Big Brother Australia’s reboot saw its first eviction on Sunday night.
After a vote from the public, highly controversial single dad Michael Downs was sent packing.
Up for elimination alongside Michael were model Holly and Trump-loving grandma Jane.
Michael, who has angered viewers with his ‘sexist’ views, blamed young women for voting him out.
‘I’m an older guy, and it’s younger girls voting. They’re not voting for me,’ he said when he got the bad news.
Fans were celebrating on X, with many glad to see the 47-year-old publisher go home.
Big Brother Australia ‘s reboot saw its first eviction on Sunday night. After a vote from the public, highly controversial single dad Michael Downs (pictured) was sent packing
‘I’m happy Michael got evicted. Australia made the right call this week,’ one person wrote.
Another slammed him as a ‘loser’ while one more said sarcastically, ‘See ya Michael!’
‘MICHAEL OMG I HATE YOU!’ declared one fan of the show, with someone else posting, ‘Michael has provided nothing but a few dodgy views.’
‘Bit of a p**s weak eviction but the less time with Michael on screen the better,’ another agreed.
It comes after Daily Mail exclusively revealed that Michael was initially cast as an intruder on Married At First Sight 2026 – but the plan was scrapped at the eleventh hour after producers failed to find him a suitable match.
According to a well-placed production insider, Endemol Shine Australia was in active discussions with Michael for months and was excited about bringing him into the MAFS experiment as a late-season shake-up.
‘They genuinely thought he’d be great TV. Michael is strong-willed, blunt and totally unfiltered,’ the insider said. ‘But the problem was his criteria. He was very specific about what he wanted in a partner. They just couldn’t find a bride who matched what he described.’
Another source added that producers felt ‘backed into a corner’ as the filming deadline approached.
Up for elimination alongside Michael were model Holly (right) and Trump-loving grandma Jane (centre)
Michael, who has angered viewers with his ‘sexist’ views, blamed young women for voting him out
‘They tried every avenue, but nothing fit,’ the second insider explained.
‘He wasn’t willing to compromise, and they weren’t willing to force an incompatible match just for drama. Eventually they pulled the pin and told him they’d circle back for another series.’
Instead, Michael was quietly redirected to another franchise under the same production umbrella – Big Brother Australia – where executives believed his personality would be ‘better utilised’.
And it hasn’t taken long for the outspoken father-of-three to make waves.
Upon entering the house, Michael introduced himself as the boss of a media company known for stirring debate, frequently clashing with cyclists and so-called ‘woke’ culture.
But his recruitment immediately raised eyebrows among fans, given Big Brother’s strict eligibility rules banning contestants from working for or being associated with media organisations.
Daily Mail can confirm these rules form part of Endemol Shine Australia’s original terms and conditions for the long-running franchise.
In response to growing criticism, Network 10 issued a statement clarifying Michael’s position – and why he was allowed in.
The housemates were shocked by Michael’s exit
A spokesperson said Michael is the CEO of a publishing company that produces national magazine titles including FHM, Women’s Fitness, Krash and It Girl.
‘The company is responsible for the printing and delivery of these magazines,’ the spokesman said, insisting this did not violate their casting rules.
When pressed on why he was selected as a housemate, the spokesperson said his personality and life experience made him stand out.
‘Michael is outspoken, opinionated, mature, brings a no-nonsense attitude to the house, is a single dad to three teens, and represents a demographic no one else represents in the house.’
Behind the scenes, insiders insist Big Brother bosses are thrilled with the outcome – even though he entered through an unexpected backdoor.
‘He’s messy, he’s divisive, he sparks debate and he’s not afraid to argue,’ one production source said. ‘He’s the exact kind of character producers pray for.’