Survivor Champion Dee Valladares Joins Big Brother 28 Cast
Entertainment

Survivor Champion Dee Valladares Joins Big Brother 28 Cast

authorBy Roger Ebert
DateJul 11, 2026
Read Time3 min

Dee Valladares, a notable victor from "Survivor 45," is set to make her debut on "Big Brother 28" as a late addition to the cast. This announcement positions her as a replacement for Rachel Reilly, whose unexpected departure from the show's narrative involved a prehistoric encounter. Valladares's entry marks a significant cross-over in the reality competition landscape, as she aims to conquer yet another major franchise after her impressive "Survivor" win and participation in MTV's "The Challenge."

The news of Valladares joining the "Big Brother 28" household was unveiled during an episode of "Big Brother: Unlocked." Her inclusion follows a unique plot twist in the "Big Brother" premiere, where host Julie Chen Moonves humorously time-traveled to secure a replacement for Rachel Reilly. Coincidentally, the date of this fictional time-travel aligns with the finale of "Survivor 45," where Valladares was crowned champion, further intertwining the narratives of the two popular series.

Upon her arrival in the "Big Brother" backyard, dressed in a thematic prehistoric outfit, Valladares confidently declared her ambition: to be the first individual to win both "Survivor" and "Big Brother." Her addition to the cast introduces another layer of competitive intrigue, as she joins other reality television veterans such as Rick Devens from "Survivor 50," Angela Murray from "Big Brother 26," and Jason De Puy (also known as Salina EsTitties) from "RuPaul’s Drag Race."

Valladares's reputation precedes her. Her "Survivor 45" victory is widely celebrated, attributed to her strategic and often ruthless gameplay. A memorable moment from her previous season involved a decisive move against her showmance, Austin Li Coon, which he famously described as a "sucker punch." Her return for "Survivor 50" was met with high expectations, but her formidable reputation made her an immediate target, leading to her early elimination by an alliance that included Jonathan Young, who sought retribution for the prior season's events.

The interconnectivity between these shows runs deep. Rick Devens, now a "Big Brother" contestant, and Cire Fields, another familiar face from "Big Brother," were both part of the "Survivor 50" jury that ultimately voted for Aubry Bracco as the winner. Bracco, a former "Big Brother" recapper for Entertainment Weekly, adds another interesting link to this web of reality TV personalities. Valladares's journey on "Big Brother" is highly anticipated, as fans watch to see if her strategic prowess can translate into another major victory.

Valladares is no stranger to the intense world of reality competition, having previously showcased her strategic skills on "Survivor" and her competitive spirit on MTV's "The Challenge: Vets & New Threats." Her participation in "Big Brother" further solidifies her status as a formidable contender in the genre, demonstrating her versatility and determination to excel across different formats. Her quest to achieve a dual victory on both "Survivor" and "Big Brother" is a compelling storyline that promises to captivate audiences throughout the season.

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