Craig Conover Breaks His Silence on 'Very Unexpected' Split from Paige DeSorbo: 'I Have to Start Living Again'

(L-R) Paige DeSorbo and Craig Conover try some of Panera’s new menu items at a launch event on March 27, 2024 in New York City.Photo:Sara Jaye/Getty Sara Jaye/Getty Craig Conoverhas broken his silence one week after his exPaige DeSorboconfirmed their breakup. DeSorbo, 32, announced that she and theSouthern Charmstar had split after three years of dating on the Dec. 30 episode of her podcast,Giggly Squad, as she said she “wasn’t expecting” their relationship to end.

Craig Conover Reveals He Bought an Engagement Ring for Paige DeSorbo Months Before Breakup (Exclusive)

Hearts will break in the second half ofSouthern Charmseason 10.In the PEOPLE exclusive debut ofSouthern Charm’s season 10 midseason trailer, the crew heads down to The Bahamas to meet up withShep Rose’s girlfriend Sienna Evans.“We were in love,” Shep, 45, says to Sienna, 26, in the trailer.“I don’t know if we were in love…” the pageant queen responds.Shep quickly grows to regret his decision to come down to The Bahamas. “I shouldn’t have done this,” he says.

Craig Conover Said He and Paige DeSorbo Were 'Going to Get Married' Weeks Before Split: 'Playing the Long Game'

Weeks beforePaige DeSorboannouncedthey’d called it quits, she was planning her future withCraig Conover. “We’re playing the long game. It would be easy to go for instant gratification, but the foundation that we’re building is so that we die together one day, not just make it fun,” he said of DeSorbo, 32, whohe began dating in 2021. Craig Conover (left), Paige DeSorbo (right).Tibrina Hobson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty; Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty

Craig Conover Would've Proposed to Paige DeSorbo Prior to Breakup 'If It Was Up to Me,' But She Changed 'Her Mind a Lot'

Southern Charm’s Craig Conover and ‘Summer House’s Paige DeSorbo.Photo:Tibrina Hobson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty; Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty Tibrina Hobson/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty; Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty Craig Conoverwould’ve put a ring on it. In the Jan. 23 episode ofSouthern Charm, he spoke withShep Roseafter they went fishing withJarrett “JT” Thomasabout the status of his relationship withPaige DeSorbo. “If it was up to me, we would just be engaged, but she changes her mind a lot about stuff.

Craig Melvin Gets Emotional as His Wife and 2 Kids Surprise Him on His First Day asTodayCo-Anchor

Craig Melvinhad the best surprise in store for him on his first day as aTodayco-anchor. “When I left this morning, you were all in bed!” Melvin said. “We faked it,” Czarniak admitted, laughing. Delano sat beside his dad, with the father-son matching in navy suits. “Oh, you got a microphone, buddy,” Melvin said to Delano, who responded, “I’m professional!” Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.