Ever wondered what it actually takes to make it onto Big Brother Australia? According to the show’s casting team, it’s not about finding the loudest person in the room — and having controversial opinions alone definitely isn’t enough.
In a behind-the-scenes feature, The Sydney Morning Herald was given rare access to the Big Brother casting process, with executive producer Jonathon Summerhayes and Paramount Australia’s Head of Unscripted Sarah Thornton revealing exactly what they’re looking for when building each season’s cast.
The publication even sent one of its own journalists through a fake audition before sitting in on real casting sessions as hopeful housemates pitched themselves for a place in the house.
Big Brother Australia producers reveal what it takes to become a housemate
While interviewing potential contestants, The Sydney Morning Herald observed one applicant who claimed to have previously worked for controversial influencer Andrew Tate.
Despite his strong opinions, the contestant ultimately wasn’t selected.
Summerhayes explained that simply being divisive isn’t enough to earn a spot on the show.
“He probably would have had similar personality traits to someone else that we’re looking at,” he told SMH.
Thornton added that producers are looking for far more than someone who can stir up drama.
“Even in the people that we cast to have slightly spicy opinions, they still have to be able to light up a room, connect, and have a touch of positivity or life about them,” she said.
“So just because someone has opinions that we know might be good for content, if they’re not also layered and likable and charismatic, then they don’t qualify.”
So what are Big Brother producers actually looking for?
According to Summerhayes, casting isn’t about ticking personality boxes or deliberately searching for conflict.
“We don’t cast particular traits,” he said.
“You don’t cast for love. You don’t cast for those big opinions or conflict. You just cast big characters that can light up a room in whatever way, and then the format takes over.”
The casting process begins with thousands of applications before being narrowed down to roughly 500 in-person interviews. From there, producers piece together just 14 housemates who they believe will create the right mix inside the house.
Thornton likened the process to finding a genuine cross-section of Australians.
“I often think if you hopped on a bus and you took a bunch of all those people off the bus… you’ve got that kind of proper cross-section of people from all walks of life,” she said.
Why Kyrah stood out
One contestant who did make the final cast was NSW teacher Kyrah, whose openness about living with autism and ADHD impressed producers.
Thornton said Kyrah brought a level of depth beyond first impressions.
“On the surface, she’s blonde and chirping and pretty, but she’s got layers and depth,” she told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“Just the fact that she can’t read a room because of her neurodiversity… but is very knowledgeable about that and able to articulate it, makes her able to bring depth to the house.”
Summerhayes agreed, saying many applicants discussed mental health during auditions, but Kyrah’s perspective stood apart.
“There was no negativity there,” he said.
Ultimately, the experiment showed that making great reality TV isn’t simply about casting the most outspoken personalities. Producers say they’re searching for people who are charismatic, layered and able to genuinely connect with others — with the drama coming naturally once the house doors close.
Big Brother airs 7:30pm weeknights and 7pm Sundays on 10, with the live stream available via 10 Play.
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