Ubly native Nicole Franzel will get to join in more “Reindeer Games,” at least for another episode.
Franzel escaped elimination on the debut episode of “Big Brother Reindeer Games” on Monday night.
In fact, Franzel avoided the final elimination round altogether, watching with seven other contestants as the two chosen for “Santa’s Showdown” raced against the clock and each other to assemble a 3D puzzle of a giant Christmas sweater.
The unlucky Cameron and Xavier were sent to “Santa’s Showdown” by the flamboyant Frankie, winner of the “Jingle Brawl” earlier in the episode. Xavier emerged from the showdown as the winner, with Cameron being sent home with a consolation prize of a one-year membership in the Jelly of the Month Club.
Franzel will be back at it with Frankie, Xavier and the remaining five contestants on Tuesday, Dec 12 at 9 p.m.
“Big Brother Reindeer Games” can be seen locally on WNEM TV5.
According to press materials, Santa invites nine iconic former “Big Brother” players to his magical world where the “Reindeer Games” take place. Over six action-packed holiday-themed episodes, Santa’s elves guide the players through challenging and unpredictable competitions.
Each episode features three competitions culminating in “Santa’s Showdown,” which determines which player goes home at the end of that episode. Only four legends make it to the finale and one player with the festive fortitude walks away with the $100,000 grand prize and, of course, saves the holidays.
This is Franzel’s latest appearance as a contestant on a “Big Brother” show. She was a contestant on 2020’s “Big Brother All-Stars,” finishing in the top three, and she won the show’s 18th season in 2016.
Franzel was also a contestant on “The Amazing Race” with her husband, Michigan State Police Trooper Victor Arroyo. The two, who met as contestants on “Big Brother,” now have one child. They finished fourth on “The Amazing Race.”
Franzel first appeared on Big Brother during its 16th season in 2014, where she was evicted twice on Day 56 and Day 77, finishing in 10th place.
In addition to being a contestant on Big Brother, Franzel also appeared as a competition host in the 19th season in 2017.