Sonia Kruger rates new Big Brother housemates
Big Brother’s new host Sonia Kruger is convinced the reality show will find its feet fast with these housemates, who she says have more to their personalities than meets the eye.
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A world in lockdown may not seem the perfect time to reboot a show like Big Brother – watching strangers in isolation – but host Sonia Kruger is convinced the reality show will find its time to shine.
“2020 is the perfect year for the return of Big Brother. A brand new decade deserves a brand new game, a sophisticated new house and exciting new Housemates,” she told News Corp Australia.
The bold return of the series by Channel 7 has already overcoming the coronavirus, which initially stalled production, but returned to filming more quickly than any other TV series.
“The Housemates were advised of the pandemic and a wellness officer checked in regularly with their family and friends,” Kruger said.
“Production was briefly suspended when one of the crew had a brush with the virus, [but] the results were negative for COVID-19 and we were given the all clear to resume filming.”
With a brand new BB house, built on Sydney’s northern beaches, the scene is set to revamp the popular reality show, marking season 12 in Australia – with new rules and more than a few twists.
“Challenges have been super-sized for 2020 and are crucial in how the game plays out. The winner of the nominations challenge chooses three people to face eviction. The Housemates vote and one of the nominees is ultimately sent home. Winning challenges may put you in the box seat but simultaneously it also puts a target on your back,” Kruger explained.
Her advice to contestants? “Make friends fast!”
SONIA RATES THE HOUSEMATES:
ALLAN, 31
THIS high-achieving Sydney salesman is a self-described master manipulator, who will do what it takes to be there at the end.
SONIA SAYS: “Driven to succeed. Failure is not an option.”
ANGELA, 38
BORN in the “Beverly Hills of Kenya,” this queen bee moved to Perth without her parents at the age of 17. Doesn’t suffer fools.
SONIA SAYS: “Outspoken firecracker with a funny edge.”
CASEY, 25
BOGAN and proud of it, this Kalgoorlie gal brings her country spirit and family values to the Big Brother house. She’ll roll with the punches.
SONIA SAYS: “Laid back lass who runs with the pack.”
CHAD, 27
THIS Campbelltown tradie turned model was spotted on a job site by a talent scout and has worked it for Vogue, GQ and David Jones.
SONIA SAYS: “Self-deprecating knight in shining armour.”
DANIEL, 28
FORMER AFL player for the Gold Coast Sun and Carlton, this rogue ruckman was encouraged to sign up for BB by his girlfriend.
SONIA SAYS: “Clown at heart but competitive to the core.”
DANNI, 34
MARRIED mum of two, this former hairdresser has a keen interest in psychology and could prove the smiling assassin.
SONIA SAYS: “Friendly and fabulous funster.”
GARTH, 50
OUT to prove you can still play hard at 50, this director of a Sydney recruitment agency will use his people reading skills in the BB House.
SONIA SAYS: “Social butterfly and life of the party.”
HANNAH, 26
GROWING up in an AFL-playing household, she is cutthroat and competitive, but also looks out for her beloved Nonna.
SONIA SAYS: “Shy and tentative observer.”
IAN, 25
A science nerd who spends his holidays fossil hunting with his geologist parents, he feels threatened by any physical challenge.
SONIA SAYS: “Complex, contemplative and completely endearing.”
KIERAN, 21
HAS a social media following for his terrible but hilarious attempts to learn how to drive. Is a Big Brother superfan and wants to play a strategic game.
SONIA SAYS: “Strategist with serious political skill.”
LAURA, 25
PROUD of her Fijian heritage and large family, living communally won’t be a problem for this professional dance who wants to bring “good vibez.”
SONIA SAYS: “A loner who loves her own space.”
MARISSA, 62
THIS 80s aerobics queen has been married for 30-plus years and is looking forward to challenging herself on BB. Underestimate her at your peril.
SONIA SAYS: “Strong and motherly but brutally honest.”
MAT, 30
THIS boy from Broken Hill wants to be “the neck that turns the head” inside the BB House. Easygoing and smart with ADHD energy.
SONIA SAYS: “Country larrikin with a backbone of steel.”
SARAH, 19
A pocket rocket and Regimental Sergeant Major with the Australian Army Cadets, what she lacks in height she makes up for in personality.
SONIA SAYS: “Sweet and trusting yet instinctively astute.”
SHANE, 39
A proud as punch father of three wants to prove to his kids that anything is possible. As a marriage celebrant he presided over one of Australia’s first legal gay weddings.
SONIA SAYS: “Family man and natural negotiator.”
SOOBONG, 48
BORN and raised in Korea, this jack of all trades is a divorced father of three and one of the happiest human beings you will ever meet.
SONIA SAYS: “Athletic entertainer with energy to burn.”
SOPHIE, 25
THIS former elite gymnast is ready for anything BB can throw at her. German-born, raised in Darwin, she made the London Olympics team but was forced out with a back injury.
SONIA SAYS: “Savvy and sexy powerhouse.”
TALIA, 22
SHE may look like a ‘girlie girl’ but this 22-year-old works in construction and owned her first property at 19. Strong-willed, with a rebellious streak.
SONIA SAYS: “Boss babe who tells it like it is.”
XAVIER, 23
A deep-thinking paramedic with a kind heart and a cheeky personality. Friendly, funny, polite, and single, but you won’t see him “macking on” in the BB House.
SONIA SAYS: “Boyishly charming but clever and slightly clandestine.”
ZOE, 39
HAS social media following for her lifestyle blog, ‘The Subtle Mummy’ and works full time as a secondary school woodwork teacher.
SONIA SAYS: “Bubbly and brash in equal parts.”
* Big Brother Australia, 7.30pm, Monday June 8 on Seven.
Originally published as Sonia Kruger rates new Big Brother housemates