Rachel Reilly, the iconic Big Brother winner, has made a dramatic return as the mystery houseguest in Big Brother 27. The reality TV star, known for her competitive gameplay and unforgettable catchphrases, surprised fans and new houseguests alike with her unexpected entrance.
Reilly, who first appeared on Big Brother 12 in 2010, became a fan favorite and later won Big Brother 13 in 2011. She is married to fellow contestant Brendon Villegas, and together they have two children—Adora Borealis Villegas (born 2016) and Adler Mateo Villegas (born 2020).
Rachel Reilly’s Big Brother Legacy
Rachel Reilly first gained fame on Big Brother 12, where she formed a romantic relationship with Brendon Villegas. Though she was evicted early, she returned in Big Brother 13 and dominated the game, winning four Head of Household competitions and ultimately securing the $500,000 prize.
Her competitive spirit and bold personality made her a standout player. She is known for her famous line:
“Floaters, grab a life vest! Reality royalty has officially arrived.”
Reilly’s return in Big Brother 27 marks her third appearance in the franchise. She is the only returning player this season, competing against 16 new contestants.
Brendon Villegas and Their Love Story
Rachel and Brendon Villegas, popularly known as “Brenchel,” met inside the Big Brother house in 2010. Their relationship continued outside the show, and Brendon proposed on Valentine’s Day 2011. They married in 2012, with their wedding featured on WE TV.
Brendon, a former PhD candidate in biomedical physics, has also appeared on The Amazing Race with Rachel twice, finishing in third place both times. The couple later competed together on Celebrity Fear Factor, winning $50,000 for charity.
Their Family Life
Rachel and Brendon have two children:
- Adora Borealis Villegas (born April 8, 2016)
- Adler Mateo Villegas (born November 11, 2020)
Rachel often shares family updates on social media, balancing motherhood with her career in reality TV.
Rachel’s Other Reality TV Appearances
Beyond Big Brother, Rachel has competed in:
- The Amazing Race (Seasons 20, 24, and 31)
- Celebrity Fear Factor (Winner)
- Snake in the Grass (Winner)
- The Traitors (Season 1, placed 8th)
- Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition (2025)
She also had a recurring role on The Bold and the Beautiful and hosted the podcast Reality Relapse.
Fan Reactions to Her Big Brother 27 Return
Fans were thrilled to see Rachel back in the game. Social media exploded with reactions, including:
“Rachel Reilly is the queen of Big Brother! This season just got 100 times better!”
“Brenchel forever! Love seeing Rachel back in the house!”
Also Read:
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Big Brother 27 Introduces Lauren Domingue and Kelley Jorgensen as New Houseguests for Season 27
Big Brother 27: Contestant Keanu Soto Calls Himself a Dungeon Master – What Does It Mean?
With her sharp gameplay and entertaining personality, Rachel’s presence is expected to shake up the competition.
