In an unexpected turn of events on ‘Big Brother 28,’ contestant Rome Seymour has reflected on his swift departure from the show after being evicted in a decisive 12-1 vote on July 23. The 24-year-old, who became only the second houseguest to be sent home this season, has openly discussed both his experience in the house and his budding romance with fellow contestant, Lyric Medeiros.
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During his brief tenure on the show, which lasted just two weeks, Seymour found himself not only embroiled in the intense dynamics of the reality competition but also at the centre of the season’s first showmance. His connection with Medeiros, 25, blossomed rapidly and provided a personal silver lining amidst his strategic struggles. “I’ve always believed that showmances could be genuine,” Seymour told PEOPLE. “But I had thought that those which survive past week two would be more real.”
Seymour’s feelings deepened after a playful encounter early on, where the pair flirted beside their lockers, mimicking scenes reminiscent of high school romances. “After closing her locker and flirting, we both thought, ‘This feels right,’ making us inseparable from that moment,” he reminisced. Indeed, this closeness formed the foundation of their relationship, which contributed to the emotional temperature of the house.
However, Seymour’s gameplay began to falter as early as the start of his second week. Under the leadership of head of household Rick Devens, a plan emerged to target him, which stemmed from concerns regarding his ability to unify other houseguests. As tensions escalated, Devens, along with fellow houseguest Angela Murray, orchestrated a strategy that ultimately led to Seymour’s eviction. In a particularly heated nomination ceremony, Devens targeted Seymour’s allies, igniting further discord among housemates.
Despite these challenges, Seymour has since expressed regret for moments of heated emotion he displayed during gameplay. A notable instance involved a confrontation with housemate Haley Thogmartin. “I snapped after seeing my allies at risk, but we later reconciled and discussed potential mutual gameplay strategies,” he said, acknowledging the strain competition can place on interpersonal relationships.
As the eviction drew near, Seymour’s options dwindled. Despite his efforts to secure his position, he was unable to clinch either the Blockbuster competition or the Power of Veto, which saw Devens solidifying his own stance. When the moment came for his exit, Seymour made a heartfelt proclamation of love to Medeiros, a plan he had devised in anticipation of either triumph or departure. “It was premeditated,” he explained, clarifying his desire to share his feelings publicly, regardless of the outcome.
Reflecting on the ramifications of his romance within the confines of game strategy, Seymour expressed mixed feelings. While he recognised that being part of a couple could create challenges, he believed that his target status was ultimately dictated by his competitive approach rather than his relationship. “I always maintained that her game should come first. Our relationship, should it progress, would take shape outside the game,” he articulated.
Looking ahead, Seymour is eager to reconnect with Medeiros once the show concludes. “I hope she lasts longer in the game so I can plan something special for her,” he remarked, recognising her qualities as a partner worth celebrating. He has described her as ‘the perfect person’ and looks forward to making meaningful memories after their tumultuous experience.
As he exits the house, Seymour maintains a positive outlook, crediting his competitors for recognising the strengths he brought to the game. “It’s a compliment that they felt threatened by me,” he noted, taking pride in the impact he made despite his early exit. Fans can continue to follow the unfolding drama of ‘Big Brother 28,’ which airs on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, alongside companion show ‘Big Brother: Unlocked.’