The Secret Double Exit: Where Are Dave, Vanessa, Micah, And Chanel From The Ultimatum Season 3 Now? (Updated 2025)

The dramatic, mid-season exit of Dave Adams, Vanessa Hattaway, Micah Hardeman, and Chanel Watkins from Netflix's The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On Season 3 remains one of the most talked-about moments in reality TV history. Unlike a typical breakup or proposal, the four cast members vanished abruptly after a secret meeting, leaving their trial partners and the rest of the cast stunned. As of December 2025, the dust has settled, and the couples who chose to leave the experiment on their own terms have revealed surprising updates on their relationships, proving that sometimes, walking away is the best path to happiness.

This deep dive explores the full context of their shocking departure, the details of the clandestine meeting, and the current relationship status of both original couples, including a major life update that confirms their controversial decision paid off. The latest news, including an engagement and continued dating success, is a testament to the fact that their journey truly began the moment they left the cameras behind.

Cast Profiles: The Ultimatum Season 3's Double Departure Couples

Dave, Vanessa, Micah, and Chanel entered The Ultimatum with their respective partners, each facing the challenge of a marriage ultimatum. Their time on the show was brief but impactful, culminating in a simultaneous, unscheduled exit. Here is a look at the four individuals and their initial relationship dynamics:

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• Dave Adams: Dave, who gave the ultimatum to his girlfriend, Vanessa Hattaway. He was paired with Chanel Watkins for the trial marriage. Dave's frustration grew during the process, particularly with Vanessa's connection to her trial husband, Nick.
• Vanessa Hattaway: Vanessa was the recipient of Dave's ultimatum. She quickly formed a strong, albeit contentious, bond with her trial husband, Nick Tramontin. Her emotional distance from Dave during the experiment was a major factor in the drama.
• Micah Hardeman: Micah was the partner who received the ultimatum from Chanel Watkins. He began his trial marriage with Mariah Zernik. Micah's experience was reportedly difficult, leading him to question the value of the experiment itself.
• Chanel Watkins: Chanel issued the ultimatum to Micah Hardeman. Her trial marriage was with Dave Adams. Chanel and Micah's original relationship was reportedly two and a half years old when they entered the show.

The core conflict that led to the double exit centered on the trial marriage phase, where both original couples saw their partners form unexpected connections with new people, specifically Vanessa with Nick and Micah with Mariah. This tension ultimately drove the four individuals to take matters into their own hands.

The Clandestine Meeting: What Really Happened Off-Camera?

The moment that sent shockwaves through the cast and viewers alike was the abrupt disappearance of the two couples. It was revealed via a title card on the screen that the four had met in secret, off-camera, before packing their bags and leaving the experiment entirely.

The Decision to Walk Away

The title card read: "Earlier in the day, Dave, Vanessa, Micah, and Chanel secretly met off camera. That evening, surveillance cameras captured them packing." This brief explanation fueled intense curiosity and speculation among fans and the remaining cast members, including Nick Tramontin and Mariah Zernik, who were left without their trial partners.

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Show creator Chris Coelen later confirmed that the two couples had indeed "sneaked off" and met, a move that went against the core rules of the experiment. The consensus among the four seemed to be that the process was causing more harm than good to their original relationships, and they felt the need to protect their connections from the pressures of the show. For Dave and Vanessa, the fighting and tension with Nick may have been a catalyst. For Micah and Chanel, the decision was reportedly driven by a desire to continue their relationship privately, away from the manufactured drama.

Their collective exit was unprecedented for the series. It was a powerful, albeit controversial, statement that they prioritized their real-life relationships over the show's format. This move, while criticized by some as "scummy, immature, disrespectful and childish" on social media, ultimately set them on a path toward long-term success.

2025 Update: Are Dave & Vanessa and Micah & Chanel Still Together?

The true measure of their controversial decision is their success outside of the reality TV bubble. As of late 2025, both couples who left The Ultimatum Season 3 together have proven that their bond was stronger than the experiment, providing the freshest and most definitive updates on their lives.

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Dave Adams and Vanessa Hattaway: Planning a 2025 Wedding

The biggest news from the group comes from Dave and Vanessa. Despite the intense strain their relationship faced on the show, particularly with Vanessa's connection to Nick, the couple is not only still together but is now engaged.

• Engagement Details: Dave and Vanessa announced their engagement after leaving the show, confirming that the ultimatum's purpose was fulfilled, even if it happened off-camera.
• Wedding Plans: The couple has publicly stated they plan to tie the knot "somewhere exotic" in 2025. This is a massive, current update that validates their decision to leave the show early.
• Post-Show Life: They have successfully navigated the post-show attention, focusing on their future together rather than the drama of the experiment. Their success story is one of the most positive outcomes from Season 3.

Micah Hardeman and Chanel Watkins: Happily Dating and Content Creating

Micah and Chanel also chose to leave the experiment together, opting for privacy over the spectacle of a reunion. Their relationship has thrived outside of the Netflix contract, and they are reportedly still happily dating.

• Continued Relationship: Despite receiving the ultimatum and choosing to leave the process early, Micah and Chanel remain a committed couple. Their continued relationship proves that their initial bond was solid.
• Content Creation: The couple has transitioned into making content together, leveraging their short but memorable time on the show to build a joint social media presence.
• Reunion Absence: They notably did not attend the reunion, preferring to keep their relationship out of the public eye and away from any further confrontation with the other cast members. This decision highlights their commitment to privacy and each other.

The fate of Dave, Vanessa, Micah, and Chanel serves as a unique case study in reality television. They challenged the premise of The Ultimatum by concluding that the best way to save their relationships was to remove them from the high-pressure, artificial environment entirely. Their choice to secretly meet and walk away ultimately led to two successful, ongoing relationships, with one couple heading down the aisle in 2025. Their story is a powerful reminder that true connection often flourishes best away from the spotlight.