Tucker Des Lauriers Hints at His Thrilling Next Move with Rubina—What Has Him So Excited?

When Tucker Des Lauriers confidently strode into the Big Brother 26 house first, he vowed to make history. And indeed, though he only spent six weeks in the game, they were incredibly memorable ones. He was one of the most chaotic players in a chaotic game, not afraid to target people for petty reasons, make big plans, or blow up others in his wake. He is one of only a handful of houseguests in the show’s history to use the veto on somebody else while still sitting on the block, kicking off Angela Murray’s record-breaking run. And he did this all while winning six competitions and kindling a showmance with Rubina Bernabe. To say Tucker had all eyes on him would be an understatement. And unfortunately, that’s what led to his ouster in eleventh place, as he was booted after his competition streak ran cold.

Before leaving, Tucker was given the opportunity to be the “AI Instigator.” It truly represented his run on the season and impact on the Big Brother viewers. Anonymously, Tucker once again attempted to sow discord amongst the houseguests, including outing his own relationship with Rubina. It was a position granted to him by the fans, who also gave him $20,000 for his effort. It only makes sense, then, that 45 days later, they would award him another $50,000 on top of that. Tucker ends the season doing what he always intended, as he becomes the first prejuror in the show’s history to take home the “America’s Favorite Houseguest” prize, beating Angela and Quinn Martin in the final vote.

Hours after the Big Brother 26 finale, Tucker speaks with Parade.com about his reaction to being a fan favorite, the next steps for his relationship with Rubina, and the biggest thing he would take from his first season into a possible second.

How are you doing right now, Tucker?
Man, don’t even get me started, dude! I’m fired up! Thank you, America. I really didn’t know. It’s such a crazy, electric feeling. It’s been a crazy, wonderful experience. Thank you, America. It feels good.

I mean, that’s an understatement! As the first person to not make the jury and win America’s Favorite Houseguest, you get the unique experience of getting to see the fan reaction to your game before the finale. So what were your expectations going in as to whether you would win the prize?
It honestly was surprising. I mean, I had a good feeling. But when I have good feelings about things, I really doubt them. I try to not get in my head. I don’t want to count the chickens before they hatch, type of scenario. But I was looking at all the different polls, and then Angela was at the top, and Leah was at the top, and Chelsie worked her way up, and Quinn was up there. And you can’t believe anything online! I just didn’t know. I just was crossing my fingers and doing as many posts and things and just trying to stay relevant from getting kicked out so much earlier.

And I really am grateful and blessed and honored to feel like I have left somewhat of a mark on this game. I didn’t model it after anyone else’s. I was just being me. Playing this game, being my wild, dumb, goofy, weird, competitive self. And so it really makes me feel understood, especially being the younger brother who’s always trying to be understood and all this stuff. So I really appreciate being heard, and I feel very understood by a lot of people. I’m getting emotional. But it’s a feeling I think a lot of people yearn for. So I can’t put it in words. But I’m so grateful and thankful.

You were bouncing off the walls in that studio when you were up on stage. What was it like to get to be up there with the entire cast, as well as reuniting with Rubina?
I just felt like I already won, as cheesy as it is. But I mean, Rubina is the sweetest, nicest person I’ve ever met. So I cared about it, but I didn’t at the same time. I felt very happy and blessed to have fulfilled my definition of a Big Brother experience. Well, aside from winning. But to have her on top of that, and having the AI Instigator money prize, you know, it just couldn’t get better. And it got better! I’m gonna freak out the second I see everybody. I’m still holding a lot in. I’m gonna bust through a wall later, man. I’m freaking out. I’m gonna be like the Kool-Aid dude, going through a wall. I am so excited. I can’t wait to see everybody after and really connect and hug and not just have to do the show. So, yeah I’ve been holding a lot in. I am a lot weirder and louder than you guys saw. So run it up now, baby! Someone get me a shot of tequila. I’m ready to go.

