You saw them fall in love under the glow of neon lights and 24/7 cameras. The chaotic energy of Tucker Des Lauriers and the genuine warmth of Rubina Bernabe became the heartbeat of Big Brother 26. Fans dubbed them "Tubina," and for a minute there, it really felt like they were the next big reality TV success story. But as we settle into 2026, the question remains: Are Tucker and Rubina still together, or did the "real world" get in the way?
Honestly, the answer is a bit of a heartbreaker for the shippers.
The Breakup No One Wanted
Despite the heavy PDA at Coachella and those adorable photos of them visiting farms in New York, Tucker and Rubina are no longer together. They officially called it quits in May 2025.
It wasn’t a messy, tabloid-fueled disaster. Instead, it was one of those "conscious uncouplings" that feels even sadder because there’s no villain. They both took to their Instagram broadcast channels to break the news. Tucker told his followers that they were "taking a break," noting that while it was incredibly sad, they both knew deep down it was the right call.
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Rubina followed up with her own statement, expressing her gratitude for the love they shared. She seemed focused on a "next chapter of growth." It was respectful. It was mature. It was also the end of an era for Big Brother fans who thought these two were endgame.
Why Did "Tubina" End?
The distance was always going to be the biggest hurdle. Tucker is a New York guy through and through, while Rubina is rooted in Los Angeles. Living on opposite coasts is a massive strain for any relationship, let alone one born in a vacuum where your only responsibility is winning a Power of Veto.
Then there was The Amazing Race.
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If you followed their journey, you know they both filmed Season 38 of The Amazing Race shortly before the split. But here’s the kicker: they weren't even on the same team. Tucker ran with his brother, Eric, and Rubina ran with her sister, Kristine.
Rubina later admitted to Us Weekly that the experience was basically a "zero out of ten" recommendation for a new couple. Imagine being in a high-stress environment, racing around the globe, but not actually being with your partner to lean on them. She mentioned that while it was a cool shared experience, it wasn't helpful for a blossoming relationship. They returned home, and within weeks, the romance fizzled out.
Where They Stand in 2026
So, is there any drama now? Not really.
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In late 2025, Tucker and Rubina were spotted at a premiere party for The Amazing Race. They were seen shaking hands and being perfectly civil. Tucker has been vocal about the fact that they are "fine" and that there are no hard feelings. He even had to shut down rumors about dating another Big Brother alum, T’Kor Clottey, after she stayed in his spare room while looking for an apartment in NYC.
Rubina, for her part, has stayed focused on her own path. She’s always said she would have "love for the guy," but she’s moved into a phase of her life where she’s prioritizing herself.
What to Keep in Mind
- Long Distance: The NYC to LA gap proved too wide to bridge.
- Reality TV Pressure: Filming The Amazing Race separately added stress instead of bonding them.
- The "Showmance" Curse: While some couples like Derek and Claire make it, many find the real world too different from the house.
If you’re looking to keep up with them individually, your best bet is following their social media for their solo projects. Tucker remains a chaotic fan favorite in the reality world, and Rubina continues to build her brand as a vibrant, positive personality. While the "Tubina" ship has sailed, both seem to be doing just fine on their own.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to relive their best moments, you can still find their Season 26 clips on Paramount+. For those hoping for a reunion, don't hold your breath for anything romantic, but expect to see them potentially cross paths again in future CBS "All-Star" style competitions given their massive popularity.