“I didn’t see us being together” – Big Brother’s Victor reflects on his first impression of Nicole

Big Brother stars Nicole Franzel and Victor Arroyo are reflecting on their journey from housemates to life partners. The couple, who first appeared on Big Brother season 18 in 2016, are among a handful of contestants whose relationship grew after the show ended.

On July 17, 2025, interview with Us Weekly, Victor opened up about his initial thoughts on Nicole and how their bond unexpectedly turned romantic years later.

“I thought she was really cute, but I didn’t see us being together,” Victor, 34, told Us Weekly. “Even after we got off the show, I would reach out to her and check in. And it was just, like, super friends.”

Their relationship shifted during a Big Brother premiere party when they reconnected, shared a kiss, and transitioned from friends to something more.

Nicole and Victor’s post Big Brother journey

Nicole and Victor got married in March 2021 and are now parents to their 3-year-old son, Arrow. Despite their history on Big Brother, the couple has built a quiet life away from the spotlight in Michigan.

“I grew up here,” Nicole, 33, explained. “We’re still in the same town where I always lived. I’m super close to my family. I love the seasons. I love the country life. I love rural life. We did buy a house with 10 acres, and we literally have a rescue farm in our backyard, and we just rescued a dog.”

Nicole said that life in her small town feels normal, and people there don’t make a big deal about her being on the show. The couple spoke about the importance of communication for sustaining their relationship.

“Express your feelings,” Victor said. “Say, ‘Thank you for doing that thing. I really appreciate that you did that for me’ and also the ‘I didn’t like what you did there and I want to talk about it.’ That’s important.”

Nicole said that while not every day is perfect, her relationship keeps getting stronger, and she believes it will last because they both truly want to be together. While their life now revolves around parenting and their home, they haven’t ruled out returning to reality TV. When asked about potential shows they’d consider, Victor responded,

“Survivor! My strategy would still be the same [as Big Brother]. Just try to win as many competitions as I can, but I’d like it for the experience, to try to see if I can do that, live out there and compete and stay mentally strong.” Nicole added, “Mine would be Traitors because I like games where there’s not much physical activity. And then I think Dancing With the Stars. That’s very physical, so I guess that could be a problem, but it would be so fun.”

Julie Chen Moonves reflects on Big Brother’s lasting couples

Julie Chen Moonves, the long-time host of Big Brother, commented on the number of long-lasting relationships that have emerged from the show. On July 11, 2025 interview with People, she said,

“We've had more marriages than The Bachelor — and we are not a dating show.” She added, “Just warms my heart to see it.”

Chen Moonves said the shows' couples, like Nicole and Victor, often last because the intense, 24/7 environment reveals every side of a person. According to Chen Moonves, at least six couples are currently married and have families, including Nicole and Victor.

She also listed Jordan Lloyd and Jeff Schroeder, Rachel Reilly and Brendon Villegas, Daniele Donato and Dominic Briones, Cody Nickson and Jessica Graf, and Bayleigh Dayton and Christopher “Swaggy C” Williams.

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Big Brother continues to air on CBS on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 8 pm ET.

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