned on starting a family after getting married, they chose to “start the next chapter” due to the marital delays. On Valentine’s Day 2021, the couple announced they are expecting their first child.
Zach Nichols and Jenna Compono relationship
Rookie Jenna Compono met one-time champ Zach Nichols as they competed in Battle of the Exes II (2014) alongside their exes. Regardless of the weird situation, the two ended up falling for each other and began a romantic relationship shortly after filming wrapped.
While Nichols stayed home, Compono returned for Battle of the Bloodlines and Rivals III. During Rivals III, she found out he cheated on her because he called her another girl’s name when she phoned him, causing the two to split.
They returned for Invasion of the Champions (2017), although he later joined the cast as part of a twist. The two attempted to rekindle their romance, but a contestant spread a rumor that she hooked up with another contestant before he arrived. Nonetheless, they reunited following the season and haven’t broken up since.
After moving in and adopting dogs together, Compono returned for Total Madness while he stayed home. During filming, Nichols found out she texted someone else supposedly while they were together and threatened to end their relationship. However, they got over it, and he proposed in Dec. 2019.
Compono won’t return to the show, Nichols might
Following her engagement, the Real World star noted she likely wouldn’t return for another season as she wants to focus on getting married and starting a family.
Compono has previously stated she planned on having kids, anywhere from six to eight, immediately after a wedding. The two initially set a date for Feb. 2020 but had to postpone it for the same date of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even though she doesn’t plan to compete in the near future, she said Nichols would likely return during an interview with the Challenge Mania podcast.
The nine-time competitor noted the money and possibility to win the grand prize would be hard to turn down, although he hasn’t fully committed to returning yet.
Compono and Nichols pregnant with first child
On Valentine’s Day 2021, the couple announced their pregnancy with their first child in an Instagram photo shoot featuring baby Nichols’ sonogram. Compono explained they chose to “start the next chapter” following the postponement of their wedding and were able to conceive on the “first try.”
She also revealed she’s past her first trimester and will expect their baby in Aug. 2021. Nichols shared the same photos to his Instagram account, noting he’s “never been this excited” and can’t wait to meet their child.
The engaged couple has already started a social media account for their baby and to share their pregnancy journey. Several co-stars congratulated the couple, including Britni Thornton, Hunter Barfield, Tori Deal, Gus Smyrnios, Angela Babicz, and Kailah Casillas.
The Challenge 36 airs Wednesdays at 8/7 Central on MTV.
