‘The Challenge’: CT Tamburello Believes Past Mistakes Helped Him Be a ‘Positive’ Partner for Big T Fazakerley
Many fans have fallen in love with Big T Fazakerley and Chris “CT” Tamburello’s sibling-like relationship throughout The Challenge 36. While she seemingly improves his social game and softens him up, the now patient veteran helps her with training.
Therefore, they form a balanced team several viewers anticipate will go far into the competition. During the Feb. 24 aftershow, CT explained how his previous mistakes in partnerships helped him become a more “positive” teammate.
CT Tamburello and Big T Fazakerley returned for ‘The Challenge 36’
After winning The Challenge: War of the Worlds 2, Chris “CT” Tamburello returned for Total Madness, where contestants had to win an elimination to earn a skull which served as their only ticket to the finals.
Therefore, the three-time champ jumped in as soon as he had the chance and chose rookie Jay Starrett. However, the elimination game didn’t turn out in his favor, and the newbie surprisingly sent him packing in the third episode.
Tamburello came back for his 18th season, Double Agents, with a more focused mindset. UK native Tula “Big T” Fazakerley went out during the first female elimination of War of the Worlds 2 but had a better showing in Total Madness.
However, she injured her foot in a drunken argument, disqualifying her. Big T returned for Double Agents with a stronger social game to make up for her smaller stature.
CT and Big T ended up as teammates
When the players had to partner up during the first episode, CT chose champ Ashley Mitchell over Kam Williams, unknowingly putting a target on his back. Killa Kam successfully turned the house against CT, and he and Ashley ended up in the first elimination of the season.
However, it was a girls’ day, and rookie Natalie Anderson sent his partner home. The following week, Big T hatched a plan to get her teammate Joseph Allen thrown into elimination because she wanted to switch partners.
It worked, and the UK native teamed up with CT as he was a rogue agent. Although the change excited her, it concerned him as he thought they wouldn’t win any daily missions together.
However, the two won a couple of weeks later, and Big T blindsided veterans and “mean girls” Aneesa Ferreira and Tori Deal. They also earned the power of double agents a few weeks later when Big T surprisingly outswam him in the challenge.
CT on how failed partnerships helped him be a better partner
Many fans have fallen in love with CT and Big T’s partnership as they believe the two bring out the best in each other. During the Feb. 24 aftershow, host and The Challenge star Devyn Simone referred to Big T as a “gem” and CT agreed, calling Double Agents her “breakout season” and noting how well she performed in the mission.
Season 36 star Darrell Taylor commended CT with helping the more competitive side of her shine through, and the three-time winner explained he “learned” from his failed partnership with Veronica Portillo in Final Reckoning.
During that season, the two were eliminated within the first few episodes as they were unable to get along, and he frequently yelled at her. Therefore, CT promised himself he wouldn’t “make the same mistake” when working with a teammate again.
As a result, the veteran explained he adapted a more “positive” approach with Big T and noticed it “went a long way.” However, he teased he doesn’t know how long his hopeful attitude will last. The Challenge 36 airs Wednesdays at 8/7 Central on MTV.
