“This is my dynasty” — Rachel Reilly reveals why she came back to Big Brother 27 after 14 years

Big Brother 27 premiered on July 10, 2025, with a twist, where former winner Rachel Reilly joined the house as a surprise mystery houseguest! Rachel Reilly returned after 14 years, having last won the show as winner on Season 13.

Rachel walked the premiere by making a big entrance, repeating her famous line, "Floaters, grab a life vest!" Rachel finally settled down to join the other houseguests.

On July 11, 2025, Rachel spoke to Gold Derby in an exclusive, and explained why she decided to return to Big Brother.

“I am dreading being away from my family. But again, $750,000 is on the line. I'm here to play Big Brother. This is my dynasty,” she said.

She said that her children are older now, and she was ready to re-enter the competition — this time as a more seasoned and focused competitor.

Rachel wasn't a competitor in the first Head of Household challenge, but just having her in the house changed the energy.

As the game continues, her strategy and experience may affect both her game and the houseguests in this season of Big Brother.

Rachel shares how her life stage made this the right time to return to Big Brother

 

 

 

 

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Rachel Reilly said she felt like the timing was right for her to come back to Big Brother because her kids are older and it is much easier to leave home.

In an interview with Gold Derby, she stated that she was nervous, but it was exciting to have another opportunity to compete.

She addressed how she feels that things are different now than when she previously played.

She also noted that now being older and a mother, she was somewhat hesitant to enter a house with all of the younger contestants.

“Being a little bit older and more mature, moving in with a bunch of kids, I'm a little nervous,” she said.

Still, she made it clear she’s in the game to win. Rachel acknowledged that her presence would stir reactions from the new houseguests.

She expected mixed feelings — excitement, concern, and even dislike — but said she planned to use that to her advantage.

“If they hate me, then they can see themselves out the front door, hopefully on my HOH,” she added.

Rachel reflects on her past wins and prepares for a new kind of challenge

Rachel Reilly explained that her return to the show after 14 years and was influenced by her ongoing connection with reality television.

She has been competing in reality TV shows since her win on Big Brother 13, including her most recent appearance on The Traitors (where she faced off against several other reality vets), and said,

"I've been doing this for the past 15 years."

Rachel added her past experience gives her some insight into how to work through alliances and even the twists presented. She shared that her excitement mainly lies in the competitions.

“I'm most looking forward to HOH and getting to have some iconic HOH lines when I win,” Rachel said.

However, she wasn’t eligible to participate in the first Head of Household challenge, which was won by Vince Panaro. Despite that, she expressed confidence about future rounds.

Rachel also talked about learning from other players she now calls friends, including Cirie Fields, Janelle Pierzina, and Britney Hayes — and said that she hopes to apply those lessons this season.

As the season introduces the “Mastermind and Accomplice” twist, Rachel didn’t reveal her strategy but hinted that her background in social and strategic games could help.

“You can take the girl out of the Big Brother house, but you can't take the Big Brother out of the girl,” she said.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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