Erika Jayne Opens Up About Her New Romance
Well, it looks like Erika Jayne is officially off the market! After what feels like forever – five whole years to be exact – the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has confirmed she’s dating someone new. And honestly? We’re here for it.
The reality TV personality recently spilled the tea on her podcast, Diamonds in the Rough, where she couldn’t help but gush about her new man, John McPhee. “This is a really nice person, and I enjoy my time with him,” she shared, and you could practically hear the smile in her voice.
It’s pretty refreshing to see Erika so genuinely happy, especially considering she hasn’t been publicly linked with anyone since her messy split from Tom Girardi. “I haven’t been seen with anybody in five years,” she admitted, which really puts things into perspective about how big of a deal this new relationship is for her.
Who Is John “Shrek” McPhee?
So who exactly is this mystery man who’s managed to capture Erika Jayne’s heart? Meet John McPhee – though most people know him by his nickname “Shrek.” At 54, he’s definitely not your typical Hollywood type, and that might be exactly what makes him perfect for Erika.
This guy has some serious credentials. We’re talking U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major level of impressive. His military service earned him not one, but two badass nicknames: “Shrek” and “the Sheriff of Baghdad.” Talk about a resume that commands respect.
What’s interesting is how different his world is from the glitzy reality TV scene. While Erika’s used to cameras and drama, John comes from a background of discipline, service, and real-world stakes. Maybe that’s exactly the kind of grounding influence she needs right now.
How Erika Jayne and Her Boyfriend Met
Here’s where the story gets kind of cute, actually. Erika first spotted John on various podcasts, where his interviews caught her attention. She found herself thinking, “Wow, that guy’s actually pretty interesting.” It’s like the modern version of seeing someone across a crowded room, except the room was her phone screen.
Fast forward to a Heidi Montag show in London, where fate decided to step in. John was there working security for Heidi (more on that later), and Erika was performing. When she saw him backstage, she had one of those “wait, I know that guy” moments.
Being the confident woman she is, Erika didn’t hesitate to make the first move. “I walked up and I introduced myself and I was like, ‘Hey, my name is Erika. And I think I’ve seen a couple of podcasts. I’m a fan,'” she recalled. Sometimes the best connections happen when you least expect them.
John McPhee’s Current Career and Social Media Presence
These days, John’s keeping busy in the private sector. He works as a bodyguard for celebrities – including Heidi Montag, which is how he ended up at that fateful London show. He’s also got his own business, SOB Tactical, selling tactical gear to people who know their stuff.
But here’s what’s really impressive: the man has built quite the social media empire. We’re talking nearly a million Instagram followers and hundreds of thousands on TikTok. His platform, SOB TV, isn’t just random content either – he shares valuable insights on leadership, firearms training, and military history.
What makes John stand out is his authenticity. He’s not trying to be an influencer for the sake of it; he’s sharing real knowledge and experiences. That kind of genuine approach probably explains why both his followers and Erika Jayne find him so appealing.
The Relationship Timeline and Public Debut
Like any good love story, theirs started slow and sweet. The couple had managed to go on two whole dates before the paparazzi caught wind of their romance. They were just trying to have a normal day, getting manicures and pedicures in LA, when photographers spotted them holding hands.
Those photos hit the internet faster than you can say “RHOBH,” and suddenly their private moment became very public. Erika wasn’t thrilled about the invasion of privacy, calling it frustrating that “what was a nice, private moment” got splashed across headlines.
But you know what? They didn’t let the media attention scare them off. The couple has continued spending time together, proving that sometimes real connections can survive even the harsh spotlight of celebrity life.
Erika Jayne’s Dating Life After Tom Girardi
To understand why this new relationship is such a big deal, you have to know what Erika’s been through. Her divorce from Tom Girardi has been anything but simple. After 22 years of marriage, she filed for divorce in 2020, and things got complicated fast.
Tom’s legal troubles have been front and center, with his wire fraud conviction in March 2025 making headlines. The whole situation has been playing out on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, with Erika consistently maintaining she had no idea about his alleged crimes.
After years of legal drama and public scrutiny, this new romance feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s Erika’s chance to write a new chapter, one that’s about her happiness rather than someone else’s mistakes.
What’s Next for Erika Jayne and Her Boyfriend
Right now, the couple seems to be taking things one day at a time. Erika’s been pretty clear about not wanting to rush into anything, describing their relationship as a “friendship” and a “nice thing.” Smart move, honestly.
There is one potential hiccup: John doesn’t actually live in Los Angeles. Long-distance relationships can be tricky, especially when you’re in the public eye. But they’ve been making the effort to see each other, which suggests they’re both invested in seeing where this goes.
RHOBH fans are already wondering if John will show up on the upcoming season. Can you imagine the drama that would bring? His presence would definitely shake things up and give viewers a front-row seat to this new chapter in Erika’s life.
Erika Jayne’s New Chapter in Love
What’s really beautiful about this whole situation is watching Erika embrace happiness again. She’s been open about the personal work she’s done, focusing on rebuilding her life and figuring out who she is outside of her past marriage.
Her approach to dating has evolved too. “I’m always looking at the feeling I get from them,” she’s said about what attracts her to someone. It’s not about looks or status – it’s about that intangible connection that makes you feel comfortable and happy.
As Erika moves forward with John, she’s proving that it’s never too late for a fresh start. Her journey reminds us that sometimes the best chapters of our lives come after the hardest ones. And honestly? We’re rooting for her.
