There’s something about Big Brother Australia that gripped the nation in the early 2000s – a blend of drama, humour and real human connection that kept viewers glued to their screens.
Now, the reality TV hit is back and returning to its original home at Dreamworld, with radio host and TV personality Mel Tracina at the helm.
Stepping into the role notably held by Sonia Kruger and Gretel Killeen, Mel, 36, promises to bring warmth, wit and relatability to the job.
Ahead of the new season, she spoke to WHO about nerves, nostalgia and her plans for the Big Brother stage.
(Credit: Instagram)
How do you feel about stepping into the role of Big Brother Australia host?
I’m feeling really excited. I love how hyped Aussies are for the show to return. It feels a bit surreal as well, just because it’s a show I grew up watching, so it’s that full-circle moment.
Previous hosts Gretel Killeen and Sonia Kruger left their marks on the show.
What are you hoping to bring to the new Big Brother stage?
I know that I’m going to be the bearer of bad news for a lot of the housemates, because I’ll be there to bring them nominations and evictions, but I really want to be more of like a bestie to them – someone that’s a little bit nicer than Big Brother, who’s gonna be giving them all the tasks and taking away all their luxuries.
You’ll be recording live. How are your nerves holding up?
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.
Of course I’m nervous, but the nerves are what will make me just want to do my absolute best. It’s going to keep me excited. It’s going to keep me in the moment. And when you step out onto a stage, especially when you go out at Dreamworld, and all the audience are there because they love the show, you know that they’re there because they genuinely want to be.
And it’s just such a warm and exciting energy to be part of – and that actually pushes you through everything else.
(Credit: Supplied)
You were a big fan of the show growing up. What are you most excited about with the show returning to its original format?
When Big Brother first came out, I just remember how massive it was. The whole concept of watching people in a house, like, that felt so random, but you just got sucked into it.
What I loved most was watching everyday Aussies have conversations – there’s something really exciting about that. It’s like when you’re at a cafe or out in public and you overhear someone’s conversation and think, “Oh, this sounds really interesting.” It’s that same vibe where you’re watching something you feel like you shouldn’t be, but you’re allowed to be.
Everyone’s sharing their opinions and thoughts, saying things that might become quotes or iconic moments without even realising it.
Do you have a favourite past Big Brother moment?
There was a moment when Gretel Killeen was hosting and the power went out, and she had to pad. It was so exhilarating to watch as a viewer at home because you’re thinking, “Is this planned? No, it can’t be planned … surely it’s not planned.” You’re joining her on that journey of: “What’s she going to do? How’s she going to get out of this?” From that moment, she had a line, “Everyone in my head, please be quiet.” It was one of those things we all went to school the next day quoting.
On that front, you’ve got plenty of live experience, but what will you do if something goes wrong?
Radio has been a really good training ground for that because it’s live – sometimes you do have to pad to fill time, whether it’s waiting for a guest or hitting a certain mark. In those moments, you just have to step into it.
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Olivia Harrowell
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