Everything you need to know about BIG BROTHER AUSTRALIA in 2022

Hello Australia.

In 2022, Big Brother is exploding onto screens with an event 21 years in the making. You’ll never guess who’s turning up.

Some of Australia’s most-loved and memorable housemates in Big Brother history are returning to prove they are the greatest of all time, facing off against a new generation of players hungry to make their mark and take home victory. Whether they’ve played before or not, the housemates are about to discover Big Brother has a brand-new, bigger-than-ever game. 

It’s been 21 years since Big Brother launched in Australia and to honour this momentous milestone, 2022 is going to deliver a massive celebration every step of the way. New and returning housemates will laugh, cry, argue, share secrets and even fall in love; all while navigating Big Brother’s unpredictable game. 

A total of 21 housemates, ranging in age from 22-52, will enter the house throughout the season with the aim of surviving every eviction and living together for 62 days. They’ll be cut off from the outside world in a custom-built house fitted with cameras and microphones recording their every move for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The first night will see 11 new and exciting housemates enter the house, along with four housemates deemed Big Brother royalty.

After the dust settles on night one, more royalty will enter Big Brother’s house through a secret door.

With toe-curling panic room tasks, fabulous dinner parties, twisted punishments, agonising challenges and plenty of Big Brother bombshells, avoiding eviction will require wit, determination, stamina and a bulletproof strategy.

Host Sonia Kruger will be there every step of the way to question strategies and pick apart motives.

Ultimately three housemates will be left standing and, in a live Grand Final television event, Australia will vote to determine who deserves to win the $250,000 prize.

Will a returning housemate be able to survive all the way to the end? Or will a first-time housemate pave the way for a new look Big Brother winner?

Big Brother’s game: what’s new and what’s back?

What’s new

Head of House (HOH) vote

Each week the housemates will vote for one person to hold unprecedented power in the game. HOH will be safe from eviction all week. They will also have exclusive access to the HOH Suite with two friends of their choice. The housemates cannot be HOH two weeks running, but they can be HOH multiple times.

Head of House power twist

The HOH will be granted a unique and strategic power during the week, to influence the game and the nominations.

Second chance challenges

For the first time on Big Brother, the nominated housemates will have a chance to save themselves by competing in a physical challenge in the lead up to the final eviction each week. These nail-biting challenges will require courage, strength and smarts to conquer, as the nominees battle it out with absolute desperation and determination.

Themed weeks

Housemates will be confronted with a new set of challenges and surprises every week including Battle Week, Party Week, Hacked Week, and Temptation Week. No week is like the other, meaning the housemates won’t know what’s hit them.

What’s back

House nominations

Once a week the housemates will have the power to nominate who they want to be up for eviction.

Secret missions

Housemates may be asked by Big Brother to sabotage tasks and take part in secret missions of his choosing, starting from day one.

Nominations challenges

These large-scale challenges return with exciting new gameplay. All housemates will compete, and not only will the winner be safe from eviction, they’ll be the only one with the power to nominate three fellow housemates. The losers get nothing.

Host – Sonia Kruger

Q – It’s been 21 years since the first ever Big Brother launched in Australia. How is Big Brother planning to celebrate this milestone birthday?

He’s invited some Big Brother royalty as well as some brand-new housemates for the biggest game ever

Q – How did you celebrate your 21st?

I had a very low-key backyard party with friends and family. I remember thinking I was officially a grown-up. I’m still waiting for that to happen.

Q – What can we expect from the upcoming season of Big Brother?

What can I expect? I’ve learnt to expect the unexpected with Big Brother. The minute you think you have him pegged; he’ll flip the game on its head.

Q – What advice would you give to housemates upon entering the house?

For the original housemates like Reggie, my advice is to throw out everything you thought you knew about Big Brother. It’s about finding true alliances in the house and playing your cards close to your chest. It’s a lot more than a popularity contest now.

Q – How do you think you’d fare as a Big Brother housemate?

I’ve seen some of the best play Big Brother’s game and many of them are returning this series. I think it’s safe to say I wouldn’t stand a chance.

Q – Some of the previous housemates are returning this season. What advantage do you think they will have over the new housemates?

The original housemates have already experienced the emotional highs and the brutal lows of living in Big Brother’s house. Their past involvement as housemates gives them a higher EQ when it comes to surviving in the game.

Q – And what’s the disadvantage of being a returning housemate?

The royalty will have a target on their backs from the minute they show up. They will naturally be viewed as massive threats by the newbies.

Q – Who’s your favourite returning housemate?

I adore them all for different reasons. What’s not to love! We got to know them in their original seasons and now we get to hang out with them all again. I can’t wait!

Q – For the first time, the nominated housemates will get a second chance to save themselves by competing in a physical challenge. Do you think physically weak housemates will be disadvantaged?

