Rubina Bernabe, one of the most talked-about contestants from Big Brother 26, is trying to turn her on-screen romance with fellow housemate Tucker Des Lauriers into something real outside the show. During their time in the Big Brother house, Rubina and Tucker developed feelings for each other that they couldn’t ignore.
Despite the challenges of being on national television and under constant surveillance, the two got close and even had intimate moments that were caught on the live feed.
Though Tucker Des Lauriers was evicted in week 6, Rubina made it all the way to the Final Four. Even though they left the house at different times, both of them have shown interest in continuing their relationship now that the show is over. They’ve gone from reality TV contestants to a possible real-life couple, and they’re both hoping to see where it goes.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Rubina opened up about what it was like to see her romance with Tucker play out on screen. Living through it was one thing, but watching it all unfold again on TV has been an emotional experience for her.
She said that while things between her and Tucker happened unexpectedly, she’s happy about the connection they built and excited about what might come next.
Rubina Bernabe and Tucker Des Lauriers Face Long-Distance Challenges
One of the biggest challenges Rubina and Tucker are dealing with now that Big Brother is over is the fact that they live in different parts of the country. Rubina currently calls Los Angeles home, while Tucker is based in Brooklyn, New York, where he works as a marketing and sales executive.
The physical distance between them could make things difficult, but Rubina said she’s willing to put in the effort if Tucker is. She’s hopeful that they can make their relationship work despite the obstacles.
During the interview, Rubina shared that she never planned on starting a romance while in the Big Brother house. Like many reality stars, she went in with a specific strategy and mindset. However, life inside the house turned out to be unpredictable, and she found herself genuinely falling for Tucker.
Rubina said that while being part of a reality TV show romance wasn’t what she intended, she doesn’t regret any of it.
Talking about the steamy moment that she and Tucker shared on the live feed, Rubina admitted that it was definitely not something she had planned. She said, “It was honestly the last thing I expected to happen. Now I guess millions of people saw me doing that.”
Still from Big Brother 26 (Credit: CBS)
While some people might be embarrassed by such a personal moment being broadcast to the world, Rubina seems to be taking it all in stride.
She added that she feels lucky to have met someone like Tucker, someone she truly connects with. She’s hopeful that their connection isn’t just something that worked in the controlled environment of the Big Brother house but that it can also thrive in the real world. Rubina is ready to give the relationship a shot, even though the circumstances are challenging.
Rubina’s Relationship with Tucker Wasn’t Instant
While it might seem like Rubina and Tucker hit it off right from the start, that wasn’t actually the case. In fact, Rubina didn’t think she would even like Tucker at first.
After her eviction, which happened just before the Big Brother 26 finale, Rubina sat down with Parade to talk about her time in the house and her unexpected romance with Tucker. She revealed that during the early days of the show, she found Tucker pretty annoying.
At the start of the competition, Rubina didn’t think she and Tucker would get along. They seemed like very different people, and their personalities didn’t seem to match. However, as time went on and they spent more time together, Rubina started to see a different side of Tucker.
She realized that he had a lot of qualities that she hadn’t noticed before, and as they got to know each other better, her feelings for him began to change.
Rubina shared that even though she didn’t go into Big Brother thinking about romance, it was hard for her not to develop feelings for Tucker as the competition went on. She explained that, in a way, the controlled environment of the house helped them focus on each other.
With no outside distractions, they were able to really get to know each other on a deep level, which is why their connection felt so strong by the time Tucker was evicted in week 6.
For a while, Rubina and Tucker kept their growing connection private. They didn’t want to make it too obvious to the other houseguests that something was going on between them. But eventually, it became clear to everyone that the two were more than just friends.
The Houseguests Weren’t Surprised by Rubina and Tucker’s Romance
Although Rubina and Tucker tried to keep their romance low-key at first, the other houseguests soon caught on. By the time they were ready to go public with their relationship, no one in the house was really surprised. Rubina said that when she and Tucker finally admitted they were together, the other houseguests actually seemed relieved.
In the same interview with Parade, Rubina shared her thoughts on the other players’ reactions, saying, “Us being outward and finally explicit about our relationship was not a surprise to the other players. I think they felt honestly relieved that we were finally out about it because we tried really hard not to make it a thing.”
Even though their relationship might have added another layer of complication to the already intense competition, Rubina said that the other players were supportive of her and Tucker once they made things official.
Rubina’s Other Friendships in the Big Brother House
While her romance with Tucker Des Lauriers has been one of the most talked-about parts of Rubina’s journey on Big Brother 26, it wasn’t the only important connection she made during her time in the house. Rubina also formed strong bonds with two other houseguests, T’kor Clottey and Kimo Apaka.
According to Rubina, these friendships were essential to her making it as far as she did in the competition. She said, “I truly don’t know if I would have even made it past Week 4 without them.” T’kor and Kimo became her closest allies in the house, and their support helped her survive some of the most challenging parts of the competition.
Still from Big Brother 26 (Credit: CBS)
Rubina described how the three of them became each other’s lifelines inside the house. With all the pressure of the competition, the alliances, and the constant scheming, having friends she could trust made all the difference. Even now that the show is over, Rubina said that her friendship with T’kor and Kimo is still going strong. The three of them have stayed in touch, and she considers them an important part of her Big Brother experience.
What’s Next for Rubina and Tucker?
