Why Alison Victoria Gave Boyfriend Brandt Andersen a Special Shout-Out in theWindy City RehabPremiere (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

From Left: Brandt Andersen and Alison Victoria on June 8, 2024.Photo:Unique Nicole/Getty

Unique Nicole/Getty

Ahead of the premiere, Victoria tells PEOPLEthat this seasonis her “favorite because I have gone through hell and back,“referencing past business strugglesthat have been documented on the series. But after taking the time to rebuild, she’s seeing her brand reach new heights.

“Because of everything I’ve gone through, I am able to be a better designer,” she adds.

Adding to that is boyfriend and filmmaker Brandt Andersen.

In June, the two made things official whenthey walked the red carpet togetherat the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Creative Arts & Lifestyle Awards, whereWindy City Rehabwas nominated for outstanding instructional/how-to program.

While the series didn’t win, Victoria shared snaps of the pair embracing at the event on Instagram alongside the Rumi quote, “Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” Shethen toldUs Weeklythat Andersen, 47, “is the most amazing human I’ve ever met.”

From Left: Brandt Andersen and Alison Victoria on June 8, 2024.Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock

Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock

“It’s a surprise for him,” Victoria says, before sharing why she wanted to do that for him. “Brandt is a brilliant filmmaker and with his directorial debut, we’ve been traveling this summer to all these festivals. And when we first became friends, he was doing all the post for his film — like, sound and VFX stuff — and I was there for that journey, helping him along the way being like a true partner like he is to me.”

And because they’re both in the same industry (“It’s so different, but it’s so similar,” she says), Victoria feels like she’s “partners with somebody who understands your life.” She adds that she appreciates being “with somebody who is able to give notes for my episodes,” noting that it’s something she would do for Andersen.

“And it was the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me,” Victoria continues. “And the way that it made me feel like, ‘Wow, he really sees me and appreciates my input and doesn’t take it lightly. Like, actually implements those changes into his film because he believes in me so much and trusts me so much.’ "

She adds, “He has been that same support and same partner for me.”

So in order to recognize that, “I just thought, ‘Wow, if I could do this in a special way for him — and I know he’ll notice it because he looks at those things like any film director would — I know he’s gonna love it, too.’ Because what he has done for me, like, this is truly the happiest time of my life and I owe such a big part of that to him and this partnership we have.”

And although fans won’t physically see Andersen on the new season ofWindy City Rehab, Victoria says his presence will be felt in the new episodes. “He’s such a part of me, so you’re gonna see a huge change in me because of him. So in that way, yeah, he’s very much part of this season.”

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source: people.com