Podcast | Mel Tracina (Big Brother) – “From the diary room to your living room — Big Brother is officially back where it all began!
The iconic social experiment that had us laughing, crying, and glued to our screens in the early 2000s is returning home to Dreamworld — and leading the charge is the fabulous Mel Tracina.
You’ll know Mel as the quick-witted cultural correspondent on The Cheap Seats and as a familiar voice on Nova radio, and now she’s stepping into one of the most legendary roles in Aussie TV — host of Big Brother!
On this podcast Mel talks about:
Big Brother Revival: Mel talks about stepping onto the all-new Dreamworld set and what it felt like to stand on such iconic TV ground.
Real People, Real Stories: What fans can expect from the 2025 season’s focus on authenticity and real-time storytelling.
Nostalgia Factor: From the bum dance to live evictions — the moments that made Big Brother a cultural phenomenon.
Inside the New House: Mel gives a sneak peek at her favourite new feature (and yes, there’s talk of an air fryer!).
Hosting Chaos: How her radio and TV experience help her keep up with alliances, meltdowns, and mischief in real time.
Live Nominations & Evictions: Bringing back the energy and unpredictability that made the original show must-watch TV.
Behind the Scenes: The scale of production, how editors manage the live stream, and what fans can expect from week-to-week.
Mel’s Hosting Style: Finding the balance between humour and heart — and what the Big Brother experiment says about Aussies in 2025.
Life Beyond the House: From juggling The Cheap Seats and Nova to the wildest listener stories and Mel’s dream “secret challenge.”
Big Brother on 10 – Sunday 9 November at 2025
Podcast | Mel Tracina (Big Brother)
Mel Tracina instagram HERE
TV Central 10 content HERE
Thanks to Tess Fisher at Paramount for organising this podcast
Pick your player below. The podcast is also available through Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon, iheart Radio and more
Big Brother
Direct from the diary room, it’s official: Australia’s original reality TV sensation, Big Brother, is back home on 10 and returning to its legendary Dreamworld setting on the Gold Coast.
The iconic social experiment that launched countless conversations, rivalries, friendships and of course, the bum dance, returns refreshed and ready to capture a whole new generation of fans while rekindling nostalgia for longtime viewers.
Expect high stakes, unexpected alliances, and classic and heartwarming moments as Big Brother once again opens the doors to the Dreamworld house, setting the stage for another unforgettable season in Australian television history.
Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content and Programming, Paramount Australia, said:
“The demand for a reboot of the original format has been deafening, and we have listened. With a brand-new house built on familiar ground, this season will be centred on real people with real stories, talking in real time.”
Hosted by Mel Tracina – Cultural Correspondent for The Cheap Seats and National Radio Host on Nova – the long-awaited revival will be straight out of the noughties playbook, featuring live nominations, live evictions and live streaming.
Mel Tracina said:
“The Big Brother house is synonymous with Dreamworld, so bringing the OG format to its OG location feels right. We’re excited to be home (and in a new house that hopefully comes with an air fryer).”
Big Brother is always watching, and this year audiences can too – across all screens and platforms – with episodes airing six nights a week and live streaming.
Amelia Fisk, Director of Content, Endemol Shine Australia said:
“Big Brother revolutionised a reality TV movement over 24 years ago, creating some of the most memorable moments that have had a huge impact on the Australian public. We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing the OG Big Brother back to 10 and to its home at Dreamworld in Queensland. The return of Big Brother is a testament to the power of this iconic super brand. Get ready for a summer of incredible human drama and unforgettable moments.”
Greg Yong, Dreamworld CEO, said:
“We’re beyond thrilled to welcome Big Brother back home to Dreamworld. This iconic show holds a special place in our story and in the hearts of millions of Australians.
“When we heard Big Brother was returning to Network 10, there was only one place it could truly come home to: Dreamworld. This full-circle moment celebrates the legacy, nostalgia, and larger-than-life entertainment that have helped shape us into Australia’s most beloved theme park.
“We’re proud to be part of this exciting new chapter and look forward to sharing the magic of Big Brother’s return with fans across the country. Welcome home, Big Brother.”
Big Brother is supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy.
Jacqui Feeney, Screen Queensland CEO, said:
“Endemol Shine Australia’s Big Brother has been an important training ground for many local screen practitioners and this new iteration will employ 95 crew as well as supporting four paid attachment positions.
“They will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts in critical areas such as outside broadcasting, a skillset that will be in high demand as we head towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Think you have what it takes to be part of the social experiment that started it all? Head to www.BigBrotherCasting.com.au and apply now.
Big Brother. Unfiltered. Unscripted. Unmissable.
Pictures: Mel Tracina
