Big Brother 27 Shocker: Rachel Reilly Returns as Mystery Houseguest 14 Years After Winning

The Big Brother 27 season premiere ended with a jaw-dropping surprise: the return of Rachel Reilly, one of the show’s most iconic players, 14 years after winning Big Brother 13 in 2011.

Rachel, known as reality TV’s “royalty,” expressed mixed emotions in a pre-move-in confessional: “I am dreading being away from my family, but $750,000 is on the line. I’m here to play Big Brother. This is my dynasty. I’m the queen.”

Her re-entry into the game sent shockwaves through the house. She famously told the other houseguests, “Floaters, grab a life vest — reality royalty has officially arrived,” echoing her original memorable quote from the series.

Rachel first competed in Season 12 (2010) where she was the fifth evicted, but it was in Season 13 she cemented her legacy by winning in a close jury vote. Along the way, she met and married fellow houseguest Brendon Villegas, with whom she shares two children.

Despite 14 years since her last game, Rachel says she’s ready: “I packed history, strategy, and a bold red lip.” She admits nerves about competing with a younger crowd but is confident, saying, “I love Big Brother. I love the game. And I come to win.”

She anticipates mixed reactions in the house. “I think they’re gonna be upset and excited. I’m sure I’ll have people who love me, hate me, and love to hate me — and I’m going to use that to my advantage.”

Rachel also credits learning from other reality TV legends like Cirie Fields, Janelle Pierzina, and Britney Hayes, calling them her friends and part of her evolving social strategy.

As expected, Rachel’s return was first hinted at by Janelle Pierzina on social media, who joked about Rachel disappearing without telling her she’d be returning.

While Rachel can’t compete in the first Head of Household competition, won by Vince Panaro, she’s eagerly anticipating future challenges and iconic moments. “I’m most looking forward to HOH and kicking some people out of the house,” she said.

One challenge Rachel admits to is keeping her trademark feistiness in check, warning, “She comes out loud.”

Rachel recently appeared on The Traitors Season 1, outlasting fellow Big Brother alum Cody Calafiore, and Season 27 also features an intriguing twist with an Accomplice among the cast—someone secretly working behind the scenes who may or may not join the game depending on the houseguests’ detection skills.