In the world of The Bold and the Beautiful, love is rarely simple. Affairs erupt like California brushfires, heartbreak is practically a weekday tradition, and no one is ever fully done with their ex—whether they’re presumed dead, married to someone else, or mysteriously back from a remote clinic in Monaco. But when two of the show’s biggest stars—Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy Forrester) and Tanner Novlan (Dr. John “Finn” Finnegan)—sit down to dissect real-world romance, the results are just as captivating as any Forrester-family scandal.

Recently, CBS released a playful behind-the-scenes video featuring the duo answering a series of rapid-fire dating questions. What followed was a delightful cocktail of honesty, humor, and the kind of charming chaos only two soap-opera veterans could deliver. Fans expecting polished, PR-friendly answers instead got candid confessions and surprisingly sharp insights from the actors who portray one of daytime television’s most beloved (and frequently imperiled) couples.

Before any rumors could take flight, both actors were quick to remind viewers that their personal love lives are far quieter than their characters’. Wood has long been happily married to Elan Ruspoli, while Novlan is married to actress Kayla Ewell—yes, the very same Kayla who famously played Vicki in The Vampire Diaries. In other words, no off-screen love triangle here. Just two seasoned performers having a bit of fun poking at the absurdity of romance—both in fiction and in reality.

When Soap Stars Become Love Gurus

The video begins with a melodramatic introduction that would fit right in with a Forrester mansion cliffhanger. Both actors crack up before the first question is even asked, instantly breaking the glamorous mystique with their down-to-earth charm. It’s a reminder that while Steffy and Finn may be constantly dodging betrayals and kidnappings, Wood and Novlan are just two people trying not to laugh through a trivia game.

The first round dives straight into thorny territory: dating behaviors that range from quirky to downright chaotic. Wood and Novlan react with the sort of exaggerated horror that Bold and Beautiful fans have come to adore. Their chemistry—effortlessly playful, refreshingly candid—makes every answer feel like a peek into an after-hours cast party.

When asked to weigh in on romantic missteps like inviting an ex on a vacation or declaring “I love you” on a first outing, their expressions alone speak volumes. Some questions earn a swift and passionate rejection; others spark amusing disagreement, with Wood teasing Novlan about his more accommodating stance and Novlan firing back with mock disbelief at some of her answers.

At one point, the conversation turns to punctuality. Novlan firmly declares lateness a dating foul—only to admit, with a sheepish grin, that he was late to his own first date with his wife. Wood jumps in immediately, offering the time-honored Los Angeles excuse: traffic. Because in L.A., being ten minutes late could mean anything from an accident on the 405 to a rogue parade in Venice.

The exchange feels unscripted and refreshingly human, especially coming from actors who spend their days navigating some of the most outrageous love plots on television. It’s almost ironic: the woman who has survived multiple love triangles, a handful of near-fatal accidents, and more Forrester drama than any one person should endure is surprisingly grounded when discussing real-world romance. And the man who plays a heroic doctor—who himself has died, revived, rescued, and reunited more times than viewers can count—turns out to be unexpectedly traditional in his dating preferences.

Chaotic Honesty and Guilty Confessions

Things get even more entertaining when the game shifts to breakup etiquette. When confronted with the question of whether ending a relationship via text message is acceptable, both actors initially insist it’s a terrible idea. Then, in a moment fans immediately replayed, Wood hesitates—just long enough for Novlan to call her out with a playful accusation. Her mock-shocked reaction is the kind of comedic gold that makes viewers feel as if they’re watching two longtime friends roast each other at a dinner party.

The duo also tackles the ever-tempting subject of “stalking your ex online,” a habit so universal it’s practically a modern rite of passage. Their mutual response—firm disapproval—comes with the weary wisdom of people who play characters trapped in cyclical romances. If Steffy and Finn can resist creeping on their fictional former flames, surely the rest of us can muster the strength too.

What’s remarkable is how natural the actors are together outside of the intense emotional stakes of their characters’ world. Their banter flows effortlessly, shifting between teasing, confession, and genuine reflection. For viewers used to seeing them in scenes thick with tension—dramatic rescues, confrontations with villains, passionate reconciliations—the lightness of this exchange feels like a rare treat.

Why Fans Can’t Get Enough

Part of what makes this segment so irresistible is the sheer contrast between the actors’ personalities and the turbulent lives of their characters. On The Bold and the Beautiful, Steffy and Finn are perpetually tested by fate: exes reappearing from the shadows, stalkers with elaborate schemes, family feuds that span decades. Yet here, in a simple Q&A, they’re laughing—really laughing—at the absurdity of love gone wrong.

It’s easy to forget that behind the high glamour and soaring orchestral music are performers who understand the difference between TV drama and real-world romance. Their candidness in the video not only humanizes them but also deepens the audience’s affection for the on-screen couple. After all, if Steffy and Finn can navigate assassination attempts and secret identities while still joking about bad dates, there’s hope for the rest of us.

The Fandom Reacts

The response from viewers has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Fans flooded social media with praise, noting how refreshing it was to see Wood and Novlan in such a relaxed, playful setting. Many pointed out that the warmth between them mirrors the tenderness of their characters—minus the life-threatening plot twists.

Some fans even shared their own dating horror stories in the comments, creating an impromptu community therapy session. From cringe-worthy confessions to deal-breakers involving lateness, exes, or questionable texting habits, the discussion took on a life of its own. It turns out that when soap stars talk love, everyone wants to join in.

What’s Your Dating Red Flag?

As the video concluded, the actors left fans with a playful challenge: what behavior would you consider a dating deal-breaker? Is showing up late unforgivable? Would you ever dare bring an ex on vacation? Can “I love you” ever be said too soon?

These aren’t just fun hypotheticals—they’re the kind of everyday questions that make us laugh, cringe, and reflect. And when delivered by two of soap opera’s most compelling performers, they’re impossible to resist.