Now that Big Brother 26 has officially wrapped, the real question is: what’s next for Rubina and Tucker? They’ve expressed interest in making their relationship work, but only time will tell how things play out for them in the real world. With Rubina living in Los Angeles and Tucker in Brooklyn, they’re going to have to figure out how to handle the long-distance dynamic.
For now, both Rubina and Tucker seem optimistic. They’ve faced challenges together in the Big Brother house, and they’re ready to face the challenges that come with life after reality TV.
The finale of Big Brother 26 aired on October 13, 2024. All episodes, including the live feeds, are available for streaming on Paramount+.
Week after week, FX’s “English Teacher” has shown that it refuses to slow down. The changing dynamics between Evan (Brian Jordan Alvarez) and Malcolm (Jordan Firstman) keep viewers engaged, while Sean Patton’s character, Markie, keeps revealing more layers.
Each episode challenges the teachers in new ways, but one of the most intriguing developments is the relationship between Gwen (Stephanie Koenig) and Markie. This budding connection has been quietly evolving over the past few weeks and might lead to one of the best character arcs in the series.
Gwen and Markie: A Unique Connection
At first glance, the idea of Gwen and Markie being in a relationship seems far-fetched. Their initial interactions are filled with misunderstandings and unexpected events. For example, during a school field trip, Gwen suffers a severe allergic reaction after coming into contact with Markie’s goggles.
This incident initially makes it seem like their relationship could be doomed. Additionally, in the episode titled “Linda,” Gwen is confused by what seems to be Markie’s flirtation. Despite these rocky moments, there is a deeper emotional connection between them that suggests their relationship is more than just a passing fancy.
Actions often speak louder than words, and this is evident in Gwen and Markie’s interactions. As the show progresses, it becomes clear that they have begun to influence each other positively. Gwen is currently in a relationship that, at first, appears to work for her.
However, in the latest episode titled “Conference,” she confides in Markie about her doubts regarding her relationship. This admission is significant for Gwen, as she has not even considered discussing her feelings with Evan. Her honesty with Markie indicates how connected she has become to him.
Similarly, Markie has opened up to Gwen in ways that viewers find surprising. He shares his unique knowledge and interests with her, and most importantly, he reveals his biggest secret: he cannot swim. This confession adds depth to his character and highlights the growing bond between them.
Gwen and Markie have started to share wisdom with one another. Markie reveals some of the school’s secrets to help Gwen show her challenges, while Gwen offers to teach him how to swim.
Still from English Teacher (Credit: NBC)
Their interactions are not only adorable but also show how they are positively affecting each other. As viewers watch them grow closer, it is easy to imagine them as an iconic sitcom couple, despite their apparent differences.
Contrasting Personalities Create Depth
What makes Gwen and Markie’s relationship interesting is their contrasting qualities. Gwen is an intelligent, professional, and successful educator, but her current relationship situation is beneath her. Her maturity plays a key role in her friendship with Evan.
On the other hand, Markie may come off as immature, often speaking his mind in inappropriate ways. However, he is deeply dedicated to his profession and is willing to take risks, even blackmailing the school to demonstrate his value. After being trapped in a relationship characterized by immaturity and lack of motivation, Markie’s boldness is exactly what Gwen needs in a partner.
Gwen’s wit and modern thinking help Markie become a better person. Although he means well, he sometimes struggles to keep up with current social norms and can come off as offensive. However, Gwen has already demonstrated her ability to break through Markie’s tough exterior.
She can help him improve as an educator and as an individual. Their strong personalities allow them to maintain their uniqueness while growing together. This balance could lead to a healthy, supportive, and funny relationship.
Initially, the idea of a romance between Gwen and Markie may not seem plausible in “English Teacher.” However, the past few weeks have shown that they might be a perfect match.
Their chemistry, highlighted by their differences, makes their interactions engaging. While the future of their relationship remains uncertain, viewers can’t help but root for them, quirks and all.
The Power of Connection
The growing connection between Gwen and Markie also emphasizes the importance of relationships in personal growth. Both characters are learning from each other, which is a central theme in the series. Their interactions demonstrate how friendships and potential romances can lead to self-discovery and transformation.
As Gwen becomes more honest about her feelings, she learns what she truly wants in a relationship. Markie, on the other hand, is challenged to confront his shortcomings and embrace change.
This mutual growth is essential for both characters. It shows that relationships can be a powerful force for positive change. When people connect with others, they often find the encouragement and support needed to overcome their struggles. This aspect of their relationship adds depth to their story and makes it relatable for viewers.
The Role of Humor in Relationships
Another appealing aspect of Gwen and Markie’s budding relationship is the humor that comes from their interactions. Their differences lead to funny moments that lighten the mood of the show.
Still from English Teacher (Credit: NBC)
Viewers appreciate that, while there are serious moments of growth and connection, there is also a lightheartedness that makes the show enjoyable. The balance of comedy and character development creates a well-rounded narrative that keeps audiences engaged.
Final Thoughts on “English Teacher”
As “English Teacher” continues to air, the evolving relationship between Gwen and Markie remains a highlight of the show. The way they influence each other and grow together is attractive. Their differences make them an interesting pair, and their shared experiences allow for moments of humor and warmth.
The show’s ability to show complex relationships while keeping the tone light is commendable. It reminds viewers that love and friendship come in many forms and that growth often happens in unexpected ways.
The chemistry between Gwen and Markie is undeniable, and fans of the show eagerly anticipate what will happen next in their story.
“English Teacher” is available to stream on Hulu in the U.S. and continues to entertain audiences with its unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments.
