Nicole Franzel and Victor Arroyo share a heartwarming love story, rooted in their initial encounter on the reality show Big Brother 18 in 2016. Their journey from rivals to partners in life took another leap forward when they participated together in Season 31 of The Amazing Race, which aired in 2019. As The Amazing Race gears up for its 39th season, premiering on September 30, PEOPLE reflects on their evolving relationship and where they stand today.
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Initially, Franzel and Arroyo were competitors on Big Brother 18, where they vied for the grand prize. During her time on the show, Franzel entered into a showmance with fellow contestant Corey Brooks, ultimately finishing as the winner and walking away with the $500,000 jackpot. The competitive atmosphere created a tense backdrop for their first meeting, as they were more focused on gameplay than any potential romance.
In a later interview with Entertainment Tonight, Arroyo revealed that their paths crossed again during the premiere of Big Brother 19 in New York City. From that moment, they felt an undeniable connection. “From then on, it was, I guess, it was a love story,” he remarked, recalling the early spark that led to their romantic relationship.
The couple’s bond deepened significantly during their time on The Amazing Race, where they finished in fourth place. The intense environment of the race offered them both challenges and opportunities for growth. “It was very new in our relationship,” Franzel explained. “We knew going into it that it could be make-or-break… it was scary making that decision.” Arroyo echoed this sentiment, saying that the competition tested their limits, ultimately solidifying their commitment to each other.
Following their elimination from The Amazing Race, the couple made a surprising return to the Big Brother house for an appearance on Season 20. Initially believed to be part of a competition for houseguests, Arroyo took the opportunity to propose to Franzel on air. In a heartfelt message, he expressed his admiration and love for her while reminiscing about their first kiss in New York City. With a romantic setup, he presented an engagement ring—prompting an ecstatic “yes” from Franzel.
The couple tied the knot in March 2021 in a private ceremony in Florida, with Franzel expecting their first child at the time. Their son, Arrow, was born in July of that year, marking a new chapter in their lives. This past February, they welcomed twins, a son named River David and a daughter named Goldie Jean, bringing their family to five.
Reflecting on this joyous addition to their family, Franzel described the twins as “a beautiful gift from God.” She had sensed the possibility of twins and expressed her surprise and delight when it became a reality, revealing that twins run in her family. Arroyo echoed those sentiments, calling the new arrivals a “long-awaited gift,” as they had spent three years trying to conceive.
Currently, the family resides on a ten-acre farm in Michigan, a place that holds personal significance for Franzel. “I grew up here,” she said, describing her deep connection to the rural lifestyle, her family, and the community. They have transformed their property into a rescue farm, which now includes a dog, cows, and goats among other animals.
Franzel has openly shared her thoughts about farm life on social media, acknowledging the challenges that come with it while expressing a deep appreciation for their lifestyle. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she reflected on the joys and messiness of farm living, sharing her excitement for her children to grow up surrounded by nature and animals.
As fans await the premiere of Season 39 of The Amazing Race, Nicole Franzel and Victor Arroyo’s love story serves as a reminder of the unexpected paths that life can take, especially when intertwined with the thrilling world of reality television. With their growing family and a firm commitment to each other, they continue to embrace the joys and challenges that come with their new life together.