Bikini barista celebrates long run on reality TV series

Natalie Cunial (right), a former "Big Brother" contestant, is hugged Sunday by her aunt, Kathleen Sheehan. A surprise party was held for Cunial. (TIMOTHY J. GONZALEZ | Statesman Journal)

Salem Statesman-Journal

Bikini barista celebrates long run on reality TV series
Family, friends surprise Natalie Cunial, who starred in 'Big Brother'

By Jillian Daley • Statesman Journal

May 5, 2008

Former "Big Brother 9" contestant Natalie Cunial thought she was just visiting her aunt Sunday in West Salem.

But Cunial's family and friends had arranged a surprise party welcoming home Salem's nationally known bikini barista.

Her aunt and uncle own Julia's Tea Parlour, and when the 28-year-old stepped into the party room, she was greeted by shouts of "Surprise!" and "Welcome home!"

"You tricked me," she said to the group of supporters. "I should get used to this, especially after 'Big Brother.' They tricked me, too."

Cunial was referring to how she got on the show. After three months and more than 1,000 interview questions as a candidate for the reality TV show, CBS officials told her in January that she was a finalist.

She showed up at the set, expecting a few pictures and more grilling, only to learn she was more than a finalist. She had been chosen as one of 15 people to live in the "Big Brother" house for the show's ninth season.

She moved in Feb. 7.

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