Dr. Will Kirby, the winner of Big Brother season 2, has announced his departure from his role as the jury roundtable host on the CBS reality show. Kirby, who has hosted the segment on and off since 2013, confirmed his exit in a statement, stating that it is time for him to move on and pass the reality television baton. As the winner of the show’s second season in 2001, Kirby outlasted 11 other housemates over 82 days to win the competition, with Nicole Schaffrich as the runner-up. He also returned for Big Brother: All Stars in 2006 and finished fourth.
Despite stepping down from his hosting role, Kirby has remained closely connected to the Big Brother franchise, starting his jury roundtable hosting gig in 2013 during the show’s 15th season. In this role, evicted housemates discuss who they believe should win the show, with the footage being shown during the finale. Kirby explained in an interview that these discussions can be filled with bitterness, as losing half a million dollars can naturally lead to such emotions. However, he believes that the right person always wins in the end, based on their strategic gameplay throughout the season.
During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly in 2020, Kirby was asked whether he considers himself to be the best player to ever compete on Big Brother. In response, Kirby pointed to his lasting relevance in the reality television world, as well as his pioneering role in the anti-hero gameplay that fans now enjoy. He also highlighted his strategic alliances, versatile gameplay, and entertainment value on the show, noting that he even coined the term “showmance.” Kirby confidently asserted that he is indeed the best player in the show’s history.
Following Kirby’s announcement of his departure from the jury roundtable host role, CBS has not yet named a replacement for the upcoming season. Kirby’s exit marks the end of a long-standing presence on the show, both as a contestant and later as a host for the jury roundtable segment. As fans of the show prepare for the next season, they will bid farewell to Kirby and his unique perspective and insights on the competitive gameplay and dynamics of Big Brother.
