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‘Big Brother 18’: Are Some ‘BB18’ Houseguests Forgetting About The Grand Prize To Focus On Showmances And Love Interests Instead?

By Cia Young
Published on: 21:05 PST, Jul 24, 2016

Fans of the Big Brother franchise are no strangers to romances, or showmances, developing on the reality show, as players get to know one another and eventual attractions develop. Over the seasons of the show, some of these pairings have been doomed from the start, while others stand the test of time and remain intact today.

How showmances impact game play and eventual outcomes can vary, but in general, a love interest in the Big Brother house can often be detrimental, as two playing as one can seem threatening to others.

Big Brother 18 is no different with several showmances blooming right before viewers’ eyes. Four showmances have formed, but only three remain active in the house at present. Whatever the number, it must be pondered whether some of the houseguests in these pairings are focusing too intently on their in-house relationships and losing sight of the $500k grand prize.

One showmance that ended almost before it began was between Natalie and Victor. Their relationship is the stuff of gossip and rumors as video feeds from inside the Big Brother 18 house were not yet active when they expressed their affections for one another – the first week of the game.

As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Natalie has been heard telling other houseguests she had strong feelings for Victor, even though they had only known each other a brief while. She also revealed that Victor was the one who broke the showmance off, which hurt her deeply.

Victor is now back in the Big Brother 18 house after being evicted and then winning the Battle Back competition just days ago. However, shortly after he was temporarily booted from the game, he spoke about his showmance with Natalie.

Big Brother Network interviewed Victor, asking him “What happened with Natalie?” Victor revealed his true feelings.

“Not only did I not see her as compatible with me in terms of our personalities or the things we like, but I didn’t want to be locked in a showmance. I think it impacted me negatively, ever since I broke it off, she was very sensitive towards me.”

Although Victor seemed to figure out early on that a showmance may not be a good idea, his focus on the grand prize seemed to come too late and he was sent packing. Through the Battle Back, he now has another chance to win the game and will likely not become involved in another Big Brother 18 showmance.

Natalie, however, seemed to be dead set on a showmance as she began one not long after being spurned by Victor with veteran Big Brother player James, who was all too eager to appease her. The two have been inseparable over the past few weeks, and Natalie appears to be benefiting greatly from the coupling. Essentially, she is enjoying the popularity and likability that comes along with associating with James.

However, there has been talk in the Big Brother 18 house that Natalie’s intentions may be less than honorable, and her showmance with James is simply a strategy to get her further in the game. In fact, Corey told Nicole that Natalie had been flirting with him, as already reported by the Inquisitr. He also noted that Natalie informed him that she didn’t really like James at all. Thus, James may be focused on a showmance that may ultimately prove to be a fauxmance and lead to his demise in the game.

Speaking of Corey and Nicole, they are also in a showmance, but the relationship has not seemed to hinder Corey at all. Alternatively, Nicole has been seen on live feeds whining, crying, and lamenting to others about whether Corey really likes her. Nicole was even concerned, as previously reported by the Inquisitr, she is going to get “beat up” by Corey’s ex-girlfriend after Nicole and Corey had a presumably “touchy-feely” moment under the covers.

Like James, this is Nicole’s second chance to win Big Brother, but she appears to be more intent on winning Corey’s affection than the prize money. Nicole was involved in a showmance in Season 16 that lead to a true romance with fellow cast member Hayden Voss outside the Big Brother house (the two recently parted ways). Nonetheless, during that season, she didn’t seem to let the relationship negatively affect her game play.

Corey may not be as dedicated to this relationship as Nicole, as according to a prior report by the Inquisitr, he has told other houseguests that he likes Nicole, but would be fine if they parted ways because he’s not really looking for a romance right now.

Finally, the showmance between Paulie and Zakiayah, affectionately dubbed “Zaulie,” is seen as a powerful alliance in the Big Brother 18 house since Paulie has virtually been running the game. This has benefited Zakiyah, but unfortunately, she appears to be more invested in the relationship than Paulie.

As noted by the Inquisitr, Zakiyah has complained to other houseguests that Paulie does not ask her any personal questions, he doesn’t seem to want to get to know her, and this upsets her because she has a major crush on him.

Thus, it seems that James, Nicole, and Zakiyah may not have their eyes on the prize and are more interested in cultivating a Big Brother 18 romance.

According to Jet, individuals should never surrender their bodies, hearts, home, or money in order to secure a romantic partner. The article explores things that should never be given up for love and does not specifically reference Big Brother, but it seems somewhat applicable to these reality show relationships. James, Nicole, and Zakiyah may want to make note of the advice given, as Jet notes.

“You must always remember that no matter how attracted you are by what people are, they are strangers – cute, sexy, funny, rich strangers perhaps, but strangers nonetheless. You may like them. You may even feel love for them. But you do not know them.”

Big Brother 18 airs on CBS Wednesday and Sunday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and Thursday nights at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Big Brother After Dark airs on Pop Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at 12 a.m. Eastern Time, Tuesday at 11 p.m. Eastern Time, and Thursday at 1 a.m. Eastern Time. Live feeds are broadcast from inside the Big Brother 18 house 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are available from CBS All Access.

[Image via CBS]

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