Julie Chen Moonves: Angela Murray Could Be Big Brother 26’s Dark Horse Contender

Julie Chen Moonves speculates that Angela Murray, a controversial Big Brother 26 contestant, might be playing the strongest game this season, despite being underestimated by her housemates.
SummaryJulie Chen Moonves, host of Big Brother 26, has surprisingly suggested that Angela Murray, a polarizing contestant, might be executing the best gameplay this season. Despite being absent from a live eviction episode due to COVID-19, Julie shared her insights from home. Angela, who has been saved multiple times by fellow houseguests, is not perceived as a threat, similar to past winner Will Kirby. There is speculation that Angela might be a producer plant due to her dramatic antics, but Julie warns that she could potentially win the game. Angela’s unpredictability and strategic wins in Head of Household competitions make her a formidable contender, and houseguests may need to act swiftly to evict her before she reaches the final two. Big Brother 26 continues to air on CBS, with Angela’s gameplay remaining a focal point of the season.

In a surprising twist, Julie Chen Moonves, host of Big Brother 26, expressed her belief that the contentious contestant Angela Murray might be executing the most effective game strategy yet. This marked the first occasion in Big Brother history where Julie was absent from a live eviction episode due to testing positive for COVID-19. Despite her absence, she tuned in from home and shared her insights on Angela’s gameplay. Angela has emerged as the most controversial figure in Big Brother 26.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Julie highlighted that Angela was rescued by the Power of Veto on three occasions courtesy of houseguests Tucker Des Lauriers, Leah Peters, and Makensy Manbeck. Julie suggested that this was because “they don’t feel threatened by her.” She further remarked, “But don’t forget: In season 2, no one felt threatened by Will Kirby, and he won.”

“[Angela] may be playing the best game in there yet!”

Julie imparted some cautionary advice, stating, “Be warned: Angela knows this game and knows how to stir it up when she wants, and that has served her well. She can also show her loving, nurturing side, or her vulnerable side, and people gravitate to that. She may be playing the best game in there yet!”

The Implications of Julie Chen Moonves’ Remarks About Angela Murray for Big Brother 26

Speculation Surrounding Angela as a Potential Producer Plant

Since the onset of Big Brother 26, rumors have swirled about Angela being a producer plant. Her previous appearances on CBS programs such as House Calls with Dr. Phil, Let’s Make a Deal, and The Price Is Right, coupled with her seemingly exaggerated outbursts, have fueled suspicions that she was cast to incite drama. Julie’s comments that Angela could potentially win the game like Will serve as a stark warning that, despite her notoriety for antics outside the game, she could stealthily secure the $750,000 grand prize.

Our Perspective on Julie’s Evaluation of Angela’s Gameplay

Angela Truly Has a Shot at Winning It All

While Julie is correct that Angela possesses the ability to create turmoil, claiming she might be playing the best Big Brother game ever seems overstated. Angela can be manipulative, but she lacks the strategic prowess of someone like Will. Often, she appears to act on impulse, necessitating damage control afterward. However, with Julie’s extensive experience over 26 seasons, her predictions carry weight.

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Julie’s observation that houseguests don’t perceive Angela as a threat holds true, resulting in them using her to eliminate more formidable opponents. When Tucker saved Angela, his primary goal was to target Quinn Martin rather than showing allegiance to Angela.

Similarly, Makensy used the Power of Veto to successfully target Quinn. Even Leah, who is aligned with Angela, primarily saved her because she anticipated Angela’s jury vote, with no plans to do so again. As the number of houseguests dwindles, Angela could potentially maneuver her way to the final two and claim victory, especially if her fellow contestants continue to underestimate her. Notably, she has already secured two Head of Household (HOH) wins this season.

Big Brother 26 has been a whirlwind due to Angela’s unpredictable nature, making her a more significant threat than the houseguests might realize. They would be wise to collaborate to evict her sooner rather than later, as Julie pointed out, Big Brother legend Will was similarly underestimated. Angela is a superfan with a deep understanding of the game, and if her housemates aren’t vigilant, she could emerge victorious in Big Brother 26.

Big Brother Season 26 airs Sundays at 9 p.m. EDT and Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. EDT on CBS.

Sources: Entertainment Weekly, Big Brother/Instagram

Big Brother

  • Reality
  • Competition

Cast
Julie Chen Moonves
Release Date
July 5, 2000
Seasons
25
Network
CBS
Writers
John de Mol
Directors
Mark W. Roden, Quinn Saunders
Showrunner
Allison Grodner