As you’re all likely aware by now, Big Brother Australia is returning in 2025. And while this iteration of the classic reality series promises to take us back to the original in terms of structure, there is one thing that is decidedly new: the show’s host, Mel Tracina.
OG host Gretel Killeen, along with hosts of the more recent reboots, Kyle and Jackie O and Sonia Kruger were noticeably absent from news of the show’s return.
Instead, it was announced that the Nova announcer, cultural correspondent for The Cheap Seats and self-proclaimed “reality TV junkie” would be taking on the role of Big Brother host for 2025.
So, who is Mel Tracina and what can we expect from her time heading up the Big Brother house? Let’s take a little look!
Mel Tracina: What do we know so far?
As we touched on above, Mel has a background in radio and TV presenting, having worked with both Nova Melbourne and Ten’s The Cheap Seats. She also often appears as a guest panellist on Have You Been Paying Attention?
Throughout her career, Mel has interviewed some huge Hollywood names (like Chris Hemsworth), having appeared on a number of red carpets, so it’s fairly safe to say she’ll be feeling at home grilling Big Brother contestants on their time in the house.
Speaking with Ten about the show’s return to the network and her new (massive) gig as host, Mel shared that she’s long been a fan of Big Brother, and that she’s excited to bring it back to its old-school roots.
“I was one of the millions of Aussies captivated by Big Brother when it launched on Channel 10 in the early noughties,” she said.
“The show has such a loyal and passionate fan base, and I am excited to help bring back the show’s original spirit (minus the flip phones and bum dancing).”
Personally, I think the flip phones and bum dancing are iconic, but hey, each to one’s own.
Were Gretel Killeen and Sonia Kruger approached for Big Brother 2025?
While it’s certainly exciting to see modern Big Brother Australia moving in a (kinda) new direction, the choice to bring on a new host has obviously left folks asking what happened with the previous leading personalities — especially Gretel and Sonia.
Yahoo Lifestyle recently reported an insider shared with them that neither of the former hosts was considered for the 2025 gig.
“Network 10 wanted someone fresh that felt similar to the network hiring Gretel back in 2001,” the insider told the outlet. “Gretel wasn’t unknown by any means, but it was Big Brother Australia that made her a household name.”
Additionally, a source spoke with New Idea, sharing that opting not to go with Gretel may not be the snub some are interpreting it to be.
“She [Gretel] probably feels that Big Brother should well and truly remain in her past,” the source said.
When it comes to Sonia, Yahoo reports that their source shared that fans were looking for a change from the former host. Equally, they stated that Sonia “wasn’t really that keen on continuing” with the series either.
Sonia is currently hosting The Voice 2024 and has been rumoured for The Golden Bachelor.
Long story, short: reports seem to point to both former hosts of Big Brother being happy to pass on the baton.
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