Not necessarily. The challenges are not purely physical. There are problem solving and endurance aspects that require a lot of mental fortitude.

Q – What are the qualities housemates need to go far in this competition?

The housemates will need to be resilient above everything else. Big Brother’s game is never straight forward. There will be tough times. As they say, it’s not how many times you get knocked down that counts, it’s how many times you get back up.

Q – If you were to go in the house, what’s one thing you’ll miss the most?

A private bathroom. Enough said!

Q – You’ll be helping Big Brother by delving into the strategies and motives of the housemates. What’s your approach this season?

I’m there to unpack what’s been going on in an open forum with the housemates. It’s a place where we can get to the truth and people can speak their mind. The evictions are now or never moment so expect to see some robust discussions take place.

Q – Australia will decide whether a new or returning housemate wins Big Brother and $250,000 in a live Grand Final. Do you have any advice?

Our audience knows exactly how to play the game. They will choose the ultimate winner and they don’t need any advice from me.

New housemate

Aleisha

24, NSW

This bubbly, carefree and gorgeous girl next door is best known to her friends as “Leish”. She’s a smart, friendly and chatty blonde bombshell who has no problem getting her flirt on to manipulate, deceive and get her own way. She’s not afraid to lie in situations if it means taking out the win.

Resilient and extremely savvy with two successful businesses under her belt, Aleisha has always wanted to be on Big Brother. Her forte in the house will be her social game, which she will employ strategically from day one, building on her physical game after assessing the field.

Aleisha predicts her secret weapon on Big Brother will be her physical strength. She’s extremely sporty, having travelled internationally while competing in BMX Australia.  She’s also a mad Fremantle Dockers fan and has a soft spot for her cavoodle puppy, Lilou.

What are your strengths?

My social skills and being able to talk to pretty much anyone about anything. I think I’m fun to be around and don’t take things too seriously.

What are your weaknesses?

Probably feeling things deeply. I always feel sorry for someone going through a hard time and want to help them, so they are happy again.

What made you apply for Big Brother?

I have always wanted to go on Big Brother since I was a little kid. It tests you, yet makes you enjoy and appreciate the little things in life. When do you get to be in a house with 20 strangers from all walks of life, with no technology and contact to the outside world, it’s awesome!

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

Meeting all my housemates and hopefully getting to do a secret task.

What are you least looking forward to in the house?

Being tested by Big Brother.

What kind of housemate do you think you will be?

Hopefully the fun, bubbly Energizer Bunny. I want to be able to make people laugh and smile.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

My speaker. I play music 24/7 whether I’m in the shower, cooking or cleaning. There is always music on.

New housemate

Gabbie

22, NSW

Gabbie is outgoing and vivacious, but she’s also used to being protected as the youngest in her family. She lives by the motto, “what people don’t know, won’t hurt them”. But don’t be fooled by her innocent girl-next-door vibe, Gabbie is sassy, bold, lively and very feisty.

Gabbie is willing to use her charisma, charm and devious ways to have the other housemates eating out of the palm of her hands. Ironically, she hates liars, two-faced people and back stabbers.

To Gabbie, confrontation is water off a duck’s back and she will be the first to raise her voice and tell someone to pipe down if she doesn’t like how things are playing out. She has no problem in putting the housemates in their place – royalty or not. 

Professionally, COVID struck Gabbie’s workforce last year and saw her make a total career change from flight attendant to retail worker. She misses travelling, especially to Bali or any destination where she can be active.

What are your strengths?

I’m always looking at the bright side of life.

What are your weaknesses?

I get a little cranky when I’m tired or hungry.

What made you apply for Big Brother?

I really don’t know. It’s always something that you joke about with your friends but never think it’ll happen. I am always looking for the next adventure or challenge and I am so excited and grateful that it’s Big Brother.

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

Everything. I am very much looking forward to the challenges and pushing myself.

What are you least looking forward to in the house?

Not being able to tell my family everything that goes down day by day. I normally tell them everything so that will be hard.

What kind of housemate do you think you will be?

I think I’ll be an energetic, fun and cheeky housemate. I’ll be the little sister they never knew they needed.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

My family. But I also would hate to live without my skincare routine but let’s not tell them that!

New housemate

Jaycee

23, WA 

Jaycee is an ambitious hip hop artist who oozes swagger, style and confidence. 

He’s a smart, articulate and charismatic guy who is willing to to charm his way into the house and win people over every day.

Standing tall at six foot and one inch, this Jamaican-Australian will happily flirt his way through the Big Brother house. He hopes to use his good looks and good banter to forge his way into a powerful position with all the housemates.

Calling himself “the smiling assassin”, he thinks his twinkling smile and cunning mind will help him win the game. Jaycee’s aim is to make strong relationships with the biggest, boldest players; winning challenges and making risky and strategic moves.

