Big Brother Couple Mark Jansen and Elena Davies Break Up

He opened up and got into details about their relationship on his latest podcast episode

By Lena Grossman Mar 05, 2019 10:05 PMTags
Mark Jansen, Elena DaviesGP/Star Max/GC Images

Big Brother Season 19 star couple Mark Jansen and Elena Davies have gone their separate ways.

The reality TV show is known for its plot twists (hello Anthony Scaramucci not actually being a houseguest?!), drama, some controversies and more. It's also home to a fair share of showmances. Some stand the test of time—see Jessica Graf and Cody Nickson's wedding and their upcoming baby—whereas others do not.

Jansen opened up about the split on his podcast Find Your Fortitude, which he posted on YouTube. He looked visibly distraught and uncomfortable while discussing his breakup. At some points, Jansen seemed on the verge of tears.

"I didn't move to Texas to hang out or continue a friendship," he began. "I came down because I was in love with Elena. I wanted to start a family, start a life with her."

One thing about their relationship that hurt him the most was when Davies supposedly spoke badly about their relationship on social media and other podcasts. He refers to himself as "Mr. Positivity" and those comments were doing anything but making him feel that way.

"I was happy when she was happy. It was really that simple for me. I was happy when she was happy," Jansen explained on the podcast. "With that mindset and perspective, hearing constantly that it's not a fairy tale and I'm far from Prince Charming, it's just a gut shot. Clearly nothing's working."

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The New York native explained that they had a "rocky relationship" and "broke up so many times."

Jansen teased the podcast episode, which is titled "My Side," in his latest Instagram post.

"I did this for myself, for all those that are inspired & look up to me," he captioned the photo. "Thank you for all my true friends who know who I am and have reached out!!!"

The couple's breakup is relatively evident on both of their social media profiles. 

Neither Davies nor Jansen has shared photos of each other as of late. The Texas native has taken to posting snapshots with friends and family while they're out on the town. Jansen, on the other hand, uploads pictures related to his personal training business as well as food and nights out with his friends.

The last time she posted a picture with her beau was on New Years Day. "Happy New Year...from us! Thank you, NEXT, 2018," Davies captioned a photo alongside fellow Big Brother season contestants Nickson and Graf. "I am prayerful that 2019 is filled with love, success, puppy breath, and laughter...primarily for me, tbh,...but also for the ones I love and the ones who love me. "

Take a look at the gallery below to see the relationship status of Big Brother couples.

Claire Rehfuss & Derek Xiao

Season: 23

Status Today: They're dating! While they kept their feelings a secret while in the house, the pair's friendship grew stronger once they reached the jury house. "I was writing in my journal one night in jury, and I realized I didn't want to leave Claire even after the show ended," Derek told E! News. "This is when I realized I liked Claire more than as a friend. And I actually didn't think Claire felt the same way, so I was too nervous to say anything to her. So I was very happy when she brought it up first."

Christmas Abbot & Memphis Garrett

Season: 22 

Status Today:They're married! After competing in Big Brother: All Stars in the summer of 2020, the pair decided to take their friendship to the next level. As Christmas told E! News, "It's hard to pinpoint exactly when I felt my feelings for Memphis grow from just a friendship to more because I believe that our friendship IS what's more." In June 2021, Memphis proposed at the Little Palm Island Resort and Spa in Florida. They later got married Memorial Day weekend 2022. 

Holly Allen & Jackson Michie

Season: 21

Status Today: The Big Brother winner and runner-up announced their breakup in June 2020. "Life has continued to work in ways neither of expected, and sadly life will be taking us in different directions. This isn't because of bad actions or words, rather, two people who deeply love each other recognizing that a relationship may not be for the best," Jackson shared on Instagram. "I said it on the show and I will say it always, I love her and she will forever hold a special place in my heart." 

