‘They thought I was winding them up!’ Big Brother host Sonia Kruger reveals how the housemates reacted to news of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak
Big Brother Australia host Sonia Kruger has revealed how the housemates of the revamped series reacted to news of the global coronavirus pandemic.
While the moment wasn’t filmed for viewers, the 54-year-old confirmed the stars were shocked and in disbelief.
Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald’s Watch magazine on Sunday, Sonia said the moment in March was completely ‘surreal’.
‘They thought I was winding them up!’ Big Brother host Sonia Kruger (pictured) has revealed how the housemates reacted to news of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak
Big Brother contestants entered the purposely-built compound in Sydney’s Manly in late February.
Australian borders were closed to all non-residents on March 20, with social distancing rules imposed soon after.
‘They couldn’t believe what they were being told. It was the consequential things that had them fascinated,’ Sonia said.
The TV host explained that she also told the housemates about the angry fights at supermarkets during panic buying.
‘I remember telling them about the brawl that occurred over the toilet paper and they thought I was winding them up,’ she said.
‘They were equally as shocked, particularly the boys, about the football codes being suspended. That, to them, was a measure of the severity of the pandemic.’
‘They couldn’t believe what they were being told. It was the consequential things that had them fascinated’: Sonia said the cast were shocked by news of panic buying and football matches being cancelled. Pictured: Big Brother cast
Sonia said the executive producer addressed the cast from within the diary room to ensure they ‘understood the gravity’ of the situation.
While the cast tested negative and didn’t have to abide by social-distancing rules while filming, the crew were a different story.
Production was forced to shut down as one of the crew members came in contact with someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.
Why was it not filmed? Sonia previously revealed the contestants were informed about the coronavirus pandemic on March 13 in the diary room, but it wasn’t recorded for TV
Sonia previously revealed the contestants were informed about the coronavirus pandemic on March 13.
She told Sunrise: ‘Our executive producer went into the house and spoke to them through the diary room, but it wasn’t filmed.’
‘[The producer] didn’t enter the house. She spoke to them through the diary room and answered all of their questions,’ Sonia added.
Pandemic: Sonia confirmed the contestants were being regularly updated about COVID-19 and had access to their families via a ‘wellness manager’
Sonia confirmed the contestants were being regularly updated about COVID-19 and had access to their families via a ‘wellness manager’ while filming.
As the series was all pre-recorded, Australia will only get one chance to vote at the very end of the reality TV show.
In July, the public will pick one lucky contestant, from three finalists, to walk away with the $250,000 prize money.
Big Brother Australia premieres Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Seven
Tune in: Big Brother Australia premieres Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Seven