Working in one of the most competitive industries – music – he’s a quintessential entrepreneur, who will take matters into his own hands while keeping the housemates entertained with his freestyle rapping. No object in the house is safe as he can and will make musical instruments from anything he can find in the house.

What are your strengths?

My communication skills, charm and insightfulness. I am very good at reading vibes.

What are your weaknesses?

Spellings.

Are you going in the house with a strategy?

Yes, but I won’t tell it to you yet. I want to be in top three.

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

Challenging myself.

What are you least looking forward to in the house?

Evictions.

What kind of housemate do you think you will be?

An all-round player and a friend.

Apart from family, what will you miss the most while in the house?

Music.

New housemate

Joel

27, NSW          

A builder by trade and vegan by choice, Joel is a cheeky charmer who believes there isn’t one person he couldn’t win over with his huge positive energy.

Currently pursuing Bachelor of Technology in Renewable Energy Technologies, he also has a part time position at Bunnings and dabbles in modeling.

Joel is a self-described “dream man”, who loves cooking and cleaning. He prides himself on being a perfect boyfriend, boasting he is still friends with all of his exes and their parents. He is aware of the effect he has on women, and he is not shy in using it by flirting up a storm with the ladies, lads or even Big Brotherhimself.

Don’t let the dreamy smile fool you, Joel is a big game player and it’s his competitive nature that will set him apart. He doesn’t like to fail. Joel knows his strength lies in luring people into his inner circle with magnetism and he has no qualms using their strengths and weaknesses as part of his gameplay. 

Joel goes into the house as a physical threat, due to his strength and fitness, but his biggest weapon is his charming personality. If he can put that to a good use, he believes he will make it to the end.

What are your strengths?

Ability to read people and adapt to suit their personalities.

What are your weaknesses?

Possibly talking too much.

What makes you angry?

People not sticking to their plans or pulling out last minute.

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

Socialising and the challenges.

What are you least looking forward to in the house?

Limited food supplies.

What kind of housemate do you think you will be?

Kind, helpful, someone who makes a lot of alliances and friends.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

Morning swim. I hope there’s a pool in the house.

New housemate

Johnson

26, NSW

An alpha male, Johnson is instantly recognisable with his trademark beard and loud booming voice. Always one to stand out from the crowd, there is no missing Johnson, who commands attention wherever he goes.

Johnson has an opinion on everything and if he doesn’t have one, he will make sure he develops one. He can often come across as being arrogant and loud, but he also has a fun, playful and goofy side.

As a Big Brother superfan, going into the house is a dream come true for Johnson. He will be coming out of the gates strong, wanting to play the game hard from day one. He has an extremely strategic brain and is great with numbers, which he feels will help him stay safe.

Never one to give up, Johnson is ambitious and stubborn. Although physically he is not the most fit, Johnson’s competitive nature will keep him going through the challenges until he can’t go any further.

A civil engineer on the outside, it’s the logic over emotion approach that Johnson will be taking into the house. He intends on playing an honest game, at least in his eyes.

What are your strengths?

My logic and my ability to problem solve.

What are your weaknesses?

My inability to be patient.

What made you apply for Big Brother?

I have always wanted to apply for Big Brother since I was seven or eight.

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

The challenges, even though I’m not a physical threat yet.

What are you least looking forward to in the house?

The loss of overall control. I’m a micro-manager, I like to manage everything.

What kind of housemate do you think you will be?

Funny, smart and a game player.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

My family.

New housemate

Josh

32, NSW

Josh is a former international model turned house painter, running his own business north of Byron Bay. Each day he wakes up at the crack of dawn, walks his dog Bowie, grabs a coffee and heads out for a surf.

When he’s not painting houses, he is very much an outdoors guy who you can find surfing, camping, fishing or taking out his boat. Planning is not his forte, he likes to act on a whim and always goes with the flow.

Fiercely independent, Josh prefers to be the lone wolf. He likes to lead and doesn’t like to be told what to do. He also hates waiting around for people. A lover of love, Josh craves constant affection and is open to finding a “housewife” for his time in the house.

Josh has no filter, he’s direct and blunt, but he’s also cheeky and gets away with plenty due to his charm and million-dollar smile. 

Josh has no problem in bluffing his way to the top. He thinks this game of Big Brother will be just like his stint as an international model: hugely successful.

What are your strengths?

High work ethic and a strong mind.

What are your weaknesses?

I’m impatient, short tempered and bad at setting boundaries.

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

I’m most looking forward to the challenges.

What are you least looking forward to in the house?

Being smothered by people.

What kind of housemate do you think you will be?

Cunning.

What will push you over the edge in the house?

Being told what to do and when to do.

How will you stand out in the house?

With my personality, stories and wit.

New housemate

Lara

52, NSW

Lara is a 52-year-old single grandmother from regional New South Wales. She’s effervescent, gregarious and most importantly, kind. Lara is a passionate and family-orientated mother of four and grandmother of one.

