Seven Network bets on Big Brother, Sonja Kruger to boost ratings
Contestants inside the Big Brother house in Sydney's North Head have been told about COVID-19.
Given the seriousness of the coronavirus, the contestants inside the Big Brother house in Sydney's North Head have been told about COVID-19.
A spokesperson for Endemol Shine Australia, which is producing the new-look reality show for Seven West Media's free-to-air television network, said it takes the health and safety of its crew and contestants "extremely seriously".
"We are working in line with current guidelines and production on Big Brother is continuing. Housemates have been brought across the current situation and we are in constant contact with the families to keep all involved up to date."
The comments follow media reports that Big Brother contestants have been left in the dark about coronavirus since entering the house three weeks ago. In the past, contestants were oblivious to what was happening outside the house until their elimination from the TV competition.
Seven Network is betting Big Brother, featuring TV personality Sonja Kruger as host, will prove popular with the public and boost its ratings, which are trailing behind staunch rival Nine Network, and help its fledgling advertising revenue.
Nine’s reality dating show Married At First Sight has been the big hit on free-to-air TV so far this year, spanking Seven's embattled cooking competition program, My Kitchen Rules: The Rivals and Network Ten’s Dancing With The Stars.
The popularity of MAFS already has producers planning for next year, with a call last month going out to people over 25 looking for love for season eight, as free-to-air TV companies battle streaming companies for viewers.
In promotional material released last month, Seven promised "new house tasks, new house challengers unlike anything Australia has seen before".
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