Big Brother Australia Revival 2025 & What That Means for Auditions in 2026
The iconic social experiment is roaring back — and bigger than ever. The revival of Big Brother Australia is now set for a grand return on Network 10 (also known as Channel 10) in late 2025, and this positions Season 17 (2026) as the next major casting opportunity.
This is your updated guide to what’s known so far, what to expect, and how to craft your audition for 2026.
Show & Format Update
- Big Brother Australia returns to Network 10 in 2025 after being off the network since 2008 in that format.
- The reboot is confirmed to film at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, returning to its original home.
- Host confirmed: Mel Tracina is fronting the revival — bringing fresh energy.
- The format promises a return to basics: 24/7 live streams, live nominations and evictions, true to the roots of Big Brother.
- For 2025 the season is labelled as Season 16, confirming Season 17 to land in 2026.
Why this matters for you (as audition-centre content creator):
- Casting for 2026 (Season 17) will build on the renewed momentum.
- Audition materials and guidance must reference the revival’s vibe — authenticity, live drama, no heavy edits.
- SEO-keywords to lean: Big Brother Australia 2026 auditions, Big Brother AU casting 2026, Dreamworld Big Brother house 2025, Host Mel Tracina Big Brother Australia.
Application Process & Timeline (for 2026)
Based on current disclosures (2025 cycle) and previous patterns, here’s what we know + what you should highlight for 2026:
Current 2025 process:
- Casting open for 2025 season (Season 16) — more than 20,000 applications already reported.
- Applications appear via online portal (Network 10/10Play) — no large-scale in-person open calls publicly disclosed.
- Filming at Dreamworld from late 2025.
Projected 2026 process (Season 17):
- Expect the online application format to continue. Set up a dedicated casting page linked from Network 10’s main site and social channels.
- Given the high volume in 2025, early submission is likely advantageous.
- Availability window: House-locking likely for 8-10 weeks (as per past seasons).
- Key tasks for your article: Provide step-by-step for the digital submission, required materials (profile, video, key details), remind about tech (file formats, upload size) and authenticity.
How to Create an Impactful Audition Tape (for 2026)
Given the live format, producers will be looking for standout personalities that hold up under camera scrutiny and 24/7 exposure. Here’s your updated “playbook” for contestants + an article section your site can use.
Tips for a 2-3 minute audition video:
- Authenticity over polish: Avoid heavy edits, filters, or overlays. You want raw, relatable, real you.
- Hook early: Within 10 seconds, grab attention. Something unique about you that aligns with the Big Brother world (social experiment, pressure cooker).
- Story + character: Share a bite-sized personal story that shows how you handle stress, group dynamics, strategy, emotional stakes.
- Energy matters: Producers will be screening for ones who can bring the heat but also survive the isolation, the cameras, the evictions.
- Closing pitch: End with your fit for the show — why you’re not just a participant but a catalyst.
Sample structure you could present on your article:
- Introduction (10-15 sec): Name, age, location, quick hook: “I’m the…”
- Story & traits (1-2 min): Where you’ve been, what you’ve done, why you thrive under pressure, how you’ll play the game/have fun.
- Final pitch (30 sec): “This is what I bring, this is why I’m the one for Big Brother Australia 2026.”
You may include a sample script section like you had, updated with current host location, etc.
Eligibility Criteria & Requirements (2026 Guide)
Based on official info for 2025 and past seasons, here’s what your article should list — with caveat that applicants verify full details when official 2026 portal goes live.
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 18 + at time of application. |
| Residency | Australian citizen or permanent resident (as used historically) — confirm when portal opens. |
| Availability | Full commitment for the filming period (likely 8-10 weeks) plus additional media/promotional obligations. |
| Personality fit | Real people with strong stories, high energy, capacity to live under camera 24/7, handle stress, build relationships & rivalries. |
| Audition Materials | Online profile, 2-3 min video clip, photograph(s), consent to background checks/medical evaluation, ability to sign confidentiality & eviction pact. |
You should also emphasise in your article: “Finalists will face medical and psychological evaluations, sign legal release forms, lifestyle compatibility checks.”
What’s Changed / What to Expect for 2026
- The house location is confirmed as Dreamworld, Gold Coast. This does align with your previous draft but now is official for 2025. The Australian Women’s Weekly+1
- The format revival emphasises live nominations, live evictions, and 24/7 streaming — a strong selling point for applicants and for your SEO framing.
- The timeline: The 2025 season itself is launching in November; therefore casting for 2026 will likely begin sooner rather than later.
- The branding of Season 17 will ride the wave of the reboot — so your article should reflect excitement, energy, and novelty.
- Remove any outdated references to “Season 17 in 2026 after a stellar return”— as the stellar return is underway in 2025 (Season 16) and Season 17 is next.
- Update host name and ensure you correctly spell “Mel Tracina” (not “Mel Tracina” if you had earlier typo “Mel Tracina”—double check).
- Confirm and cite the official site and links to apply, once available (for now you can note: “portal will open via Network 10’s official casting page”).
Sample Script (Updated for 2026)
Here’s a refined version you can publish in your article:
[Opening – Confident smile, natural light]
“G’day Big Brother, I’m Alex Carter, 29, from the Gold Coast — ready and locked for your 2026 house takeover! I’m part chess-master, part vibe-creator — born to scheme, charm and survive the Dreamworld spotlight!”[Mid-section – Real-talk, story]
“Growing up in a crew of seven sharpened my deal-making and crisis-cool toolkit—midnight negotiations included. State-level basketball drilled me in pressure poise and reading the room—skills tailor-made for live nominations and evictions.”[Highlight personality]
“By night I’m a trivia king, by karaoke hour I own the mic, and in the house I’ll be the quiet architect of alliances. Sharp? Sure — but let the 24-7 cams reveal the magic. Unpredictability is my game.”[Closing – Bold beam]
“Big Brother, for a 2026 saga of raw rivalries and roller-coaster moments, let me in — I’m the spark, the strategist and the surprise. Let’s make history.”
Final Summary
The revival of Big Brother Australia on Network 10 in late 2025 paves the way for a major casting push for Season 17 in 2026.
With the show returning to Dreamworld, live streaming, live evictions, and a new host at the helm, the opportunity is fresh and wide-open.
Your article will empower applicants with the process, video-audition tips, eligibility checklist and SEO-optimised narrative they need to stand out.


Keen to be kept up to date with Big Brother Auditions and MAFS auditions
BIG BROTHER 2025 Audition
Super keen for updates and to submit my audition video for Big Brother 2025!
I’m keen to be in the mix as the over 50 housemate! 🙂
When are the auditions open? And how to apply?