Big Brother quite literally saved Lara’s life. While undertaking the standard medical tests to take part in this season, pre cancer cells were detected in her cervix. After having a small operation, she’s back to being fighting fit and ready to take on Big Brother’s game.

Hailing from a strict Greek family, Lara has decided that it’s her time to shine and live out her adult life on her own terms: colourful, wild and adventurous. A hairdresser by profession, she loves looking after others and loves that her job allows her to help people feel beautiful. 

Lara is single and she believes she’s at the peak of her life but is worried that her flirty nature may get the better of her in the house.

After divorcing her husband, she took part in a short class body building competition at the age of 40, just to show that she could, and ended up winning the overall championship.

Lara wants to follow in the footsteps of 2021 Big Brother winner SJ and show Australia that older women are strong, capable and can keep up with the young housemates at physical and mental challenges.

What are your strengths?

My belief in myself.

What are your weaknesses?

My children. They are my life. If anyone tries to hurt my children, I don’t know what I would do.

What made you apply for Big Brother?

I wanted to experience something that would test me and excite me. It’s something that I have wanted to do for a while.

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

Having fun.

What are you least looking forward to in the house?

Not being able to jump in the ocean and not having my morning routine of eating mandarins and listening to my songs.

What kind of housemate do you think you will be?

A happy and funny one.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

My children and grandson.

New housemate

Lulu

39, QLD

Lulu is a five-foot feisty Latino to whom the term “short and sweet” does not apply. 

On the surface, she’s the epitome of her favourite soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful. She’s friendly, cute and very loveable but she can turn in a split second and doesn’t care what people think if they disagree with her. She serves everything with a smile, but be careful of crossing her.

Lulu grew up in Brazil where she studied journalism, advertising and marketing; she now works in community services. She met her now husband of 12 years on a holiday in South America. Lulu lives in Brisbane with her husband and two fur babies – Leo and Chester – who are longhaired ginger rescue cats.

She dreams of being the star on a famous soap opera and, given she’s already been an extra on a Brazilian program, she wants to hit the big league soon. Give this girl a karaoke machine and she’s the life of the party. Lulu always brings the highest energy to all situations. 

What are your strengths?

My discipline, my way of handling different people, conversations and situations, my attention to detail and my way of seeing the good in every situation.

What are your weaknesses?

I can be short fused at times.

What made you apply for Big Brother?

I’ve watched Big Brother in Brazil since it started in 2002 and have been fascinated about it, so being part of the Australian series is truly a dream come true!

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

Having fun, enjoying the pool and sunshine in that stunning house, meeting my housemates and talking to Big Brother 🙂

What are you least looking forward to in the house?

Haven’t thought about that yet.

What kind of housemate do you think you will be?

I will be the energetic, fun and loud housemate. I will also be the one who sets the rules for an organised and clean house.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

I cannot live without music.

New housemate

Melanie

41, VIC

Melanie is always a whirlwind of the highest energy. She’s fabulous and totally frenetic. 

Her happiness is contagious; she makes people feel like their best selves in her orbit.  Mel’s unfiltered, loud and intense personality can put people off at first, but her confidence in her own skin makes her one to watch.

She was a flight attendant before the pandemic and is currently working as a receptionist where she endlessly communicates with strangers every day. Mel believes there is no person she can’t “wear down” to eventually like her. Through her pure determination and persistence, she believes she can win over any cold heart.

Mel goes into the Big Brother house to kill people with kindness and is a self-confessed people pleaser. She hopes this will keep her under the radar and in everyone’s good graces and that she doesn’t end up irritating other housemates.

Mel is fit and active with a fierce can-do attitude. She’s a hype girl and will use her height and strength in physical challenges. She will always be the loudest cheerleader on the sidelines.

What are your strengths?

My can-do attitude and my ability to build rapport and form relationships.

What are your weaknesses?

I get distracted easily. I’m too nice and I love everyone I meet fiercely and freely.

What made you apply for Big Brother?

Why not? I don’t have any commitments holding me back. After being in lockdown for the last two years, having that many housemates looks fun.

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

Building friendships and having this once in a lifetime experience.

What are you least looking forward to in the house?

The scary challenges.

What kind of housemate do you think you will be?

I will be the nurturing, caring and affectionate housemate who will be friends with everyone and remind them about their strengths.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

My Mum. We speak every day as we are best friends. And my mobile phone.

New housemate

Sam

32, QLD

Sam is a sensual, self-assured intimacy coach. She helps couples explore their own sexuality and sexual needs.

Sam has an opinion on everything, ranging from climate change to burnt toast. She’s not one to keep her thoughts to herself; in fact she could be described as outspoken and confrontational.

