Before the new season’s housemates were selected, TV WEEK had the chance to observe the Big Brother Australia casting process from the inside. When Channel 10 revealed the show’s return, staying true to the original spirit yet with fresh updates, excitement spread quickly. The house has made a comeback on the Gold Coast, reintroducing live nominations, evictions, and even a 24-hour livestream.
Executive Network Producer Sarah Thornton shared that the team’s focus isn’t on recruiting influencers, unlike other reality programs. Instead, their goal is to bring together participants from different regions, ages, and backgrounds—much like the early Channel 10 seasons.
Sarah invited the writer to witness one of the casting sessions held across Australia. On a quiet Tuesday afternoon in Sydney, participants arrived at a small hotel conference room, greeted by a five-person panel that included Sarah herself. From behind a camera, the writer watched as one candidate after another faced a series of questions.
“I love how generous people are,” said Sarah. She admitted that reviewing up to sixty hopefuls each day can be tiring, yet often turns out to be magical.
Despite the long hours, the casting team remains dedicated to finding authentic personalities who will bring genuine spirit and unpredictability to the new season.
Author’s summary: TV WEEK’s exclusive look inside Big Brother Australia’s casting reveals a heartfelt search for real, diverse contestants beyond the influencer spotlight.