‘Survivor: Philippines’: Angie Explains Relationship With Malcolm, Defends ‘Cookies’ Remark

Former Miss Utah Teen USA Angie Layton won’t be taking home the crown on Survivor: Philippines.

In Wednesday’s episode, the 20-year-old from Provo, Utah, became the third person voted out this season — and also the third person voted out of the now-decimated Matsing tribe, leaving only three members vs. six for the other two tribes.

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Angie — who in the previous episode memorably told host Jeff Probst that the one thing she would like to change about her struggling tribe was being able to eat cookies — had some difficulty during the immunity/reward challenge, which required contestants to dive underwater for pieces used to solve a puzzle.  Angie also was targeted as a threat in last week’s episode after sparking up a close relationship with fellow competitor Malcolm Freberg — which included their cuddling while sleeping. In the end, it came down to Angie and returning competitor Russell Swan, with all three of Angie’s tribe members ultimately voting for her.

The day after her elimination episode aired, Angie talked to The Hollywood Reporter about getting voted out, whether she regrets her “cookies” comment and what was really going on with Malcolm.

THR: Were you surprised your tribe voted for you?

Angie: I was surprised. I didn’t want to go. I wanted to stay longer. It sucked.

THR: Did you have an idea it might be you?

Angie: It was a 50-50 toss-up. Malcolm had talked to me and said, “It’s between you and Russ.” I told him why I should stay, and he said, “OK, I’ll let you know what we’re going to do.” He talked to Denise [Stapley, with whom he also had an alliance], and said he’d let me know by the time we went to tribal. But I was scared at that point, because I hadn’t gotten confirmation, so I was going to fight to the end at tribal and hopefully change their minds to keep me.

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THR: It was hard to tell what was really going on with you and Malcolm. Was that a romantic relationship, or just a friendship?

Angie: On the show, we were really tight. I trusted him, and he trusted me. It wasn’t anything romantic; we were keeping each other warm. I keep in touch with him, and he’s a great friend.

THR: During the challenge, you were seen saying “I can’t do it,” but later you told Malcolm and Denise you hadn’t said that. Can you explain what happened?

Angie: It’s hard to remember everything, but I got up there and said it to myself and was shaking my head, and Denise looked at me and knew. I didn’t say, “Hey guys, I can’t do this challenge.” I would have went in in a heartbeat and I knew I had to made a decision and we were going to be behind, and Denise is super fast. We both just knew after I shook my head. After [the challenge], I explained myself and said, “If you needed me to go I would have.” I was slower in the challenge and knew that if I went again, it would be done. I wouldn’t have given up, but I didn’t want to be slow or lose.

THR: What were thinking as you were watching the episode?

Angie: I was nervous. I knew what was going to happen and I knew it was my time to go, so I was hoping they would show how it really was, and they did.

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THR: What was the hardest thing about Survivor?

Angie: Probably just the rain. It was miserable, just the elements, and having to be mentally there — and I was. I tried to be as optimistic as I could.

THR: Do you have any regrets?

Angie: I felt like I gave it 110 percent and did the best that I could. If I could change one thing, it would be knowing what was going around camp more. Being more aware of what everyone was doing and saying.

THR: What about the “cookies” comment? Jeff Probst gave you a pretty hard time about that. Do you regret it?

Angie: No, absolutely not. Going into tribal, I knew 110 percent that I was safe. Everyone really wanted Roxy [Morris] gone, and she just blew up [at tribal council]. I was staying composed and trying to say as little as I could. She was attacking me, pretty much, and when Jeff asked Roxy what she would change and said that everyone should do less work — what kind of answer is that? I don’t think “cookies” is any worse that that. There was all this tension, and I was trying to lighten the mood a little, so I cracked a joke, but it threw Jeff off and made him a little upset and he wanted to get [more] out of me, but I didn’t give it to him.

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THR: You sound pretty positive about your time on the show. No hard feelings about getting voted out so early?

Angie: Their decision can’t change, so I kind of made the best of it. I obviously didn’t want to go. I’m a fighter and don’t give up and wanted to stay. But what I got from the experience was positive. I wanted to stay there more than anything. 

THR: What are you doing now?

Angie: I’m in school, and I’m modeling.