As a born leader, she won’t tolerate being told what to do, particularity by a fellow woman. She’s drawn to men, can be quite the seductress and isn’t afraid to use her sexuality to get what she wants.

Sam is single and ready to mingle. She hopes that Big Brother will be the perfect matchmaker for her.

What makes you happy?

Sunshine, ocean and a juicy book.

What makes you angry?

Not being heard, being spoken to with disrespect and injustice.

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

Winning. And challenging myself to withstand the pressures of the mental and physical game.

What are you least looking forward to in the house?

Not having my own space and the cameras in the bathroom.

What kind of housemate do you think you will be?

Very efficient, helpful and entertaining.

What will push you over the edge in the house?

Not having enough food.

How will you stand out in the house?

My cooking, a great sense of humour and my sensuality.

New housemate

Taras

34, NSW

Taras is a quirky, slightly eccentric man who is completely comfortable in his own skin. He never adheres to social norms and breaks stereotypes of how men should be and behave.

A successful creative in the music scene, he writes music for the band Sticky Fingers and is a multi-instrumentalist in his own band, The Lulu Raes. Taras is also a music teacher.

Taras lives an active lifestyle including daily meditations, practicing yoga, snorkeling and lifting weights. He has a firm strategy in place: he’ll gather intelligence on the housemates first and then align himself to the strongest players while not alienating the weaker competitors. Finally, he will play challenges to the best of his ability. He is happy to manipulate and use gathered information to stay in the game, protecting himself first. 

A superfan of the American Survivor, Taras is in awe of the gameplay and challenges that the competitors undertake. He’s inspired to bring that high level to Australian TV.

People often underestimate Taras and he will use that to his advantage by playing a sneaky game and making big moves that no one will expect.

What are your strengths?

My will power, my insight into myself and others as well as my humour and easy-going nature.

What are your weaknesses?

Over sharing, especially in this game of strategy. My potential frustration at being with people 24/7 for a while. I’m not always good at processing emotions in real time. I find it better to go off and work on stuff.

What made you apply for Big Brother?

I really think this is an incredible opportunity to experience what happens to us individually and in a group when put under extreme and strange circumstances.

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

Making new friends and, at least early on, being safe in a majority.

What are you least looking forward to in the house?

Being in a minority and not being as good at challenges as I think I will be.

What kind of housemate do you think you will be?

I think I’ll be easy going, fun and interested in other people. I may get in trouble for fighting when I believe in something, even if its small, which may put a target on my back. I will definitely make strong relationships if I get in there and last long enough.

What is one thing you cannot live without?

I love sugar so much. I’ll eat it out of the bag if I have to.

Big Brother royalty

Dave

42, NSW

Farmer Dave is known in the Big Brother history as the farmer who came out as gay to his fellow housemates, family and the country on national TV. His charm, charisma and down-to-earth approach made men and women all over Australia fall in love. He placed third in Season 6.

Dave returns to the Big Brother house 15 years later with a belief that the show made him into the man he is today, living as the strongest, best version of himself. Going into the house, Dave is adamant that he will not lie, manipulate or backstab anyone. He will give his one hundred percent to challenges, embrace the new game and make lifelong loyal alliances.

Dave is still the inspiring, smiling, salt-of-the-earth farmer, who always looks on the positive side of all situations and believes that showing emotion is more than ok. He will be a shoulder to cry on and a constant support to his fellow housemates.

A father of four, he is a youth program manager at RuffTRACK: a farm-based youth charity that protects kids, keeping them out of prison and up skilling them for a secure future. It’s his passionate and empathetic work ethic that helps less fortunate and troubled kids transform their lives through the intense program that makes him incredibly proud.

Dave currently lives on his farm in the country with his 20+ dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, dwarf goats, alpacas, ducks, goose and a horse. His offsider on the farm is “Jimmy Choo”, a miniature cattle dog who often sleeps with him under the stars in his swag.

Why did you want to return to the Big Brother house?

To play the game and have a break from my very stressful and heavy-on-responsibility life.

What do you feel is the advantage of being a returning housemate?

Main thing is that I’ll be chilled out like I’m returning to a holiday house of my youth. I reckon new housemates will be nervous and excited, whereas I feel like I’m back in an old familiar place.

Do you see any disadvantage to be a returning housemate?

Yes, being too chilled about things and not ready for all the twists and turns of the game. I’m looking at it like a holiday but a fun adventurous one.

What would you do differently this time around?

Play the game, get really involved in everything without the weight of a political agenda.

What was your previous experience in the Big Brother house like?

It was incredible. I went on to create conversations and change in Australia about gay people being treated equally and without judgment. Back then we were heavily discriminated against. It was normal to be in the closet for fear of violence and exclusion.

Big Brother royalty

Drew

33, VIC

Drew made national headlines in Season 10 when he not only stole the heart of fellow housemate, Tully, in one of Australia’s most whirlwind love stories; he also struck up a fierce bromance with Tim. Drew placed fourth in Season 10.