Tyler Crispen & Angela Rummans

Season: 20

Status Today: They were one of the longest running alliances of the season and tried their best to keep fans guessing on their relationship status. On finale night, however, the pair were ready to go the distance. "I hope there's a lot of time with Angela and I. That's all I'll say," Tyler told Julie Chen. Angela added, "I don’t know what the future holds but I’m really excited and I’m hopeful about the future." In January 2021, the couple announced they were engaged

Swaggy C & Bayleigh Amethyst

Season: 20

Status Today: While they only spent 23 days together, the chemistry and romance between this pair in the initial weeks of competition was undeniable. In fact, Swaggy C got down on one knee and proposed to Bayleigh during finale night. "As soon as he went down on his knee, I was like, ‘Yes, yes, yes!'" the bride-to-be gushed to Ross Mathews and Marissa Winokur. While the couple got married, they have yet to hold an official wedding celebration. Ultimately, their bond is unbreakable.  "Babe, without any doubts I know that you will ride for me, just like I will ride for you, because you have been!" Bayleigh previously wrote on Instagram. "Relationships mean nothing until they stand the tests and trials that try to break them down. & Now that we've been through just about every hard thing, I know our love was built to last! Now let's move forward on to bigger, better and brighter things." 

Winston Hines & Rachel Swindler

Season: 20

Status Today: Despite some cute pictures on Instagram and hope from fans, these two are just friends. "I think the absolute world of Rachel, but I do think she's holding out for her true love of the house. Not sure if JC knows or not..." Winston joked with E! News back in the fall of 2018. Rachel added, "As of right now, we're not anything official but you never know what could happen in the future. I think Winston is an amazing catch and easy on the eyes. He's got a heart of gold and any lady would be lucky to have him. He's in a bromance with Brett. It's hard to break that bond." LOL! 

Faysal Shafaat & Haleigh Broucher

Season: 20

Status Today: During the season finale, Faysal confirmed their relationship is "the real deal." Haleigh added, "It is indeed." In July 2020, however, Haleigh announced the couple had split. "This was not an easy decision, and we have truly tried every possible thing we could to continue in this relationship," she shared on Twitter. "With both of our lives moving in different directions, the distance, the different backgrounds and the constant pressures online, it was better for both of our mental healths to call it quits."

Mark Jansen & Elena Davies

Season: 19

Status Today: What once seemed like a true success story has come to an end. Mark revealed on his podcast Find Your Fortitude on March 5, 2019 that he and Elena split up. While Mark remains focused on his fitness business, Elena is hard at work on her MiscELENAeous Podcast. The pair, however, reunited on the MTV series Ex on the Beach

Jessica Graf & Cody Nickson

Season: 19

Status Today: The married couple now call themselves proud parents! The Big Brother and Amazing Race power couple welcomed a baby girl on St. Patrick's Day 2019. Fans can stay in touch with the couple thanks to Jessica's PodcastOne podcast called Now What. New episodes premiere every week. In October 2020, the couple announced the arrival of their second child together. They are expecting a third in late 2022. 

Raven Walton & Matthew Clines

Season: 19

Status Today: While their romantic relationship is over, E! News learned last fall that the pair remain great friends. And when Raven experienced a few health struggles in 2018, Matt was able to keep fans updated on social media. 

Nicole Franzel & Victor Arroyo

Season: 18

Status Today: This pair started dated when they were both in New York City celebrating the premiere of Big Brother season 19. They've been together ever since and continue documenting their love story on social media. In a surprise announcement, the pair returned to the Big Brother house this season where Victor got down on one knee and proposed. She said yes! In 2019, the couple also competed on The Amazing Race where they made the finals. In March 2021, the couple got married and announced the arrival of their first child in July 2021. 

Corey Brooks & Nicole Franzel

Season: 18

Status Today: While they had a solid showmance throughout the season, this pair split soon after the finale. In fact, Nicole went on to find love with another contestant just in time for the new season. We see you Victor Arroyo. 

Paulie Calafiore & Zakiyah Everette

Season: 18

Status Today: The couple announced their breakup during the Super Bowl. "It was like, ‘OK, this is a good time to do it, because nobody will be paying attention to it, but nobody can ever say that we didn't say it. Let's just get this video out and then we'll delete it right after,' and he was like, 'Good idea,'" Zakiyah previously shared with the Charlotte Observer. "We experienced what it could have been like in a relationship—a romantic relationship—and we both figured out we are good friends." Paulie has since been linked to Bachelor Nation's Danielle Maltby and The Challenge's Cara Marie. 

Natalie Negrotti & James Huling

Season: 18

Status Today: Not together and never getting back together! This couple provided one of Big Brother's ugliest splits off camera with threats of legal action and cryptic social media posts. 

