‘Big Brother 17’: Is Vanessa Rousso The Next To Go? [Spoilers]

Vanessa Rousso has always seemed like a Big Brother 17 player on the edge. The at-first unassuming everyday woman, who came into the house masquerading as a D.J., was hiding a big secret: she is one of the top poker players in the world, and although she really is a D.J., it’s always been a side gig.

Now her somewhat risky game play — making alliances with most players in the house and using manipulation to get what she wants — may result in Vanessa’s first real challenge in the Big Brother house.

Warning: Spoilers from the Big Brother 17 live feeds to follow.

Clay Honeycutt’s eviction was preceded by a huge blow up in the Big Brother house on Thursday. Vanessa ultimately accused Clay and John McGuire of having a close alliance, perhaps stemming from a relationship outside the house.

Clay was eventually evicted by a unanimous vote on Thursday night, and McGuire told the diary room camera that it had been a “weird day” before he cast his vote.

The winner of the Head of Household competition was Becky Burgess. She dominated the contest, walking away not only with the HOH key but with the two other available prizes as well: cash and an exemption from have-not status.

As Big Brother Network reported, Becky has every intention of evicting Vanessa. She will put up two other players, likely Shelli and Steve, and backdoor Vanessa. Rousso quickly caught on to Becky’s plans when the new HOH refused to make a deal with her, stating she was not making deals with anyone.

Becky has told many house guests about her backdoor plan, including Vanessa’s close ally Shelli, whom Rousso worked hard to keep last week.

It is far from certain that the backdoor plan will succeed. Vanessa, if she is chosen to play in the veto competition, could win. Even if she remains on the block, Vanessa has close allies in Austin Matelson, Liz Nolan, and Julia Nolan.

There’s another potential hole in Becky’s backdoor plan. She floated the idea of using the veto to save Shelli to get in her good books. That’s an almost certain vote for Vanessa. Steve, as well, has long been close with Vanessa and would probably vote to keep her if he comes down.

Vanessa Rousso is a professional gambler, and is used to games of high risk and high reward. Her track record is pretty impressive in that world. That’s why fans of Big Brother probably aren’t counting Vanessa out just yet.

Big Brother 17 airs Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays on CBS.

[Photo by Valerie Macon / Getty Images Entertainment]