In his original season, Drew was known as the stereotypical heartthrob model who was charming, cheeky and loyal. He was also mischievous and a total prankster. His bromance with Tim often got him into trouble, not only with Tully, but with the other housemates too.

Drew fell in love with Tully, who was in a same-sex relationship on the outside. They became totally and utterly devoted to each other inside the house. It was his commitment to Tully that made Australia fall in love with him.

Returning to the house, eight years later, Drew lives a very different life. He’s not a model anymore but a general manager in a hospitality group. He’s stronger, older and wiser, and is ready to play Big Brother’s game again.

He hasn’t watched an episode of the show since leaving, but he’s determined to take out the title and win this time around. Drew believes he has an advantage as he survived the house before and vows to play a more strategic game this time around.

Once again Drew is entering the Big Brother house as a single man. 

Why did you want to return to the Big Brother house?

Because of COVID. And I like saying yes.

What do you feel is the advantage of being a returning housemate?

Not much apart from being familiar with how basic life works in the compound.

Do you see any disadvantage to be a returning housemate?

It may be seen as a threat. Just roll through the middle.

What would you do differently this time around?

My approach is the same, there is so much out of my control. You can only influence people so much and the rest Big Brother rules over.

What was your previous experience in the Big Brother house like?

It was great. It got intense after the show finished. I think because there was virtually no negative aftermath I’m up for doing it again.

Big Brother royalty

Estelle

33, QLD

Estelle infamously holds the record for receiving the most nominations in a single night (19 votes). She was best known in Season 9 as the person who polarized her fellow housemates.

Estelle was undoubtably regarded as the biggest misfit in Big Brother history due to her unique personality and skater girl meets rapper vibe.

Even though Estelle goes down in history tied as the most nominated housemate ever with 89 nominations, Australia fell in love with her resilience, loved her quirks and backed the underdog, saving her from nine evictions.

Returning to the house, eight years later, she hasn’t changed a bit. She’s still fiery, still emotionally charged and still fights for the underdogs, but she is still polarising in many people’s eyes and loves to debate any topic with an unfiltered opinion. 

Estelle loves her four horses and is currently a horse-riding coach, as well as big advocate for animal rights and environmental protection. She spends a lot of time working on projects that protect the oceans, waterways, and broader environmental and social programs.

Estelle’s strategy will be the same as it was in 2012: she’s going to be true to herself, despite the consequences, regardless if it makes her popular or not.

Why did you want to return to the Big Brother house?

I learnt so much about myself and general human behaviour last time. I hope to show that you don’t have to be exactly the same as everyone else in who you are to have fun on reality TV. That you can be a bit weird and different to others. I’ve come from nothing and have since created a great life for myself and want to show others they are capable of that too. That we are in charge of our destiny. That we too can be strong and confident in this world.

What would you do differently this time around?

I think I will just be a little more careful of my empathetic, sensitive heart. I love and care a lot and have some very strong beliefs of how people should be treated well. But I also won’t let anyone push me around or try to manipulate me to get a result. I’ll try to carry more confidence in general and prove you can just be yourself in there.

What do you feel is the advantage of being a returning housemate?

I have the experience of being through the process once before. I have a general idea of what to expect. However, this time everything will be completely different.

Do you see any disadvantages of being a returning housemate?

I feel that I could very well have a target on my back because I was a very strong housemate in the past and this could be seen as a threat.

What are you most looking forward to in the house?

A whole new rollercoaster that I am fortunate enough to have a ticket to. You can’t buy this experience and I am once again geared up and ready to learn. You also, even with a media degree, couldn’t learn more about how that whole side works either.

Big Brother royalty

Layla

34, QLD

Layla is the fun-loving bubbly Brit who burst onto our screens in Season 9, quickly becoming a loveable fan favourite, winning the hearts of Australians by coming in second. An “English Rose” like no other, she was known for her theme tune Oats-a-la-Layla and for her steamy love affair with an intruder Sam Wallace.

Eight years after her first time on Big Brother, she is still the loveable, excited, happy-go-lucky lady the nation fell in love with. However, this time, she’s more confident and much stronger. She won’t shy away from conflict. Layla plans to only be her authentic self.

Her biggest regret last time was not having a strategy, which she thinks cost her the title. This time, Layla will make friends quickly and orchestrate a tight, indestructible alliance that will take her right to the end.

Her day-to-day job is a social worker, apart from Big Brother, she’s also competed on Celebrity Apprentice.

Why did you want to return to the Big Brother house?

Redemption time. I want to show that my growth since leaving last time has been vast, I want to show that I can win and smash the challenges.

What would you do differently this time around?

I will be more aware of the game, I actually have a plan. I just wanted to have fun last time, meet boys and enjoy myself. This time I’ll be a little more focused. No more distractions. This time, I also want to win, I have my eye on the prize.

