Sophie Monk addresses persistent rumours the Beauty and the Geek contestants are paid actors

Beauty and the Geek Australia host Sophie Monk has quashed claims ‘the geeks’ on the series are paid actors.

Rumours have swirled that the cast of Channel Nine’s hit show are ‘too nice’ for reality television and it may be scripted.  

The TV star, who has hosted the program since last year, insisted cast members are completely genuine.

She told Now To Love: ‘The boys would be so flattered to hear that [people think they’re actors]. Someone even asked me if we geek them up more… I’ve watched their audition tapes, if anything they are less geeked up!’ 

The 42-year-old added the chemistry seen between the beauties and the geeks was real and often led to romance on and off the set.

‘If I see chemistry there then we’re gonna pair them up together and see where it goes,’ she added.

The TV star, who has hosted the program since last year, insisted cast members are completely genuine 

The new series of Beauty and the Geek will premiere on Channel Nine on Sunday 17 July.

Sophie had her own storybook romance earlier this year when she married boyfriend Joshua Gross.

The Love Island Australia host, 42, and her neurosurgical robotics consultant beau, 41, exchanged vows at their Central Coast, NSW home in March, after eloping together – inviting no guests as they held a wedding just for themselves.

Sophie had her own storybook romance earlier this year when she married boyfriend Joshua Gross (pictured) 

She said another reason they chose to have a wedding at home was to keep things ‘stress-free’.

‘We figured, if you don’t invite one person, then no-one could get upset,’ she told Stellar Magazine.

 The newlyweds are planning to start a family, with Sophie telling Stellar they don’t want to pressure themselves but would love children together.

The new series of Beauty and the Geek (pictured: Sophie and a beauty) will premiere on Channel Nine on Sunday 17 July