Big Brother season 26: Tucker and Rubina make their relationship official

In season 26 of Big Brother, the romantic connection between Tucker Des Lauriers and Rubina Bernabe has evolved from an unexpected spark into a notable showmance, now officially recognized by the houseguests. The current season, which airs on CBS, has been marked by its AI-themed twists and intense competition among 16 new houseguests.

Amid this high-stakes situation, Tucker Des Lauriers and Rubina Bernabe made their relationship official during a live feed on August 29. Their romance has become a focal point of the season, influencing their gameplay and interactions with the other houseguests.

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Big Brother Tucker and Rubina's relationship and gameplay

Tucker Des Lauriers, a 30-year-old Sales & Marketing Executive from New York, came into the Big Brother house as a competitor. Tucker has established himself as a strong player by making aggressive choices, such as refusing to use a veto on himself.

Tucker's showmance with Rubina Bernabe, a 35-year-old event bartender, has become a key part of his strategy. Rubina, who initially was less noticed, used her social skills and competitive abilities to form a strong bond with Tucker. Their relationship has given them a strategic advantage, as Tucker's role as Head of Household and support for Rubina have helped them build an unexpected alliance with other houseguests. Rubina has leveraged Tucker's success and her own skills to navigate the game effectively.

Despite the hurdles, such as Tucker's nomination as a pawn by Head of Household T'kor Clottey, their friendship has provided them with mutual support. Tucker's strategic actions and Rubina's social influence have combined to form a powerful duo in the house.

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Statements from Tucker and Rubina

In episode 12 of Big Brother season 26, both Tucker and Rubina made statements about their relationship. Tucker expressed that his feelings for Rubina have deepened as their time together has progressed.

“I didn’t expect to find this kind of connection in the house, but it’s been a huge part of my strategy and my personal growth in the game," he said.

Rubina also addressed their relationship, noting its positive impact on her game. She remarked,

“Tucker and I have built a strong bond, and it’s been great to have someone I can trust and rely on in such a competitive environment.”

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Public and fan reactions

The public and fan reactions to Tucker and Rubina’s relationship on Big Brother Season 26 have been varied. On X, some fans have expressed their support and enthusiasm for the showmance.

"Legit happy for them both. They both fell hard and deserve to just be happy out in the open. Girl came in and got herself a model, I know that's right," one user commented.

Conversely, some viewers have expressed their skepticism and frustration about the showmanship of the two. Comments include,

"This is SO over-the-top. 😂 Not one person in the house was unaware of Tubina," another fan commented.

"This is so damn cringe I don’t know what’s real or fake, but I’m tired 😩 " one user said.

Big Brother season 26 airs on CBS. Tune in for new episodes on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. EDT, and Sundays at 9 p.m. EDT. For those who prefer streaming, episodes are available on Paramount+. Make sure to check your local listings for any changes to the schedule.