What do you feel is the advantage of being a returning housemate?

I feel the advantage is knowing how to deal with things like staples, living off limited supplies and how to survive without any contact outside.

Do you see any disadvantage to be a returning housemate?

Yes. Knowing that anything can happen at any time is the biggest disadvantage.

What was your previous experience in the Big Brother house like?

It was amazing. I had just moved to Australia. Being inside the house taught me so much about the people here. I created incredible, life-long friendships. I walked out with a different lens on the world.

Big Brother royalty

Reggie

48, QLD

Reggie is a down-to-earth mother of two, who stole the hearts of Australians when she won Big Brother Season 3. 

Working at a Tasmanian fish and chip shop, Reggie was adored around the nation for her salt-of-the-earth attitude and true-blue ocker slang. She was a straight shooter.

18 years on, Reggie is determined to give Big Brother another crack and hopefully win it for a second time. She knows that she enters with a target on her back, but she still feels that she can win over the housemates by being herself.

Since taking out the title in Season 3, Reggie has been dealt her fair share of ups and downs. 

Her son was born with cystic fibrosis and her own vision is drastically deteriorating with a condition called retinitis pigmentosa, meaning she currently only has nine degrees of central vision. She likens it to looking through two narrow drinking straws. Reggie knows these things have only made her stronger and resilient.

Reggie is returning to Big Brother for her two children and to change her life, one more time!

Why did you want to return to the Big Brother house?

You only live once, and you are meant to live it to fullest and have fun.

What would you do differently this time around?

Nothing. I’ll just be me.

What do you feel is the advantage of being a returning housemate?

There’s more of a disadvantage because I’ll be a massive target.

Do you see any disadvantage to be a returning housemate?

From the minute I walk into the door I will have a target on my back because I’m one of the most popular housemates in the history of Big Brother.

What was your previous experience in the Big Brother house like?

I had the time of my life, it was awesome! I did not want to leave the house.

Big Brother royalty

Tim

38, NSW

Tim won Season 10 of Big Brother Australia. He was also on BigBrotherCanada where he was placed third, despite having a target on his back the entire time. Tim made a huge splash last time he was in the house with a mouth bigger than his hair and his love for shit stirring. He was known as one of the most divisive contestants in the show’s history.

Currently a disability support care worker, Tim has not changed a bit. He’s still brutally honest and admits he is a little terrified at the lengths he will go to win this new format but assures that he has enough in his little bag of tricks to make it interesting.

He’s a master strategist and a cheeky larrikin, he’s regarded as one of the greatest players in Big Brother’s history due to his unique and unpredictable gameplay, even putting himself up for eviction at one point. He wants to be the first person in the history of the game world wide to win Big Brother twice. Tim has also appeared on Celebrity Apprentice, where he was runner-up.

Why did you want to return to the Big Brother house?

It’s a once in a lifetime experience that will now be my third time doing. After getting to the finale in Big Brother Canada in 2016 and forfeiting the final challenge, I feel I have unfinished business. I want to be the only person in the world to have won Big Brother twice! I want to show Australia how I have grown and changed since the first time playing, I’m older and wiser but will bring the same tenacious spirit.

What would you do differently this time around?

It’s such a different game now, when I played, I played big because I knew the audience would likely save me each week to keep me on the show. I think.

What do you feel is the advantage of being a returning housemate?

I think I have the record of being the only person in Australia who has lived in the Big Brother house for the longest time, so I have some experience with being cut off from the world in the pressure cooker that is this house.

Do you see any disadvantage to be a returning housemate?

I definitely will have a target on my back with the other players knowing my reputation for being a strategic mastermind who the Australian public already voted once to win. I will have to try convincing them that I have no idea what I’m doing this time around and win their trust with my charm!

What was your previous experience in the Big Brother house like?

It was so good. Challenging, but a dream come true.

Big Brother royalty

Trevor

48, NSW

Trevor, known affectionately as “Big Trev”, is famously known in Big Brother history as the first and only Australian to win $1 million dollars when he took out the title in Season 4. He then went on to propose to his now wife, Breea, on national TV.

He was last known as a total prankster and fun maker, often tricking and scaring his housemates in order to amuse himself. He’s quick-witted, energetic and up for any chance to dress up and make a fool of himself.

Seventeen years since taking out the largest prize money ever handed out on Australian TV, he’s now a proud father of two boys and still happily married to his high school sweetheart. He works in radio on the Gold Coast. 

Last time around, winning the prize money set him up with a home and foundation. This time around, if he wins, he will use the money to pay off his kids’ school fees and invest in getting a children’s book developed.

Currently, he can be heard on air on the Gold Coast’s 102.9 Hot Tomato Drive show. Trevor enters the Big Brother house in 2022 having never been nominated.

