It turns out Seven held secret talks with Reggie about going back into the house, but she was ultimately passed over for “better talent”
It looks like being one of the most controversial seasons of Big Brother ever seen in this country – and that’s before a frame even goes to air.
First, there was a backlash against the fact Caitlyn Jenner was flown in to be part of the show. People objected to the fact stranded Aussies couldn’t get home, but participants for a reality TV show were taking seats on planes. It should be noted the Government has confirmed talent like Jenner come in on an additional allocation and do not take seats away from Australians trying to return home.
Secondly, Katie Hopkins was deported for breaking quarantine rules. In an Instagram post she claimed she did no such thing).
And today there has been a mixed reaction to the revelation of the full cast of Seven’s celebrity edition of the show.
*Take a look at some of the celebrity cast in the gallery below by clicking the arrows
But a slick new promo could change everyone’s view on that.
The promo, which launched tonight on Seven, gives us our first look at the VIP guests and the new house – or hotel as it’s been dubbed – they will be staying in.
As first revealed by TV Blackbox, the new house has relocated to Sydney Olympic Park and the interior has been completely redesigned.
Longer corridors, a spacious new living room and several new rooms appear to make up the new venue, which is a nice evolution from the previous season.
*Take a look at the new house in the gallery below by clicking the arrows
The biggest gamble is undoubtedly the cast.
While I can’t say I’ve been blown away by the cast, the promo has managed to sway me a little.
There’s no doubt the biggest stars have an interesting story to tell and it will be interesting to see how they interact with each other.
I can’t wait to see Jenner and Omarosa get into a political debate and how each fares in the challenges.
Interestingly, there’s only one former Big Brother housemate in this series – last season standout Danny.
Danny became an instant fan favourite but I’m surprised not to see 2020 housemate Angela in the house with him.
And speaking of former housemates, it can now be revealed production company Endemol Shine Australia held secret talks with 2003 winner Reggie about appearing on the show.
Speaking exclusively to TV Blackbox, Reggie says conversations took place and there was initial interest from the production company, but things ultimately didn’t pan out:
“Everything happens for a reason. I’m not doing it this year, I was overlooked. They contacted me, didn’t want me.”
Reggie tells us there were conversations with producers but she was eventually told they had “better talent” and were going with other people:
“Seeing what people went in, they’ve picked and chosen to go on the show… if they do an all-stars my time will shine”
There’s no doubt that even with a celebrity edition producers are casting roles based on who will play well off each other. While there will be debates on who should and shouldn’t be in the cast, it will all come down to the drama inside that house – and this production team have proven they know how to produce a good drama.
So, for the moment, I am reserving my judgment and am willing to see how things unfold.
The 12 stars walking the red carpet into Big Brother VIP are:
Bernard Curry – Actor
Caitlyn Jenner – Olympian and Political Candidate Danny Hayes – Big Brother 2021 Favourite Dayne Beams – Former AFL Captain
Ellie Gonsalves – Actress and Model
Imogen Anthony – Fashion Designer and Model Jessika Power – Reality TV Star
Josh Carroll – Model and Content Creator
Luke Toki – Reality TV Fan Favourite
Matt Cooper – NRL Superstar
Omarosa – Political Aide and Author
Thomas Markle Jr. – Famous Big Brother
VIPs? Are they serious? If this wasn’t so sad and such a waste of money it would be hilarious!
I get that people like Caitlyn and Omrosa are producers dreams for these shows. But looking at the cast, I have to wonder, who was the “better talent” they replaced Reggie with?
I think this is more a case of who is the least-deserving “talent” – an ex-housemate from like 15 years ago or Vyle Sandiland’s ex-wife? Gee, I really can’t decide lol! Maybe C7 wants to go into competition with 10’s “The Bachelor” to see who can churn out the worst ever reality show.