Big Brother Australia: Where Are They Now?

where are big brother australia contestants now

Big Brother Australia, the Australian version of the Big Brother franchise, first aired in 2001 and ran for 11 seasons. The reality show features contestants, known as housemates, who live together in a specially constructed house that is isolated from the outside world. Housemates are monitored by live television cameras and personal audio microphones, and are evicted from the house throughout the competition. Since appearing on the show, many contestants have gone on to pursue careers in media, entertainment, and business. Some have even found love, both inside and outside the house. With a brand new season airing in 2023, let's take a look at what some of the past Big Brother Australia contestants are up to now.

Characteristics Values
Contestants with no available info Marty
Contestants who became media personalities Blair, Bree Amer, Ryan Fitzgerald, Ben, Chrissie Swan, Simon Deering
Contestants who became actors Blair
Contestants who became reality TV stars Sara-Marie Fedele, Sara, Jess, Merlin Luck, Tim Dormer, Drew, Tully Smyth
Contestants who became hosts Chrissie Swan, Tim Dormer
Contestants who became writers Tully Smyth
Contestants who became bloggers Tully Smyth
Contestants who became podcast hosts Tim Dormer, Tully Smyth
Contestants who became influencers Tully Smyth
Contestants who continued their romance post-show Jess and Marty, Lawson and Cat, Ben and Stacey Wren, Trevor Butler and Breea Forrest

shunculture

Sara-Marie Fedele: Rumoured to work in mining in WA

Sara-Marie Fedele was a contestant on the first season of Big Brother Australia in 2001. She was a popular housemate, and in a poll on the Big Brother website during the sixth season, she was voted the favourite housemate of all time.

After her time on Big Brother, Fedele made several TV appearances, including on John Safran vs God, where she was featured in a focus group discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In 2006, she appeared on Australia's Celebrity Survivor as a friend of contestant and former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Imogen Bailey. In 2008, she was a panelist on Big Mouth, Big Brother's weekly panel show.

Fedele has had a varied career since her time on Big Brother. She has worked in retail and childcare and, in 2010, became a plus-sized model for BGM in Sydney. More recently, it has been rumoured that she is working in the mines of Western Australia.

In addition to her career pursuits, Fedele has also returned to her hometown of Perth, where she is currently studying to become a teacher's aide for special needs children.

shunculture

Chrissie Swan: Radio host on Nova

Chrissie Swan is a well-known Australian media personality, who first rose to fame as a radio host. She has worked in the Australian media industry for over 20 years, with her relatable personality, quick wit, and off-the-cuff antics making her one of the country's most popular personalities.

Swan's radio career began on the Vega 91.5 breakfast show in 2007, where she worked alongside Australian Idol judge Ian Dickson and comedian Dave O'Neil. In 2009, however, she left the show due to cost-cutting measures. She then went on to work at Mix 101.1, co-hosting the 3PM Pick-Up in 2011 and later hosting the breakfast show in 2012 with Jane Hall and Jamie Row.

In 2015, Swan returned to the Nova network, co-hosting the breakfast show Chrissie, Sam & Browny with Jonathan Brown and Sam Pang. This show aired from 2016 to 2022, ending seven years after it first kicked off. During this time, she also appeared on various television shows, including Celebrity MasterChef Australia and Would I Lie to You? Australia in 2022.

Following her departure from Chrissie, Sam & Browny, Swan announced that she would be hosting her own national radio show, The Chrissie Swan Show, on Nova FM. The show first aired on 30 January 2023, and it features hilarious and relatable stories from her life, popular benchmark segments, and listener participation.

shunculture

Simon Deering (Hotdogs): Working in real estate in Western Australia

Simon Deering, also known as 'Hotdogs', was a contestant on the 2005 series of Big Brother Australia. Since his time on the show, Deering has gone on to pursue a successful career in real estate.

