BB26’s Rubina Thinks She and Tucker’s Romance Could Work After Show

Big Brother 26’s Rubina Bernabe can see her and showmance partner Tucker Des Lauriers continuing their romance after the show.

“I am a little hopeful given that it’s been four years since I’ve been with anyone,” Rubina, 35, exclusively told Us Weekly on Friday, October 11, one day after her eviction. “And for it to happen on the show, as reluctantly as it did for me, I think that it makes sense we try to make it work outside.”

Tucker, 30, and Rubina connected in the Big Brother house early on. As time went on, their friendly — and flirty — banter progressed into a romance. However, Tucker made himself a target after winning multiple competitions. Tucker was the sixth person voted off, not making the jury. In his final Big Brother moments, Tucker shared a steamy kiss with Rubina before walking out the door.

Rubina isn’t the only one wishing to pursue a connection after the season ends. Following Tucker’s elimination, he echoed similar sentiments to Us.

“I’m at that age where I’m looking for a life partner, and I’m always scared to take that risk. All my friends know I don’t go out looking for that stuff; I go out to be with my friends and I wait for that fairy fairytale thing when two paths cross,” Tucker exclusively told Us in August. “This is a very beautiful, lovely feeling. And I hope it goes where we both want it to go.”

While Rubina initially thought her game was in danger after losing her closest ally, she managed to stay in the game and formed a trio alliance with Kimo Apaka and T’kor Clottey.

“Playing the game after Tucker’s exit was rough, to be honest,” Rubina admitted. “But at the end of the day, I knew it was better for my game. So it was a blessing and a curse — but mostly a blessing.”

Not only did Rubina outlast Tucker in the game, but also T’Kor, 23, and Kimo, 36. Before her eviction on Thursday, October 10, Rubina pitched to Makensy “MJ” Manbeck, who won the final Power of Veto, to keep her over Cam Sullivan-Brown. (The last time all women made it to the finale was in Big Brother 6, which aired in 2005.

While MJ, 22, toyed with the idea of the final three being all women, she ultimately voted out Rubina. The decision cemented that she, Cam, 25, and Chelsie Baham make it to finale night on Sunday, October 13.

“I did want to see a women’s final 3 and obviously that was up to MJ but I can’t say I’m surprised,” Rubina said. “If she had a final 3 with [Cam and Chelsie] it makes sense she stayed loyal to that.”

Despite being disappointed with MJ’s decision, Rubina shared that everything was “all good” between them. MJ even gave Rubina props for her stellar social game in her goodbye message which “surprised” the bartender.

“I really wasn’t sure that I did,” Rubina confessed. “I was just in there trying to be my most authentic self and if that served as a good social game I’m grateful.”

The Big Brother 26 finale will air on CBS Sunday, October 13, at 9 p.m. ET.