Austin Matelson & Liz Nolan

Season: 17

Status Today: Not together! "I'd like to start by saying thank you for following Austin and I on our crazy/incredible/special journey & as we navigated life outside the Big Brother house," Liz shared on Twitter back in February 2016. "Unfortunately, yes, Austin and I ended the relationship. I have nothing but the utmost respect and love for him, and just as our #liztin romance began in the BB house—we started out as friends and I hope we can remain the same." 

Clay Honeycutt & Shelli Poole

Season: 17

Status Today: This pair broke up a few weeks after the show ended. "I adore this guy. We shared a great relationship on Big Brother, but 'real life' is much different than 'BB life,'" Shelli wrote on Instagram. "There was no drama or hard feelings, we simply moved on as dear friends. We are both happy and thank y'all for your incredible sweetness and love!" 

Hayden Voss & Nicole Franzel

Season: 16

Status Today: After dating for about a year and a half after the season ended, the couple suddenly split. Nicole would later reveal that one trouble spot in their relationship was the fact that Hayden didn't want to get married and have children. 

Amanda Zuckerman & McCrae Olsen

Season: 15

Status Today: They're over! "After a lot of thought and discussion, McCrae and I have decided that it's in both of our best interest to continue our relationship as friends," Amanda shared on Twitter back in January 2014. "There is no ill will, he is a very important part of my life, and I will always love him, and what we shared. Thank you for respecting our decision." 

Dominic Briones & Daniele Donato

Season: 13

Status Today: The happy couple became parents when they welcomed their first child together in the summer of 2018. "My little angel. Tennessee Autumn Briones. Born 8/20/1018... sharing her bday with her beautiful mom @its_danibri," Dominic shared on Instagram. "Welcome to the world little girl. Your dads always got your back." 

Rachel Reilly & Brendon Villegas

Season: 12 

Status Today: After getting married in 2012, Rachel and Brendon welcomed their first child in 2016. The couple remains Big Brother superfans and often document their family life on social media. "Family time is the best time and I know the memories we have now and moments are worth more then always trying to look perfect," Rachel previously shared on Instagram. In Nov. 2020, they announced the arrival of baby No. 2.

Jeff Schroeder & Jordan Lloyd

Season: 11 

Status Today: After competing on The Amazing Race, the couple welcomed their second child together in the summer of 2018. "Welcome to the world Layton Sarti Schroeder," Jeff shared on Instagram. "Lawson is gonna be the best Big Brother! #family." 

Drew Daniel & Diane Henry

Season: 5

Status Today: In a Big Brother shocker, Drew voted Diane off the show at the last minute to win the $500,000 prize. They ultimately reconciled but aren't together romantically. "Well of course I will always think he sucks as a person to do that to me, but seriously we were all in that house for ourselves and no one else," Diane shared with Jokers Updates. "He did what he had to do to win the game, and I was stupid about not thinking. But we are very good friends and talk all the time." 

Mike "Boogie" Malin & Krista Segall

Season: 2

Status Today: In a moment viewers didn't see coming, Mike decided to propose to his cast member in 2001. Krista, however, ultimately decided to break off the engagement a few months later when cameras went away. 

Shannon Dragoo & Will Kirby

Season: 2

Status Today: While they dated for a few months after the show, these two are long over. In fact, Dr. Will married For Love or Money star Erin Brodie in 2017. 

A little over a year ago, Jansen told Us Weekly, "I cannot imagine the rest of my life without her. So, as long as she doesn't get sick of me, there will be a wedding in the near future."

He reflected on his podcast, "I just did whatever I could to make her happy."

 

Davies gave her side of the breakup in a statement to E! News on Tuesday. "I loved Mark so much. I actually still do love him very much. My heart is completely broken by our split and some of the decisions made surrounding it. Recovering from that, protecting myself and him, along with having to keep my life moving forward has been my priority since it happened. I wanted to do whatever necessary to make things work between us and now that clearly doesn't seem like a possibility," she said.

She continued, "Hearing that the man you love is no longer committed to your shared relationship is painful. I know we both contributed to allowing things to escalate to this and I certainly wish it didn't have to be this way for both our sakes. I will always love him and I will forever cherish every amazing moment we shared together. I'm aware he has now been vocal about his side of our split and I do plan to share my narrative as well on the next episode of my podcast, The MiscELENAeous Podcast, while remaining respectful of the very limited privacy we have left."

Watch Jansen's full episode here.