The End Of A Reality TV Fairy Tale: 7 Shocking Facts About Claire Rehfuss And Derek Xiao’s Split (Updated 2025)
The reality TV world was stunned in late $\text{September 2025}$ with the news that one of its most beloved couples, Claire Rehfuss and Derek Xiao, had officially ended their four-year relationship. The pair, who first met as houseguests on Big Brother 23 (BB23) in 2021, quickly became a fan-favorite "showmance" that transcended the game, later going on to win another major competition series. Their journey from the Big Brother house to becoming champions on The Amazing Race 34 solidified their status as a reality TV power couple, making their recent split a major, yet amicable, shock to their massive following.
This article dives deep into the couple’s full journey, from their time navigating the complex social dynamics of the $\text{BB23}$ house and the rise of The Cookout alliance, to their post-show success and the candid reasons behind their recent decision to part ways. The information below is the most current and updated profile of both reality stars following their 2025 announcement.
Reality Star Profiles: Claire Rehfuss & Derek Xiao
The couple's individual and combined success stems from their strong personalities and strategic gameplay on $\text{Big Brother}$ and $\text{The Amazing Race}$. Here is a complete biographical breakdown of both stars:
Claire Rehfuss (BB23 Houseguest)
- Full Name: Claire Rehfuss
- Age (BB23): 25 years old
- Hometown: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
- Current City (Post-BB): New York, New York
- Occupation: AI Engineer
- Big Brother 23 Placement: 10th Place (Evicted Week 8)
- Key BB23 Relationship: Showmance with Derek Xiao
- Post-BB Success: Winner of The Amazing Race 34 (with Derek Xiao)
- Key Entity: Known for her sharp intelligence and being an early target of The Cookout alliance.
Derek Xiao (BB23 Houseguest)
- Full Name: Derek Xiao (Often referred to as Derek X. to distinguish him from Derek Frazier, a.k.a. Big D)
- Age (BB23): 24 years old
- Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
- Current City (Post-BB): New York, New York
- Occupation: Start-Up Founder / Product Manager
- Big Brother 23 Placement: 11th Place (Evicted Week 7)
- Key BB23 Relationship: Showmance with Claire Rehfuss
- Post-BB Success: Winner of The Amazing Race 34 (with Claire Rehfuss), Competitor on The Challenge: USA.
- Key Entity: Known as a competition beast and a major strategic threat who was ultimately blindsided by The Cookout.
The BB23 Showmance That Beat the Odds
The relationship between Claire and Derek, often affectionately dubbed "Clerek" by fans, was one of the most organic and compelling storylines of Big Brother 23. Unlike many forced showmances, their connection developed slowly, beginning with playful flirtation and mutual respect for each other's game intelligence.
Their bond deepened as they navigated the house dynamics, which were largely dominated by The Cookout, a historic six-person alliance formed with the goal of crowning the first Black winner of a non-celebrity Big Brother season.
Despite their clear connection, they were not a formal alliance in the game, which ultimately worked against them. Both Derek X. and Claire were seen as major strategic and competitive threats outside of The Cookout, leading to their consecutive evictions in weeks seven and eight, respectively. Derek X. was blindsided by his former allies, and Claire was evicted just a week later.
While their time in the house was cut short by the dominant six-person alliance, their relationship flourished outside the game. They officially began dating shortly after the season concluded, moving in together in New York City and quickly becoming a staple couple within the reality TV community.
From Big Brother Houseguests to Amazing Race Champions
Their ultimate test, and triumph, came in 2022 when they joined the cast of The Amazing Race 34 (TAR 34). This was their opportunity to prove their partnership and competitive prowess on a global stage, and they did not disappoint.
Their experience in the high-pressure environment of Big Brother gave them a distinct advantage in the fast-paced, challenge-heavy world of The Amazing Race. They consistently performed well, demonstrating excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and a shared competitive drive.
In a stunning victory, Claire and Derek were crowned the winners of The Amazing Race 34, securing the $\$1$ million prize. This win cemented their legacy as one of the few reality TV couples to successfully transition from a showmance to champions on a different major competition series, further endearing them to fans.
The Surprising Reason Behind the 2025 Breakup
After four years of dating, a shared win, and building a life together in New York, the news of their split in September 2025 came as a significant blow to their dedicated fan base.
The couple announced their separation in a joint statement posted to their social media accounts, emphasizing that the decision was mutual and amicable. The key detail in their statement was the reason for the split, which was refreshingly mature and undramatic: "After 4 wonderful years together, Derek and I have decided to end our relationship. Nothing dramatic happened, just the realization that we want different things for our futures and are on different paths."
This candid explanation, which pointed to a divergence in their long-term life goals rather than infidelity or a major fight, resonated with many followers. They stressed that they still "care deeply about each other" and intend to remain close friends, a common but often doubted claim among reality TV breakups.
The split serves as a poignant reminder that even the most successful reality TV romances can face the challenge of evolving individual aspirations. While the "Clerek" chapter of their romantic lives has concluded, both Claire, the AI Engineer, and Derek, the Start-Up Founder, are expected to continue their careers and public lives, remaining influential figures in the reality television sphere.
Key Takeaways from the Split
- Announcement Date: September 2025.
- Duration: Four years of dating.
- Reason: Amicable, mutual decision due to "wanting different things for our futures."
- Status: They remain friends and care deeply for one another.
- Legacy: They are one of the most successful showmances in $\text{Big Brother}$ history, having won The Amazing Race together.
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