Reunion with Rubina: Big Brother Star Des Lauriers Reflects

Winning Hearts and America’s Favorite Houseguest

He didn’t win Big Brother, but Tucker Des Lauriers did win a few other things. Not only did he win the fan vote for America’s Favorite Houseguest (and the $50,000 that comes with it), but he won something even more valuable… Rubina’s heart.

Tucker presented showmance partner Rubina Bernabe with some flowers during Sunday’s live two-hour finale, and even though she wanted to avoid any stage smooching, it was clear she was smitten. Entertainment Weekly caught up with Tucker shortly after the finale to get his reaction to winning the fan vote, getting back together with Rubina, his next steps on reality TV, and what he made of Makensy’s shocking decision to bring Chelsie Baham to the end instead of Cam Sullivan-Brown.

CBS

Post-Win Reactions and Future Plans

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Congratulations on winning America’s Favorite Houseguest. You’ve been off the show for a while, so were you surprised?

TUCKER DES LAURIERS: I had no idea. I really thought that Quinn, and Angela, and Leah was talked about, and Chelsie was talked about… I don’t know. I don’t like to count my chickens before they hatch. I was freaking out and trying to remain calm and just still be me under this intense scenario. So yeah, I didn’t really know. I had no idea. And all the polls were saying different things, so it was intense.

What are you going to do with the $50,000 prize?

Well, I definitely owe Rubina a trip, so I’m going to start there and get Ziggy an older brother dog. Those are the only two things I have in mind right now. The rest will come as things come at me. I very much go with the flow. But yeah, I just got to take Rubina on a trip and formally apologize. That’s the first thing on my mind.

Rubina Bernabe and Tucker Des Lauriers on ‘Big Brother’ season 26.

CBS

Reunion with Rubina and Relationship Plans

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: I know you haven’t had a lot of time together yet, but tell me about the reunion with Rubina.

I watched the live feeds nonstop. I saw she had her moments of doubt, which everyone naturally would. I would’ve been doing the same stuff in there. But I could just see on her face, she didn’t know. When I got to see her, I brought her flowers, and it was just so unreal. She looked amazing. She’s the sweetest person ever, so it’s very hard to put those feelings into words, but it was beautiful, and I’m very excited to see where our future goes from here.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Did she deny you a kiss on the stage?

Oh yeah! No, that’s how we are. I loved it. The banter back and forth. I deserved that. And I remember hearing on the feeds, she’s like, “I don’t want to kiss him on a stage. We already did that. We already gave America enough of that. Let’s save something for us.” It was the cutest thing ever. I just love her so much. So I’m very excited.

Tucker Des Lauriers on ‘Big Brother’ season 26.

CBS

Long-Distance Relationship and Future Endeavors

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: You’re in New York, and she’s in Los Angeles. How do you plan to make this long-distance relationship work?

Just watch us baby! We survived the Big Brother house. I’ve been bi-coastal, hoping to have more work here. She’s been in New York a bunch and has been thinking about going there, so we’re taking it one day at a time. Regardless of whatever happens, I will forever cherish our relationship, our respect, and appreciation of one another.

And I think we have everything in line to make it work. And I’m very excited to see where it goes. Regardless of whatever happens, I will forever cherish our relationship, our respect, and appreciation of one another.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What are your thoughts on Makensy choosing to bring Chelsie to the end instead of Cam?

Just freaking out! It is a very tough decision to make. One person got the miracle, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we all made the most of. That’s Big Brother, and I respected everybody’s gameplay.

Tucker Des Lauriers and Cedric Hodges on ‘Big Brother’ season 26.

CBS

Reflections and Future Reality TV Plans

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What was it like watching yourself back on TV after leaving the house?

It was a mix of emotions and self-assessment. I recognized my flaws but also embraced the experience as a learning opportunity. Watching it back allows you to reassess your points of view on things, remembering your emotions in certain scenarios, and being able to self-assess and hopefully become a better person afterwards.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What reality show do you want to do next?

I’m ready for the next challenge! Whether it’s The Challenge, The Amazing Race, Survivor, or an All Stars edition, I’m up for it. Let’s see what the future holds!

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