It feels like I was just watching Big Brother yesterday. I can't believe the show has already ended and casting has started for season 9. Last week I caught up with Jessica Hughbanks and had a little chat about life after Big Brother, what was new in her life, her relationship with Eric, and who she stays in contact with from the Big Brother house. I would like to send a big thanks to Jess for taking the time to chat with me. Eric flew to KS this week to spend time with Jess. Once he gets home I am going to track him down and see what's new.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): So how busy have you been since the show ended?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: Eric and I have been doing a lot of appearances. It seems like we have had something going on almost every week since Big Brother ended.

Q. Mark: When I ran into you guys at the Fox Reality awards I saw Zach hanging out with Howie Gordon from Big Brother 6 and Big Brother all stars. Have you guys been hanging with any of the prior cast?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: We have talked with Howie, Sarah, and Kaysar, it's been cool getting to know them since I watched them all on prior seasons of Big Brother.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): Have you been able to get back into any sort of normal routine and is anyone treating you differently since you have been on Big Brother?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: Part of the week I am at home doing normal things like getting back on my dance team. People I know are not treating me any different. It is funny and strange when people come up to me at bars and nightclubs. It also took some getting used to when photographers were yelling my name out on the red carpet at the FOX Reality awards.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): Talk to me about Big Brother and Jessica fans. Have you been surprised by what you have seen online and out on the street?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: When we first got out of the Big Brother house Eric's brother showed us a bunch of tribute sites and fan pages, we were so happy and very surprised. When I left I had 5600 friends on myspace and came home with 18,000 new ones. Eric and I both enjoy looking at the tribute sites. Fans have also started a campaign to get us on the Amazing Race.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): What's the coolest or craziest thing that has happened to you since you have been home?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: I haven't gotten anything too weird but there have been people who call my house, so my dad wants to un list the phone number. When we went to universal studios a day after the finale a guy went crazy saying I was the girl who kept his wife up all night watching Big Brother. I had no idea there was this much fan base and people who love Big Brother.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): What have you learned about yourself or other houseguests now that you have had time to watch all the episodes and digest it all?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: It's been about a month since I got home. I have watched up through week 7. It's shocking to watch it and there's a lot that wasn't shown on TV. It's crazy how much they cut. I was close to Joe in the house but that wasn't shown much on air. By watching the prior shows, I learned more about the Mrs. Robinson alliance. I had no idea how much they talked and strategized. They never talked to anyone in the house. I think I talked to Mike only once the entire time we were in the house. While on the show I did not know that Eric had tried to get me nominated on week 2. It was his task and thankfully he failed.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): I know you talk with Eric, who else will you stay in touch with?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: I talked to Jen and Zach on the phone. I am sure Jen and Zach and I will remain friends but we have all been so busy, I want to talk with everyone. I have not had time to call Dustin, Jameka, and Joe. At this point I am totally passed the game and over it, I hope everyone can grow past it.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): What do you miss if anything now that you're no longer in the house?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: Towards the end of the show I was so bored I could not wait to go home. I did enjoy hanging out at the pool, staying up all night and not paying bills.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): Have you talked to Amber? Have you had the chance to see what went on online about her while you were all on lock down?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: We were de briefed after the finale and told that Amber said something that caused a huge deal in the media. I did not understand the extent of it since they didn't tell us what she said. I was shocked when I got home. It was sad to see since I don't like to see people talked about that way, but Amber was naive. It was a naive comment. Jameka did try and correct her, but Amber kept talking.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): Have you talked with Amber about it?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: I have not talked to Amber about it. I talked to her at the reality award which was first time we talked. If you remember I was the one that nominated Amber which led to her getting kicked off the show.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): Have your thoughts about Evel Dick or Danielle changed since the show ended?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: I am fine with them both; we all hung out at reality awards. They considered the time in the house as a game like I did. They did backstab me in house but it was a game. I know Dick has called Eric since we have been home. Eric feels a little different since people attacked his character not knowing he was America's player and forced to cast certain votes.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): Was it hard to trust everyone in the house?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: Oh God, it was so hard since you can't see what's going on behind your back, it was hard to make decisions.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): Talk to me about Eric. I saw you both at the Fox Reality awards and you said he is coming to Kansas to see you tomorrow. How have things been going and did you meet his family?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: Our relationship is great! Eric and I have talked everyday and done many appearance together. I went to New York a couple of weeks ago since his family threw him a welcome home party. After meeting his friends and family I have gotten to learn and see more sides to Eric. Everything I have seen is good, he is a keeper.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): Any new plans with Eric such as him moving to Kansas?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: Eric will be here this week to visit. Then we are off to Texas for an appearance. Then we will have a get together in KS so my friends and family can meet him. He hasn't said anything about moving here but he hasn't even visited Kansas yet.

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): I read rumors about things Eric was told to do or not to do by producers. Can you talk about any of this?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: As Americas Player Eric was told by America who to vote for eviction, who to get nominated, when to use the POV, and so on. There was one instance when CBS told Eric America didn't have time to vote for one of his tasks so he was not allowed to use the POV. I was HOH at the time and wanted to swap Zach out for one of the Donato's

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): So I got a chance to see you all at the Fox Reality awards. Last year you would have gone as a fan, but this year you came as a guest star. Who were you most excited to see at the Fox Reality awards?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: I was excited to see the girls from "Girls Next Door", it is one of my favorite shows. It was cool to be on stage with Bridgette, since she gave us the award from best "showmance".

Q. Mark (Realitywanted.com): Since were on the topic, what are your favorite reality shows or scripted shows?

A. Jessica Hughbanks Big Brother 8: I love "The Girls Next Door", "Road Rules", "Real World", and "I Love New York".

Mark: Thanks again for your time and if you don't mind I may bug you in a few months to see what's new.

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