As excited as you are, you have had the chance to talk with the other prejurors after your eviction. What has that been like? And, more specifically, were you able to make amends with Lisa over some glittered cocktails?
Okay, first question, it has been lovely to reunite with everybody. Kenney and Matt and I had some moments when they came to New York, and we had a great time. But all of us have been FaceTiming, but there’s nothing like in person. It’s so nice and lovely. And then with Lisa, I surprised her at a party she was throwing in WeHo. She looked like she got evicted when I first saw her. She was in shock.I wasn’t aware as to how much I affected her. Yes, I was making fun of her. But I was doing it out of a fun, lighthearted way, not thinking she just met me and doesn’t know that that’s sort of the guy I am.

I felt horrible when she explained how hard it was and what she had to go through. We had coffee the next day for hours, and it was really just something where I never want anyone to feel like that. I was the younger brother. I was picked on and bullied and stuff. So it was very nice to have those moments with Lisa. It was fun in the mix with everybody, but then we had our one-on-one with coffee. And I love her. I appreciate her. She is a great human being. And whatever I was doing in there, I blacked out. We were just having fun and being in this house. Someone says one thing, your brain runs with it. But [she’s] absolutely lovely. She is an amazing person. I feel like we have made amends. It might take a bit for the scar to fully heal, but my heart goes out to her. I am very sorry from the bottom of my heart, and I hope I can do something to make it up to you. I feel terrible.

What was your reaction to watching the rest of the season? During your HoH, when you put up Chelsie, you said that her and Brooklyn were running the show. And then, after you were evicted, she proceeded to do just that!
Can you say that to everyone that was still in the house, please, man?! They forgot, and they forgot about Quinn for a bit. They are so good at picking up their cards and doing it fast and efficient and in order. And they picked them up, and they were like, “No, I’m still here to play.” So Chelsie and Quinn did a phenomenal job at being blindsided by this thing, and just having it spilt out in front of them, and just doing the work they needed to do to get back to where they were to instill that trust in everyone else. And I was very impressed in those two doing that. It was great. Chelsie’s a beast! [Laughs.]

Let’s talk about some next steps for you. I know you haven’t spent significant time with Rubina yet, but any plans in mind? I know you talked with her about traveling somewhere, and you have some spending money now!
Oh, I already talking about the Maldives in the house, all these other places. She’s been to Japan; I’ve never been to Japan. So we got spots. Wherever she wants, I’m down. I’m staying out here for my birthday. She asked me on stage. I was like, “Yeah, I was watching everything. I’m definitely staying out. I heard you say it. I’m here. I got it.” And she says she want sto celebrate the holidays with me, maybe she’ll come back to New York for Halloween. Who knows? But just beyond excited for every day.

You’ve clearly made an imprint on Big Brother. But what about any other reality shows? What would be the show you’d ideally want to do next?
There’s a number that float around. I don’t know if there’s anyone that is before the other or not. They all sound fun, and I’m interested in all of them. So I don’t know. Whoever comes knocking at that door first, man, I’m ready to run it up! I have been itching for 45 days since I got out of there to compete. So let’s go! I’m up for whatever: The Challenge, Survivor, The Summit looks crazy, Amazing Race. Call me on Reindeer Games; bring me back for some All-Stars. I’m ready for whatever!

On that last note, if you were to be asked back for a second Big Brother season, what’s the biggest lesson you’d take from your first time in the house into your second?
Knowing I have an amazing amount of support on fans. That was the hardest thing. I didn’t even think my family was watching. My brother made like 30 Twitters and just went nuts just being rascals online. All my friends did it. All my friends and my family were all on a group chat. And then you come out, and then it’s, this [from] America. That was one of the hardest mental struggles for me in there. So knowing I have that, I feel like I might have got into fourth gear a couple times in that house. But I still had fifth and sixth, if I made it past that week I got evicted. Joseph and I were about to kick it in gear, okay?!

I feel so understated to be like, “Thank you guys for supporting me. It means the world to me.” But you have no idea unless you’ve ever been in there or been locked away from society and all that. I love and appreciate every message. Every time someone stops me on the street at anything. People will stop me on the street and be like, “Can you do a video for my mom?” I’m like, “You better FaceTime Mom. Let me talk to her right now!” So, yeah, that’s been the best part about it that I think would elevate my focus a lot more. Because that was a big mental distraction.