Bringing back OG contestants into the reformatted series has changed the game again and viewers are in for a real treat
From the very first moment Reggie popped up on screen in the new series of Channel 7’s Big Brother I was smiling like a Cheshire cat.
The 2003 winner is part of the formula that has breathed new life into the series which turns 21 this year.
The mix of old and new contestants works to take the game to a new level as housemates from the Channel 10 and Channel 9 series readjust to the competitive format of the Channel 7 version.
While previewing the first two episodes I felt sorry for the ‘newbies’ (as they’re known) because I assumed they would play second fiddle to the the originals (or OG’s), but I couldn’t have been more wrong!
While there’s no doubt original housemates Anthony Drew (2013), Dave Graham (2006), Estelle Landy (2012), Layla Subritzky (2012 runner-up), Reggie Bird (2003 winner), Tim Dormer (2013 winner), Trevor Butler (2004 winner) and Tully Smyth (2013) will have the support of long-time fans, some of the new cast will also become fan favourites.
As you would expect, the game starts the moment contestants enter the house. As they all try to suss each other out and form alliances, it soon becomes obvious they did not know they would be playing alongside old favourites.
And that’s when sparks really begin to fly!
The producers of this show have made it an artform to have me guessing until the very end who will be evicted and the twists are always unexpected.
But it’s not just the production values, it’s the casting.
Alongside the OG housemates we know and love, the new cast offer a range of characteristics and bring their own drama (and I mean that in a good way).
There’s unrequired love, a person who seems to have multiple personalities and a guy who seems mild and timid until he’s in a challenge.
Hang on — that’s all the one person!
Already in two episodes the new cast is drawing me in but it’s the OG housemates I’m wanting to win.
Tim is at his cheeky best throughout and it’s fascinating seeing him play the game and talk strategy.
Farmer Dave is as lovely as ever and if you didn’t love him before you most certainly will this time.
The other OG’s are a like a nice warm blanket that just feels right. From Trevor’s infectious laugh to Lala’s dancing and singing.
And there are genuine moments with Estelle that will break your heart. Her honesty and vulnerability at a certain point in the game will leave you in tears.
But for me the standout will always be Reggie.
Reggie is the heart and soul of Big Brother. Her confusion understanding Big Brother’s instructions, her laughter and cheekiness is worth the price of admission alone.
And full disclosure – I am friends with Reggie and I am absolutely biased when I say this: if she doesn’t win this series it will be a travesty!
While I’ve been a big fan of the new series since Channel 7 brought it back in 2020, I have to say the format of this season with old and new housemates has taken the entire show to another level.
And that’s why I think this is the best series ever!
Boring. Delayed delayed delayed
Wonder if it will be the same regurgitated story lines with Drew & Tully and of course Tim.
They could have got so much more creative.
Tim doing the same contrived stuff to create stories and Tully and Drew’s drama
You guys might think its entertaining to watch ( get rid of joel) its all about the game for the money now,
Isnt it suposed to ve random people im an experiment to live together thats entertaining not some half pumps talking about how there gunna win and there right! Its bs i can go down the road to a house and watch it live far out!!!!
Utter rubbish this show is lame. I watched it once. I didn’t like. I absolutely hate reality tv it sucks.won’t be watching it again 👎😠
Like watching the show but HATE it when evicted players are ‘bought back’ usually controversial players who then come back and get nice people evicted
Drew spends every minute with Sam in the house and others have survived alone . he chooses a message from her over getting money for the house selfish behavior if you think its justfied take a long look at yourself and do better