Why did you want to return to the Big Brother house?

Why not? But seriously to show my sons, nieces and nephews how and why the occasional person stops and asks for a picture or a chat.

What would you do differently this time around?

Nothing. I went in to the 2004 series being myself and left the same way and I’ll do the same this time around as well. It doesn’t matter if I’m out early or get to the nitty gritty end game. I’ll stay the same.

What do you feel is the advantage of being a returning housemate?

There’ll be no advantage. I’ll go into the Big Brother house with a huge target on my chest because I’m a previous winner. The housemates will want me out quick smart. I also get along with people in any situation, so there’s another reason for housemates to evict me.

Do you see any disadvantage to be a returning housemate?

As above.

What was your previous experience in the Big Brother house like?

It was amazing. Just for the fact that it was something I’ve always wanted to do. The housemates of 2004 were the absolute best as well. Yes, there was the occasional drama, but it was more like a family style of Big Brother. You had your goofball moments and then the moments that made the show as popular as it was.

Big Brother royalty

Tully

34, VIC

Tully blasted into the Big Brother house in Season 10, always wearing her heart on her sleeve. Entering via the halfway house, Tully made it immediately clear that she wasn’t impressed with the poor living conditions.

Most famously, Tully is known as the girl who fell in love with fellow housemate Drew ­– despite having a girlfriend on the outside – committing one of the most talked about relationship betrayals seen on national TV at the time.

Known for her fierce attitude, sass and unfiltered opinions, Tully’s experience wasn’t only centred around Drew. She revelled in the highs of Big Brother’s game and developed a ‘sibling rivalry’ with her fellow housemate Tim, who knew exactly how to push her buttons and took great pleasure in doing so.

Strong-willed, passionate and big hearted, both then and now, she anticipates running straight back into Big Brother’s arms and continuing their flirtatious yet therapeutic relationship.

Eight years on, she’s graduated with a degree in journalism, hosts a hugely popular podcast, Too Much Tully, and works as a social media influencer. She is determined to not let history repeat itself as she is older, wiser, stronger, more calm and more secure.

This time around Tully goes into the Big Brother house with a boyfriend on the outside.

Why did you want to return to the Big Brother house?

I don’t believe in having regrets but there are definitely things I wish I played differently last time. Big Brother is usually a once in a lifetime opportunity so to have another chance at it, why would I say no? This time around it’s all about me. No more distractions this time, I’m here to win. I’m older, wiser and more determined than ever.

What would you do differently this time around?

I was such a fan of the show last time around; I was just psyched to be there. I was sweet and naïve and innocent. This time around, I’m a bit more clued up. I know how this game works. I get it now and I’m not screwing it up a second time.

What do you feel is the advantage of being a returning housemate?

I’m not sure there are many. It’s a totally different ball game now. The rules have changed completely. So, while I may have an advantage in, say, being comfortable filmed 24/7 or being prepared for the trolling, that unfortunately comes with everything else. I don’t feel like I have any special advantages in this new game. If anything, the eight years of growing up will be my biggest advantage.

Do you see any disadvantage to be a returning housemate?

Absolutely. There’s a target on my back from day one. People might think they know me or have a preconceived idea of me that I’m going to be working against. People might decide they don’t like me before even speaking to me! Others might think I’ve already had a chance at the 250k, why do I deserve another? It’s going to be a hard slog!

What was your previous experience in the Big Brother house like?

It was a rollercoaster to say the least. I had an absolute ball in there, but it was rough, especially the aftermath. I made some silly decisions that felt right at the time and paid a big price for it. It was a really humbling period of self-discovery. It was really dark some days, but I’ve come out on the other side better for it. Absolutely no regrets. I’m, back aren’t I? So, it can’t have been that bad!

Fast Facts       

The custom-built Big Brother house has new secret rooms: the mainframe, the sewer and two mystery rooms. There’s a new treehouse, a Zen chill-out space for the housemates to grab some downtime. A select few housemates will also get exclusive access to a brand-new upstairs luxury suite.

There are 70 rigged cameras in the house, most with full remote capabilities, and infrared to follow the housemates 24/7 where required.

The Big Brother Challenge Team created over 60 new tasks and challenges including nominations challenges, second chance challenges, house tasks, shopping tasks, and panic room tasks.

Housemates are responsible for their own cooking, washing, cleaning and recycling.

Rations across the season include 1,700 pieces of fruit, 200 litres of milk and 1,000kg of spinach. Housemates are also provided with over 50kg of flour and more than 700 eggs.

Housemates can enter the house with one suitcase of their clothing, toiletries and personal belongings. Everything else is allocated to them by Big Brother.

Housemates can bring in four personal photos.

Three housemates celebrated their birthday within the Big Brother house with their newfound Big Brother family during this season.

Big Brother Australia returns May 9 on Seven and 7plus.