In 2011, Deering entered the real estate business and began working for Purplebricks in May 2017. He is based in Perth, Western Australia, and has been described as a "Perth property expert" for the company. Deering's appearance as a real estate agent on Channel Seven's House Rules sparked a lot of attention on social media, with many viewers recognising him from his time on Big Brother.

On the show, Deering was known for his outgoing personality and was a fan favourite. He made an impact with his "out-there" character, and this reputation clearly preceded him as, years later, viewers were quick to identify him during his brief House Rules cameo.

Deering has also travelled the world and retired in Whistler, Canada, before settling down with his family. He describes himself as a "family man" to his wife, Saori, and their two young daughters, Mackenzie and Rhianna.

It seems that Deering has found a fulfilling career in real estate, a far cry from his reality TV days, and is enjoying a happy family life in Western Australia.

shunculture

Tim Dormer: Working in disability support

Tim Dormer, the winner of Big Brother Australia in 2013, has left the entertainment industry behind and is now working in disability support. Tim works as an independent support worker through the online platform Mable, which gives him the flexibility to choose his hours, pay, clients, and locations. He describes his work as "complete joy", and feels that the relationships he builds with his clients are the best part of the job. Tim's days are diverse, and he might be found helping his clients with tasks such as cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, and gardening, or taking them out to the movies or film set locations to help them pursue their hobbies and interests.

Tim's work in disability support has given him a sense of purpose and satisfaction that he didn't find in the entertainment industry. He values the independence and control that his work with Mable gives him, and the diverse range of activities that his work encompasses. He also enjoys being part of the community on the Central Coast, where he lives and works, and feels a sense of belonging and connection there.

Tim encourages others who may be feeling dissatisfied in their careers to consider a career in support work, especially if they have caring qualities. He believes that being a caring person is the most important quality for a support worker to possess, and that this can make a big difference in the lives of clients. According to Mable's research, many Australians feel happy and fulfilled by caring for others, and Tim is no exception.

Tim's work as a disability support worker has allowed him to step away from the spotlight and find meaning and joy in helping others. He has traded superstardom for a rewarding career that has given him a sense of satisfaction and purpose, and he is encouraging others to consider the path of support work as well.

shunculture

Trevor Butler: Shares two sons with Breea Forrest

Trevor Butler and Breea Forrest are still married after their on-screen engagement during the 2004 season of Big Brother Australia. The couple first met in late 1997 when Forrest was visiting relatives in Broken Hill. They met at a party and went for a walk, holding hands and feeling a spark. Forrest returned home, but they continued writing letters to each other for 18 months. Eventually, Butler moved to the Gold Coast to be with Forrest.

After winning the 2004 season of Big Brother and taking home a $1 million prize, Butler proposed to his partner of six years, Forrest, in front of a crowd of 2,000 people at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. They invested the prize money in a house, which has since doubled in price. Butler also appeared on another reality series, Celebrity Overhaul, where he lost 15kg.

Nearly two decades later, the couple has welcomed two sons: Maika Jeremy Butler, born on October 11, 2007, and Creedance Heath Butler, born on December 31, 2010. Forrest is now an accountant, and Butler has expressed his joy at being a father, telling Mamamia in 2019 that his sons have their mother's intelligence and his humour.

Standard House Brick Sizes in Australia

You may want to see also

Frequently asked questions

Sara-Marie, the winner of the inaugural season of Big Brother Australia, went on to have a post-show career that included appearances on other reality TV shows. These days, she keeps a low profile, and the only information circulating is a rumour that she works in mining in Western Australia.

Jess and Marty, the "Country Couple" from the show, starred in their own spin-off show, Marty & Jess: An Outback Wedding. There is little information available about Jess, but the last update on Marty reported that he remarried, had three kids, and now runs his family farm.

Tully Smyth, a contestant on Big Brother Australia in 2013, is now a successful social media influencer, blogger, writer, and podcast host.

Tim Dormer, the winner of the 2013 season, returned to the Big Brother house in 2022. He has since stepped back from the public eye and now works as a disability support worker.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment