The Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan is sharing his thoughts on the Big Brother contestants who will racing around the world and his questions and thoughts about each.
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The Amazing Race's Season 31 cast will include former Big Brother houseguests Janelle Pierzina, Britney Haynes, Nicole Franzel, Victor Arroyo, Rachel Reilly, and Elissa Slater when it premieres on CBS on April 17.
The three teams of two will be competing against three teams of former Survivor castaways and five teams of returning The Amazing Race contestants in The Amazing Race's first-ever "reality clash."
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While the Racers may feel prepared and confident given they've already competed on a reality competition show before, Keoghan doesn't necessarily feel one team has a great advantage over another.
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Janelle, 38, and Britney, 30, are friends from Lakeville, MN, and Tulsa, OK.
Janelle previously competed on Seasons 6, 7 and 14 of Big Brother, while Britney previously competed on Seasons 12 and 14 of Big Brother.
"My first impression is wondering how they were going to deal with the sleep deprivation and travel. They're used to bringing up kids; that in itself is a great qualification for being adaptable and flexible in dealing with new challenges," Keoghan told Parade magazine in a recent interview.
"But I'm not so sure how they're going to handle moving around the world and coping with some more physical challenges. In a house, there are a lot of mind games going on."
Keoghan explained The Amazing Race is "very reactive" and "there's not a lot of time to strategize," much unlike the Big Brother game.
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"There's no briefing on what to do with The Amazing Race; you just do it. I'm wondering how they're going to cope with the randomness of that," the longtime host added.
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Nicole, 26, and Victor, 28, are a dating couple from Ubly, MI, who recently got engaged.
Nicole previously competed on Seasons 16 and 18 of Big Brother, while Victor previously competed on Season 18 of Big Brother.
"The first thing that struck me was how nicely matched they are. They're meant to be together. They complement each other very well, like a yin and yang," Keoghan gushed to Parade about the couple.
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"I immediately warmed to them. I feel like there's a very special bond between the two of them. A big part of The Amazing Race is coordination and teamwork, being respectful of each other as team members. I think they'll do well because of that."
Keoghan apparently has high hopes for Nicole and Victor.
"I also really love that they seem so genuinely excited about being a part of this race. They just wanted this experience together and to spend time together. I'm excited for them and love their warm energy," he said.
And Rachel, 34, and Elissa, 32, are sisters from Van Nuys, CA, and Las Vegas, NV.
Rachel previously competed on Seasons 12 and 13 of Big Brother. Rachel, a former Big Brother winner, also competed on Season 20 and 24 (All-Stars) of The Amazing Race.
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As for Elissa, she previously competed on Season 15 of Big Brother.
"I know right from the get-go that Rachel is going to give it everything. She can bring it. She's obviously extremely emotional, but there's no denying that she's incredibly fierce," Keoghan noted.
"She loves competing and hates losing. If her sister is anything like that, we're going to have a really strong female team."
Fans will find out how Elissa fares on The Amazing Race when the 11 teams are tasked with mental and physical challenges throughout their journey to $1 million, stopping in different destinations and countries along the way.
"You can tell neither one of them take any B.S. They're definitely a force. If anybody is to underestimate them, they've got a wake-up call coming," Keoghan insisted.
CBS has been highlighting the teams' differing experiences in its promotion for the season.
"Will the former Racers' travel experience be the most helpful?" CBS recently teased.
"Will the former Survivors outwit, outplay and outlast the competition? Or, will the Big Brother players' abilities to adapt and expect the unexpected make the difference?"
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The Amazing Race announced in June 2018 it had begun filming its 31st season when the show's official Twitter account posted a video of host Phil Keoghan standing at the starting line in Hermosa Beach, CA.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski