Claire Ruhfuss and Derek Xiao met in the Big Brother 23 House. Although the two did not become a showmance, they developed a deep friendship while in the house. Once both were in the Jury House, the spark was kindled.

Claire Ruhfuss And Derek Xiao

At that time, Claire told US WEEKLY, “I think once we got to the jury house, we could really connect. We would stay up every night talking. Derek and I developed a strong bond; first as friends, then as a couple.”

Derek, in the same interview, stated,” That’s when I started thinking, ‘Wait a second, why didn’t this happen in the Big Brother House?’ There was such a strong connection. I knew she was my type right from the beginning. I didn’t let myself explore that beyond friendship.”

The couple returned to Reality Television on The Amazing Race. At that time, Claire stated, “It was just surreal…. I really understand why people say ‘You go on The Race and you are either going to break up or make it work.'”

The couple made it work and won the race.

In post Amazing Race interviews, the couple said that they had to learn to communicate with each other. We had to be really honest with each other, learning how to work through problems. Claire states that she believes The Amazing Race taught them how to be real with each other.

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, she took to her Instagram story to inform their fans and the Big Brother Community that the couple had split. She stated that nothing dramatic had happened.

Derek X, for his part, posted the same post to his Instagram page. We at The Reality Times wish both Derek and Claire all the best on their separate journeys as they navigate the next chapter of their lives.

Photo Credits: YouTube and Instagram