Behind the Scenes of Big Brother Australia Casting
Before the latest Big Brother Australia housemates were selected, TV WEEK had the rare chance to step behind the curtain and watch the casting process unfold. When Channel 10 confirmed the return of Big Brother, promising a reboot faithful to the original concept, excitement buzzed through the fans once again.
Return to the Gold Coast and Original Spirit
The Big Brother house has come back to the Gold Coast, complete with live nominations, dramatic evictions, and even a 24-hour livestream. Network Executive Producer Sarah Thornton revealed that this version avoids filling the house with influencers. Instead, the goal is to reflect real diversity—different ages, backgrounds, and life stories, just like in the earliest seasons.
Inside a Casting Session
Sarah invited the TV WEEK writer to observe one of the casting days held across Australia. On a typical Tuesday afternoon in Sydney, the team gathered in a modest hotel conference room. Five executives, including Sarah, sat at a table facing a camera. Applicants entered one at a time, each given a few minutes to make an impression.
Some were brief and vague in their responses, lasting only a few minutes—the shortest just three. Others left a mark with their wit, authenticity, or vibrant personality, engaging the panel with natural charisma and humor.
Finding Real People
“The process can be exhausting, seeing up to 60 people a day,” Sarah admitted, “but it’s also magical. I love how generous people are.”
Through long hours and countless interviews, the team strives to rediscover the essence that once made Big Brother unfiltered and genuine—ordinary people sharing extraordinary moments inside one iconic house.
Author’s Summary
TV WEEK’s visit to Big Brother Australia’s casting sessions shows a renewed focus on everyday Australians and emotional authenticity over influencer fame.