A recent “Hot Ones” episode was spicier than usual when sparks flew between Keke Palmer and host Sean Evans.
The award-winning actor and singer brought the heat during a Sept. 15 installment of the popular “First We Feast” show, in which stars sit for an interview and test their spice tolerance by trying an array of hot wings.
During their latest conversation, Evans who called Palmer an “undeniable talent.” She also opened up about her latest projects and what she’s learned in over 20 years in the entertainment industry.
Throughout their conversation, the two Chicago natives shared laughs, repeated each other’s expressions and had several seemingly flirtatious moments. At one point, Palmer complimented Evans on his physique, given he hosts a show requiring him to constantly consume chicken wings.
“Your body looks so nice and trim. I feel like for you to have this kind of gig, I don’t know how you do it,” Palmer told Evans. “You look great.”
Evans credited “cardio,” adding, “You just have to run away from the wings.” Palmer, who previously appeared on “Hot Ones” in 2017 and 2021, laughed and turned to the camera while taking a sip of water, saying, “There’s nobody like Sean Evans.”
When the interview wrapped, Evans commended Palmer for being the only guest to take on his “Hot Ones” challenge three times, giving her a chance to say a few words.
After giving advice to any future stars in the hot seat, Palmer took the opportunity to confront Evans about a November 2023 interview in which the host admitted he had a crush on her. While appearing on Amelia Dimoldenberg’s “Chicken Shop Date,” Evans was asked if he’s ever had a crush on a guest and answered with Palmer, calling her a “very charming woman.”
“There’s one more thing I’d like to say, Sean, because I saw an interview where you said I was your favorite guest and, you know, all this really sweet stuff,” Palmer said in their latest interview before pausing to look into the camera.
“And I know we’ve just had some wings but I just thought maybe we could just have a quick smooch to see if there’s a spark,” she added.
Laughing, Evans agreed, telling her, “Yeah, let’s do it. Let’s do it.”
In a slow-motion shot, Palmer and Evans ran toward one another and embraced in a kiss as artificial fireworks erupted in the background.
As the show’s logo appeared on screen, Palmer could be heard saying, “The sparks are sparking!”
“When I’m dying and my life flashes before my eyes, I’ll have that snapshot,” Evans told Palmer.
The pair’s connection didn’t go unnoticed by the internet, either.
In the YouTube video’s comment section, one user wrote, “Thank you for inviting us on your date.”
“I’ve never felt like a third wheel watching this show, until today,” another wrote.
One commented, “Bro I’m giggling and kicking my feet watching them both.”
The interview also caught the attention of TikTok, with one user pitching himself as competition for Evans. The user, @thefakecolesmith, posted a video directed at Palmer, saying he’s “throwing my hat in the ring.”
“Sure, Sean Evans is a great guy, but wouldn’t you rather be with a college student that forgot to shave this morning?” he joked
To Smith’s shock, Palmer responded to his social media plea, telling him via her own TikTok video, “I heard all the nice things you said about me. You were so bold.”
Palmer said she was “gagged” to discover the 11-year age gap and informed Smith, “I’m not ready to be a cougar. I’m not ready just yet.”
“But if I was, you’d be the first one I was calling,” she continued.
Reacting to her message in another video, Smith called Palmer’s response “the highlight of my life” and assured Evans he is “dropping out of the race” to win her over.
In the comments section of Palmer’s response, fans seemed divided.
“Girl u needa be with Sean evans,” one person commented, while another wrote, “’I’m not ready to be a cougar’ so what you’re saying is he has a chance in the future.”
Evans has yet to publicly comment.