The truth about Gretel Killeen’s supposed bizarre day job on Sydney trains

EVER wondered who does the train voiceover announcements? Keen listeners think the voice belongs to none other than TV host Gretel Killeen.

TV presenter Gretel Killeen laughing with contestant Aleisha in scene from TV program "Big Brother".

FORMER Big Brother host and author Gretel Killeen voices the announcements on Sydney’s expansive train network. At least that’s the long-standing rumour.

It’s one of those urban myths that rears its head every year or so.

Her distinct voice - and the iconic “It’s time to go!” catchphrase - are part of modern Australian pop culture. Photo: Russell Shakespeare

The story goes that Killeen, once a high-profile and well-paid television personality, took the voiceover job when Network Ten dumped her from the fledgling Big Brother reality franchise in 2007.

GRETEL KILLEEN axed from Big Brother

Since then, it has somehow become a largely accepted fact among locals, and the subject of regular discussion on online forums.

But it’s not true. A curious commuter need only consult Kileen herself for a definitive answer.

“The City Rail voice isn’t me,” Killeen, 51, confirmed on Twitter.

Gretel Killeen has moved on from her reality TV host years and is a successful author in her own right.

Instead, the real voice of City Rail is Taylor Owynns, an experienced artist who has worked in film, television and radio for more than three decades.

Owynns’ best known role was as Lulu, the female bear, in Bananas in Pajamas.

As for Killeen, these days she’s keeping busy with occasional appearances as a guest panelist on breakfast and morning television shows.

She’s also spending more time on her theatre and stand-up comedy career, most recently appearing at the Sydney Comedy Festival in an act alongside comic Jackie Loeb.