As more details emerge on this year’s crop of housemates ahead of tonight’s first episode it’s clear the last thing Big Brother producers can be accused of is blandness.
Amongst this year’s batch is Rima a “little person” and bellydancer, Saxon an alien watcher with “Roswell” tattooed on his arm, and David an escaped member of the religious sect the Exclusive Brethren.
The trio join Terri, a Pauline Hanson-worshiping grandmother, Dixie a social worker of Aboriginal descent and a diminutive jockey, Travis, with a high pitched voice who admits to being a virgin.
But in a blow to those who want to see the most diverse house possible, it’s been revealed a Muslim housemate packed his bags and left the show even before it started.
The sect evictee, David, fled the extremist Christian group at the age of 19 as the group had “denied him the real world” to such a degree he had never eaten at a restaurant and never kissed a girl.
After running away from the group the 32-year-old joined the police force and later the fire brigade where he currently works.
Other housemates revealed are Renee, a 22-year-old abbatoir worker who is described as a “rugby-playing tom-boy who earns a living as a boner".
There is also Rory, the 21-year-old bricklayer, and Bianca, a Plato-reading brunette. There's also Alice, a blonde medico, Ben, a 19-year-old law student, Brigette, a buxom blonde, Rebecca, a 22-year-old waitress and Nobbi, a commerce student and Asian-Australian.
Big Brother airs tonight at 7pm on channel Ten.
Who's who?
Alice, 24, Vet, VIC
There is a doctor in the house – meet Big Brother’s first female vet, Dr Alice. Alice is a high achiever with a private boarding school education – a scholarship student who fought hard to keep her place and get into Uni to study vet science. Alice is confrontational and feisty; she will not shy away from a disagreement. She is ultra competitive and looking for Mr Right.
Ben, 19, Law Student, WA
Ben, a law student, is a quintessential head boy with a wicked sense of humour. Ben’s considerable wit is dry and delivered with expert timing. Despite often being the voice of reason and an organizer, Ben is easily frustrated. He admits to bouts of road rage and is constantly annoyed by slow walkers! Ben is single – he has only had one girlfriend.
Bianca, 18, Student, QLD
Bianca’s family describes her as the three B’s: “Bitch, Boobs and Brains!” Of Italian parentage, Bianca is bright and passionate about the works of Plato and Shakespeare. She says her voluptuous body is both an asset and a liability. She rarely goes on dates and claims she has a sign in her head which says “RUN”.
Brigitte, 20, Waitress, ACT
Brigitte is a self confessed drama queen and party girl. She loves photography, shopping, dressing up and having fun. Brigitte would “NOT be caught dead on national TV with no make-up on”.
David, 32, Fire Fighter, NSW
David was raised as a member of the Exclusive Brethren, a religious sect that he says ‘denied him the real world’ until he escaped as at the age of 19. He had never eaten in a restaurant and never kissed a girl. Since his “escape”, David has been a policeman and a fireman. David is a natural born leader and gym junkie. He is opinionated and is obsessed with celebrity gossip and scandals!
Dixie, 21, Mental Health Worker/Student, NSW
Dixie is an outgoing, country girl, a mental health worker who also studies sports psychology at Uni. Her work and tutoring have turned her into an expert counselor. Dixie spent her early childhood growing up on the outskirts of an Aboriginal mission. Dixie’s prized possession is her car which she has affectionately named ‘Beyonce’. Although Dixie admits to being “boy crazy”, she has never had a proper boyfriend because of her commitment issues.
Nobbi, 21, Commerce Student, VIC
Nobuyuki, or Nobbi for short, describes himself as insane and an attention seeker. A high achiever in all fields especially sport and music, Japan-born Nobbi says he is always skating on thin ice but never crosses the line. Only been in love once and then heartbroken, Nobbi is now happily single.
Rebecca, 22, Waitress, WA
Rebecca is a promo model/waitress who is very comfortable in her own skin. She says she’s a daddy’s girl, proud of her job and will take on all comers if challenged. Rebecca has a bizarre foot phobia which leaves her unable to ever be barefoot. She dreams of being a successful model in the short term but has a long term goal to be a nutritionist or dietician, saying overweight people frustrate her!
Renee, 22, Abattoir Worker, NSW
Renee is a rugby playing tom boy who earns a living as a deboner at her local abattoir. Her mother took her to the doctor when she was five – he tested her to see if she was deaf – but found out she’s just loud. A fair dinkum country girl, Renee is very animated and in your face.
Rima, 25, Performer, VIC
Rima is a professional belly dancer who was born in Melbourne of Lebanese parents. She’s feisty, outspoken and opinionated with a dry sense of humor. Married for just a year, Rima’s husband is excited about her decision to go into the Big Brother house. She’s a small package with a big personality.
Rory, 21, Bricklayer, VIC
Rory’s good looks, chiseled body and funky wardrobe make him very popular with the ladies. He is loud and confident and could struggle with being told what to do. Rory is anti-religion but at the same time has very traditional views. He grew up in a very poor suburb which he refers to as “the ghetto”. His favourite “book” is FHM and his biggest pet hate is being forced to pay 20cents for a sachet of tomato sauce! Rory is recently single.
Saxon, 22, Truck Driver/Doorman, SA
Heavily tattooed and physically imposing, Saxon has led a self-confessed sheltered life. He says he struggles to socialise with “trendy types”. Saxon believes in UFOs, the paranormal and conspiracy theories to the extent that he has the word ‘Roswell’ tattooed on his arm. Saxon has a “psychological allergy to vegetables” and cannot function without meat. He is currently single.
Terri, 52, Retail Manager, NSW
An outspoken mother of two and grandmother, Terri will be the oldest person to go into the Big Brother House. Terri grew up in poverty, but now cites Pauline Hanson as her idol and has right wing views. Terri is passionate and political and frustrated with the younger generation. She is very anti drugs and a vociferous atheist. Her most prized possession is her grandson.
Travis, 20, Marketing Coordinator, NSW
Travis’ trademark is his high-pitched and squeaky voice. He has a unique look and is flamboyant and excitable. Travis is a virgin who attends church and is antidrugs. Women like him – he’s a girl’s best friend. His favourite movie is “The Devil Wears Prada.” He has had three girlfriends but his best friend is his horse named ‘Thunder’. Travis is honest and admits he is hoping for a crack at the prize money.