Big Brother legend Gretel Killeen is back where she belongs, hosting reality TV – this time, it’s The Traitors Australia. And despite overseeing 22 charming and chaotic celebrities as part of her job, she admits she just might have been the biggest drama queen on set.
“They all were divas – I was astounded,” laughs Gretel, 63.
“There was no humility. But I’m the biggest diva. Everyone else is a close runner-up.”
A fresh twist on a global phenomenon
Filmed at the same Timaru manor as The Traitors NZ, the Aussie franchise brings famous faces together for a deliciously deceptive game of strategy and betrayal in a format that already has a worldwide cult following.
But Gretel – a bestselling author and award-winning comedy writer – is adamant the Australian version has its own identity.
“I created a scrapbook of how I’d like to play the character,” she explains.
“I don’t believe anyone else in the world has ever done that. No one has made their host a character who has a backstory with a history of crime and manipulation. We’re not an imitation of another nation’s version. We’re making this our own and that’s really joyful.”
Looking back on a television phenomenon
While Gretel recently appeared on The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition alongside her daughter Epiphany, she remains best known as the original host of Big Brother Australia, a role she held from its inception in 2001 to 2007.
“In those days, there were only five television channels,” she recalls.
“There was no social media, so everybody watched Big Brother. That level of fame and recognition was so enormous. It was a phenomenon. Having said that, I think the new iteration is really great.”
Gretel believes audiences are increasingly sentimental about that era of TV – and for the personalities who defined it.
Looking ahead to what’s next
She reflects, “People are nostalgic for that time and for what that time represents to us. There was a stability. There was a comfort. Perhaps we were allowed to say what we thought a lot more, so there was a level of authenticity and trust, and people just like watching someone have a bit of a hoot. “It was great for people to have a woman on television who was outspoken because, in those days, women were always the sidekicks – it was very symbolic to have a woman up front.”
Now, stepping into Castle Claremont and her next chapter, Gretel says The Traitors has changed how she thinks about the future.
Gretel admits, “I’ve led a lot of my life by myself in a way – as a single mum and hosting. It can feel solitary sometimes. On this show, though? No, I felt like part of a team. The idea of other career pursuits where I’m part of a team is really fun.”
You look familiar…
You might recognise some of the contestants!
Cameron Mechant
The ex-Wellington cricketer, 42, met his wife Jules Robinson on the sixth season of Married At First Sight Australia. They now have two kids.
Kirby Bentley
A former Aussie Rules star, the ex-athlete, 40, is now more famous for the strategic genius she showed on two seasons of Australian Survivor.
Rhys Nicholson
A frequent visitor to our shores, the sharp-witted comedian, 36, is best known for appearing on Taskmaster Australia and judging Drag Race Down Under.
Manaaki Hoepo
After growing up in Dunedin and Kaitaia, the bisexual reality TV veteran, 24, moved to Oz, where he starred in Heartbreak Island and Aussie Shore.
Gamble Breaux
A standout star on The Real Housewives Of Melbourne, the 53-year-old is known for her larger-than-life personality and unforgettable one-liners.
Cosima De Vito
The singer, 49, shot to fame on the first season of Australian Idol in 2003. Her single When The War Is Over topped the charts soon after.
Ian “Dicko” Dickson
The music exec, 63, found fame as a brutally honest judge on Australian Idol. Spotting talent is his specialty, but can he detect a Traitor?
Kween Kong
The South Auckland drag queen and dancer, aka Thomas Fonua, 33, was a runner-up on the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under.
The Traitors Australia premieres 7.30pm Sunday on Three and ThreeNow.
