Reality series to lift lid on nightlife of Melbourne’s hospitality elite

A new fly-on-the-wall reality TV series about the glamorous lives of a group of movers and shakers in Melbourne’s rich nightlife scene is in the works.

Danny Carter is touted to be the star of a new reality show based around Melbourne’s nightlife. Picture: Supplied

Move over Byron Baes, there is a new Melbourne reality series based on our scene queens in the works.

Well to be fair, the series is pegged about as far away as possible from the soulless scripted series based in Byron Bay as you can get.

This is touted as the reel deal, think Bling Empire or Vanderpump Rules.

International documentary producers have been in talks with our resident movers and groovers in the hospo world for well over 18 months to create a fly-on-the-wall reality series set on an authentic group of friends in and around Melbourne’s rich nightlife.

UK-based executive producer Margaret Bowling was instrumental in the F1 Netflix reality series Drive to Survive success, has worked with uber director James Cameron on Disney+ with documentary Super/Natural and My Life as a Rolling Stone with the BBC.

Rozalia and Nick Russian are believed to have been approached for the show. Picture: Supplied

Holly Lucas and dad Chris Lucas have also been sounded out by producers. Picture: Tim Carrafa

It’s understood Bowling sees great potential in Melbourne’s nightlife and wants to make the new series to pitch to an international market.

Page 13 went hunting for the lowdown from Bowling who was predictably tight-lipped, with producers releasing a carefully worded statement this week: “A team of independent producers from London who met working on an MTV show have set their sights on Melbourne for their next production,” the statement said.

“Drawn to the city for its iconic bar and restaurant scene, their show will follow the elite social set as they gather in some of Melbourne’s most exclusive venues.

“I want this series to feel light and fun but not be afraid to tackle difficult subjects. I’m so excited by the stories some of our cast want to tell and can’t wait to share them with you.”

Luckily Page 13 was already in the know – it is Melbourne after all – so can spill the tea.

Which brings us on who to centre it around?

Several high flyers have been sounded out including bar tsars Daniel and Nick Russian and his fashion plate wife Rozalia who are open to possibilities for filming to centre around their new CBD hotspot Bar Bambi.

Danny Carter and Lil Romano are set to appear on the show.

Restaurant king Chris Lucas, his glamorous partner Sarah Lew and his daughter Holly Lucas, who is oft described as Melbourne’s very own Paris Hilton have been scouted.

While the Lucas family or Russians have yet to sign the dotted line, it seems producers have firmed up their central character.

Enter Danny Carter, who should have “extra” as his middle name.

There is flamboyant and there is Danny. Already asked to appear on several reality shows, including the aforementioned trainwreck Byron Baes, Danny has curled his lipped to all.

But a series which will openly and honestly delve into issues around inclusivity, sexual fluidity and orientation was something he was finally ready to attach himself to.

Doesn’t hurt when his joie de vivre bestie Lil Romano, daughter of PR icon Judy Romano, is jumping on board to film too.

It’s understood producers arrive from overseas this week, with the scenes for the pilot to start rolling next Saturday, just in time for Danny’s belated Texas cowboy themed birthday celebrations at Greville St’s Pawn & Co.

The Olsen Hotel penthouse (the flash one) will also make for good footage when the after-party sets in. Think Cowboys who would make Lil Nas X blush and groves to put the Coyote Ugly bar tenders to shame. Watch. This. Space.