HGTV has introduced fans to many dynamic duos over the years, and Scott’s Vacation House Rules is no exception.
The show’s co-hosts, Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni, have undeniable chemistry on-screen, leading some viewers to wonder about their relationship off-camera.
While their playful banter and seamless teamwork make for great entertainment, the truth is that they are not married to each other.
In fact, both McGillivray and Salmoni have their own families.
If you’ve been curious about their personal lives, here’s everything you need to know about the Toronto-based renovation experts.
Scott McGillivray’s Marriage and Family Life
Unlike some of HGTV’s famous husband-and-wife teams—such as Erin and Ben Napier or Jenny and Dave Marrs
—Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni are strictly professional partners. McGillivray has been happily married to his wife, Sabrina McGillivray, since 2009.
Sabrina, who works as a teacher, has largely stayed out of the spotlight despite her husband’s high-profile television career. However, McGillivray occasionally gives fans a glimpse into their family life through social media. The couple shares two daughters: Myah, their eldest, and Layla, who was born two years later.
McGillivray frequently posts heartfelt tributes to his family, especially on special occasions like birthdays and Mother’s Day. One particularly memorable moment from their wedding was their first dance to Edwin McCain’s song “I Could Not Ask for More,” which gained viral attention.
Debra Salmoni’s Marriage to Dave Salmoni
While McGillivray has been married for over a decade, Debra Salmoni also has a thriving personal life outside of Scott’s Vacation House Rules. She is married to Dave Salmoni, a well-known animal trainer and television personality.
The couple tied the knot in 2015 and has since built a beautiful life together. They are proud parents to two children: a son named Tom and a daughter named Lizzy. Like McGillivray, Salmoni enjoys sharing sweet family moments on Instagram, giving fans a look into their family vacations and milestone celebrations.
How Did Scott McGillivray and Debra Salmoni Meet?
Given their effortless dynamic on-screen, many fans assume McGillivray and Salmoni have worked together for years. However, their professional partnership only began in 2019 when Scott’s Vacation House Rules first started filming.
In a 2022 interview with Seneca News, Salmoni revealed that she was discovered on Instagram. The casting process was incredibly fast, with her being interviewed, hired, and on set within a week.
“They literally found me on Instagram, interviewed me, and hired me, and I was shooting in a week,” Salmoni shared. “It was the quickest turnaround they’d ever seen.”
From the very beginning, the two hit it off. Salmoni attributes their strong working relationship to their similar energy levels and shared sense of humor.
“My energy level matches his, and that’s really important,” she said. “He really took me under his wing and guided me. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. It’s a light-hearted show.”
A Professional Duo That Keeps Fans Entertained
Although McGillivray and Salmoni aren’t a couple, they’ve become a fan-favorite duo in the world of home renovation. Their expertise, combined with their fun-loving nature, has helped Scott’s Vacation House Rules gain popularity among HGTV viewers.
The series, which is currently in its fifth season in Canada, showcases the pair helping homeowners transform rundown vacation properties into stunning rental getaways. While there’s no official word yet on when the latest season will air in the U.S., American fans can catch up on the first four seasons, which are available to stream on Max.
The Verdict: Strictly Business, But a Winning Team
While McGillivray and Salmoni share a great professional bond, they are both happily married to other people. Their on-screen chemistry is simply the result of a great working relationship and a mutual passion for design and renovation.
So, for those wondering if there’s more to their partnership than meets the eye—the answer is no. They’re not a real-life couple, but they certainly make a fantastic team on Scott’s Vacation House Rules.
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