Los Angeles, CA — Taylor Hale, winner of “Big Brother” season 24 and a beloved figure among the show’s fans, is set to host the season 26 jury roundtable during this Sunday’s two-hour season finale. Hale revealed that she had eagerly anticipated the invitation to host, confirming to sources that she finally received the sought-after email.
Hale’s opportunity comes as she takes the reins from Will Kirby, the longtime host of the jury roundtable, who is currently engaged in filming for “Deal or No Deal Island.” Julie Chen Moonves, the show’s host, announced Hale’s new role at the conclusion of last Thursday’s live eviction episode.
This significant role involves guiding the jury through a final deliberation about the remaining contestants. The jurors, comprising Quinn Martin, T’Kor Clottey, Leah Peters, Angela Martin, Kimo Apaka, and most recently, Rubina Bernabe, will assess the merits of the final three competitors vying for the grand prize of $750,000.
The finalists, Chelsie Baham, noted as the mastermind strategist; Makensy Manbeck, regarded for her competitive prowess; and Cam Sullivan-Brown, the likable underdog, will be scrutinized during the deliberations. Hale will steer the conversation as jurors weigh each contender’s performance throughout the season.
In an earlier interview with Entertainment Weekly, before she was confirmed to host, Hale expressed her intense interest in leading this integral segment of the finale. “It’d be an absolute dream,” she had said, indicating her desire to shift from competitor to a more authoritative role within the “Big Brother” series.
By participating in the roundtable as a moderator, Hale continues to distinguish herself within the “Big Brother” community, not only as a former champion but also as a guiding influence for current contenders.
Observers of the show have noted that the jury session already took place, marking Hale’s first appearance in this new role. The dynamics and decisions made during the roundtable will significantly influence the final outcome of “Big Brother” season 26.
Beyond discussing logistics, Hale also shared her thoughts on who she believed had played the best game this season. She pointed to Chelsie Baham as the likely frontrunner. “Right now, Chelsie. It’s her game to lose. Chelsie’s playing the best game by far,” she noted.
However, she voiced some concerns over another finalist, Makensy Manbeck, and her tumultuous stretch as Head of Household (HOH), which might tarnish her chances of winning. Acknowledging the high stakes and intense competition, Hale added, “I don’t think she can recover from it. We’ll see.”
As the show approaches its dramatic conclusion, viewers are eagerly anticipating how Hale’s moderation impacts the jury’s final deliberations and ultimately, who walks away with the $750,000 prize. Whether Hale will carry traditional snacks, echoing past jury sessions, remains to be seen, but her presence is sure to add an engaging dimension to this season’s finale.