Australia’s iconic reality TV juggernaut, Big Brother, is making a triumphant return to its original home on Channel Ten, promising a thrilling reboot packed with chaos, laughter, and unforgettable moments. After a brief stint on rival networks, the show is set to reclaim its crown as the ultimate social experiment, with filming kicking off in early November 2025 at its legendary Gold Coast location, Dreamworld.
Channel Ten is pulling out all the stops to bring Big Brother back to its glory days, when it captivated audiences in the early 2000s. The network has vowed to realign the Australian franchise with its original, wildly successful format, where housemates battle it out through challenges, alliances, and betrayals for a shot at life-changing prize money. After bouncing between Channel Nine and a revamped run on Channel Seven (which ended in 2024), the show is returning to its roots with a renewed focus on authenticity and drama.
Stepping into the spotlight as the new face of Big Brother is radio and TV sensation Melissa Tracina, taking over from previous host Sonia Kruger. Tracina, known for her vibrant energy and quick wit, is ready to guide viewers through the rollercoaster of emotions that only Big Brother can deliver. Following in the footsteps of beloved hosts like Gretel Killeen, Tracina is poised to bring a fresh, dynamic flair to the series. A recent Instagram teaser showed her answering a mysterious phone call, announcing that Big Brother has found its new home at Dreamworld, with the caption: “Surprise, @BigBrotherAU is coming home to @DreamworldAU!”
In a bold move to counter criticism about reality TV being overrun by influencers, Big Brother producers are on the hunt for real people with compelling stories from all walks of life. The casting call, announced this week, is seeking big personalities ready to seize their 15 minutes of fame. Applicants must be over 18 and either an Australian citizen or permanent resident. However, with “thousands” of hopefuls expected to apply, the competition will be fierce.
Aspiring housemates are required to complete an online questionnaire, which takes about 20 minutes, and submit a short video showcasing their personality and why they’d be a standout in the Big Brother house. The casting call warns against contacting the casting department directly, emphasizing the high volume of applications expected before the deadline on September 1, 2025.
The reboot is set to be filmed at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, the iconic location where Big Brother first captured Australia’s heart 17 years ago. Production company Endemol Shine Australia hinted at the return earlier this year, posting a call for Queensland-based post-production crew to work on-site. While the past three seasons were filmed in Sydney before Channel Seven axed the show in 2024, this move back to the Gold Coast signals a nostalgic return to the show’s origins.
A cryptic teaser clip featuring an eye in a blue filter dropped earlier this month, with the caption: “BIG #BBAU news incoming… keep an [eye] out.” The announcement has sent fans into a frenzy, eagerly anticipating what’s in store for the 2025 season.
With filming slated to begin in early November and wrap by mid-December, viewers can expect a whirlwind of drama, strategy, and unexpected twists. Channel Ten is promising “more chaos and laughter than ever before,” as the show leans into its reputation as the “original social experiment.” Whether it’s intense rivalries, surprising alliances, or emotional confessions, Big Brother is poised to deliver the kind of unmissable TV that made it a household name.