In a world governed by strategy, alliances, and unpredictable twists, The Circle on Netflix is designed to test the ability to win over strangers without ever meeting them face-to-face. But when Darian Holt entered the game, he wasn’t just there to win—he was on a mission to stay true to himself and show the world who he really was. What he didn’t expect was to find love amidst the chaos. Yet, that’s exactly what happened when he met fellow contestant Jadejha Edwards. Season 7 turned into a love story that went far beyond screens and social media, proving that even in a competition, authenticity can lead to something deeper and more meaningful.

A Southern Gentleman in The Circle

Hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, Darian Holt has always been proud of his Southern roots and the values they instilled in him. From an early age, he learned the significance of integrity and character—lessons that now shape the work he does as a mentor through his initiative, Apple Fried Apple. The playful name may elicit laughter, but its purpose is anything but trivial. Darian is committed to empowering young minds to see beyond their current circumstances, offering them inspiration and opportunities that otherwise might seem out of reach.

When Darian joined The Circle, he entered with two goals: to remain authentic and to demonstrate that success doesn’t require compromising one’s values. His charm and sincerity quickly made him a fan favorite, with viewers praising his unwavering integrity in an environment often dominated by manipulation and deceit.

“I’m not here to conquer—I’m here to connect,” Darian said of his approach. While others schemed and plotted, Darian remained committed to forming genuine relationships. The show’s competitive nature didn’t sway his principles. Instead, it became an unexpected stage for his Southern charm and deep-rooted values.

Q: What motivated you to join The Circle?

Darian: “Honestly, I wanted to show people—especially my students—that you don’t have to compromise who you are to succeed. I wanted to win, of course, but more importantly, I wanted to walk out the same man I walked in.”

Walking in Purpose – Darian’s Mentorship Mission

At the heart of Darian’s journey is a steadfast commitment to uplifting the next generation. Through Apple Fried Apple, Darian has created a mentorship program that connects with students in a way that’s both fun and impactful. The idea for the program emerged from a lighthearted moment with his students. As a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Darian frequently wore fraternity paraphernalia, but when his students misheard “Alpha Phi Alpha” as “Apple Fried Apple,” a spark of inspiration ignited. What started as a simple joke quickly blossomed into a full-fledged initiative.

Rather than dismiss the misunderstanding, Darian saw potential. He designed custom shirts with the “Apple Fried Apple” logo for his students, organizing events that mirrored the traditions of Greek life—complete with line names and numbers. These activities, from field day probates to group bonding exercises, offered his students a glimpse of what it meant to be part of something bigger, encouraging them to dream beyond their immediate surroundings.

Q: How has Apple Fried Apple impacted your students and the community?

Darian: “It started as something funny, but it grew into this movement that gave the kids a sense of belonging. For many, it was the first time they seriously thought about college or joining a fraternity. When parents come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for inspiring my child,’ that’s when I know it’s all worth it. It’s hard to put into words how much that means.”

Through Apple Fried Apple, Darian has built a bridge for young people, showing them that they have a future full of possibilities, no matter where they come from. He has big dreams for the program, envisioning it as a platform that can continue to grow and impact even more students across the country.

Q: What’s your vision for Apple Fried Apple moving forward?

Darian: “I want it to become something even bigger. Right now, it’s about introducing kids to Greek life and college, but I see it as a platform for mentorship on a broader scale. I want to connect these kids to opportunities they never thought possible.”

A Love Blossoms – Darian and Jadejha’s Connection

Entering The Circle, love wasn’t on Darian’s radar. The social experiment was about strategy and connection, but nothing could have prepared him for the bond he would form with fellow contestant Jadejha Edwards. From the moment he saw her profile, something felt different. For Darian, Jadejha wasn’t just another contestant. She embodied strength, grace, and authenticity—all the traits he admired.

“Just looking at that picture, I thought, ‘Oh Lord, they done messed up,’” Darian recalled with a laugh. “I love Black women, point blank, period. And Jadejha? She carried herself like a queen.”

As the game progressed, so did their connection. While The Circle is designed to test trust and manipulate alliances, Darian and Jadejha’s relationship was based on something real. They found themselves supporting each other, not just for gameplay but out of genuine care.

Q: What was your first impression of Jadejha when you saw her profile?

Darian: “She carried herself with such confidence, and I just admired that. The more I got to know her, the more I realized how real she was—both in the game and outside of it.”

During a critical moment in the game, Darian had the opportunity to make Jadejha an influencer, a move that could have cemented their alliance. However, he hesitated. His decision was driven by a desire to protect her from potential backlash and the strategic maneuvering of others.

Q: Do you regret that decision?

Darian: “Looking back, I see how people were disappointed. But at the time, I thought I was protecting her. I didn’t want her to become a target just because of her connection with me.”

In the end, their connection proved stronger than any strategic decision. After the show, Darian made a bold move: he relocated to Houston to be closer to Jadejha. This wasn’t for the cameras—it was for them.

Q: When did you know your connection with Jadejha was real?

Darian: “The moment I went to see her in person. That energy—it was real. That’s when I knew it wasn’t just a game connection. It was love.”

More Than Just a Game

Darian Holt entered The Circle expecting to play a game, but he left with something far more valuable: love and a deeper sense of purpose. After the show, Darian made a life-changing decision—he moved to Houston to start a new chapter, both in his personal life and alongside Jadejha. What began as a strategic social experiment turned into a deep and genuine connection, and Darian knew that his future would be incomplete without her by his side.

“This wasn’t for the cameras—it was for us,” Darian says about his decision to move. He sees this next phase of his life as a merging of love, purpose, and community. With Jadejha by his side, Darian is ready to embark on this new journey, building a life full of love, impact, and possibility.