REALITY TELEVISION 'Temptation' changes Canfield graduate's life

The 'Temptation Island 2' star has been sighted at the Southern Park Mall and at a local nightclub.
By PAUL WHEATLEY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CANFIELD -- Ali Azarvan got to spend an all-expense-paid month in Costa Rica, partying with a bunch of half-naked strangers while trying to date women whose boyfriends were just around the corner.
The catch: He had to allow television crews access to his life 24 hours a day and have his exploits broadcast on national TV as part of "Temptation Island 2."
After about four months of phone interviews, questionnaires and "being tested for about every disease known to man," Azarvan, a 1994 graduate of Canfield High School, was chosen for the role of island single-guy.
He is one of 13 male tempters looking to date four spoken-for women on the show, which Fox Broadcasting Company officials describe as "an unscripted dramatic series in which unmarried couples travel to an exotic locale to test and explore the strength of their relationships."
On the show, the couples are introduced to eligible singles and then separated from their partners until the final day of their stay. Single men and women are periodically voted off.
Azarvan, who was born in Youngstown but lives in Atlanta, said being on "Temptation Island 2" is the best decision he's ever made -- something he did on a lark, at the behest of a friend. But he admits being a bit nervous during the application process.
"I was really worried, in terms of editing, how they would make each person look," he said. "You just don't know what they are going to air."
Taping lasted through August for the Thursday night program, which is into its fifth episode.
Recognized: And while Azarvan knew his life would change, he said coming home for Thanksgiving showed him just how different life might be from now on.
Strangers, recognizing his face, approached him while shopping at Southern Park Mall. And one night his presence was announced to everyone at The Mill, an Austintown nightclub.
But notoriety also has invaded his home life. Azarvan said he had to switch phone lines because so many women -- and men -- were calling after his last name was aired on "Entertainment Tonight."
Despite this, Azarvan said he isn't using the show to pursue any acting or advertising roles yet.
"We can't really pursue anything until we get kicked off the show or until the last show airs," he said.
Azarvan also can't comment on whether he's dating anyone from the show, or how long he lasted on it, until the last episode runs.
Since everyone went without newspapers, TV or music during taping, Azarvan said he became good friends with a number of his cohorts, many of whom he still sees at cast parties or other obligations.
wheatley@vindy.com