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TV Central: One on One Podcast
Mel Tracina (Big Brother)
Season 2025, Ep. 25
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In this episode of TV Central: One on One, Aaron Ryan sits down with the ever-fabulous Mel Tracina, who’s stepping into one of the most legendary roles in Aussie television — host of Big Brother Australia.
The iconic social experiment that had us laughing, crying, and glued to our screens in the early 2000s is returning home to Dreamworld, and Mel is leading the charge. Known for her quick wit on The Cheap Seats and her charm on Nova Radio, Mel brings a perfect blend of humour, warmth, and sharp observation to the Big Brother house.
Despite dealing with a touch of laryngitis, Aaron dives into all things Big Brother — from the brand-new house and nostalgic memories to the live chaos that’s about to hit our screens this summer.
🎧 Episode Highlights:
- Big Brother Revival: Mel talks about stepping onto the all-new Dreamworld set and what it felt like to stand on such iconic TV ground.
- Real People, Real Stories: What fans can expect from the 2025 season’s focus on authenticity and real-time storytelling.
- Nostalgia Factor: From the bum dance to live evictions — the moments that made Big Brother a cultural phenomenon.
- Inside the New House: Mel gives a sneak peek at her favourite new feature (and yes, there’s talk of an air fryer!).
- Hosting Chaos: How her radio and TV experience help her keep up with alliances, meltdowns, and mischief in real time.
- Live Nominations & Evictions: Bringing back the energy and unpredictability that made the original show must-watch TV.
- Behind the Scenes: The scale of production, how editors manage the live stream, and what fans can expect from week-to-week.
- Mel’s Hosting Style: Finding the balance between humour and heart — and what the Big Brother experiment says about Aussies in 2025.
- Life Beyond the House: From juggling The Cheap Seats and Nova to the wildest listener stories and Mel’s dream “secret challenge.”
Big Brother Australia launches Sunday, 9 November at 7 pm on 10, with live streaming and nightly episodes at 7.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Hear the full chat with Mel Tracina on TV Central: One on One with Aaron Ryan — available wherever you get your podcasts.
For all the latest television news, streaming info, cinema reviews, ratings, and interviews, head to www.tvcentral.com.au.
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10:45||Season 2025, Ep. 37Today on TV Central, we’re joined by a woman who captured the heart of a nation. Coco — a 30-year-old single mum of three — walked into the Big Brother house carrying more life experience than a lot of people ever will.After 11 years in childcare, a painful marriage breakdown, and a complete life reset, she stepped into the game determined to show her kids what real strength looks like.She’s funny, fierce, and fearlessly honest. She’s survived two tumours, chest surgery, and the heartbreaking loss of her dad — but never lost the spark or sass that makes her unforgettable.Coco lit up the house with humour, heart, and a grit that kept Australia rooting for her every step of the way. She wasn’t chasing fame. She wasn’t playing a character. She was proving that a small-town mum with nothing to lose can take on the game… and win.And she did.
36. Conor (Big Brother)
11:25||Season 2025, Ep. 36Conor — what a powerhouse. A disability advocate, educator, high-energy larrikin, and someone who lives boldly and unapologetically with Tourette’s.He walked into the Big Brother house with purpose: to represent, to challenge stigma, and to show Australia the real face of Tourette’s — one that’s authentic, unfiltered, funny, big-hearted, and full of personality.From surviving a hit-and-run at just 18 to becoming a proud voice for neurodivergence across the country, Conor uses his experiences to inspire and to connect. Inside the house, he cooked, he laughed, he cried, he confronted, he bonded — and he made one hell of an impression.
35. Edward (Big Brother)
14:21||Season 2025, Ep. 35Edward came into the game the epitome of an Aussie bloke: beers with mates, the life of the party, a bit of a stirrer when the mood strikes. But behind the cheeky grin is someone grounded, caring, and genuinely big-hearted. The youngest of six, a proud twin, and the friend everyone turns to when life gets tough.He entered the house wanting to prove that kindness, humour, and vulnerability can go the distance — and that nice guys don’t always finish last.His journey was full of highs and lows, and ultimately one of the most surprising exits we’ve seen this season.
34. Mel Tracina #4 (Big Brother)
14:11||Season 2025, Ep. 34What a week it’s been in the Big Brother house:It was sayonara to Holly, and a surprise midnight boot for Vinnie.Coco and Bruce finally shared that much-anticipated first kiss — honestly, it’s been like watching a three-hour Hallmark movie unfold in slow motion.And of course, steering this wild ship with grace, humour and pure hosting brilliance is Mel Tracina. She’s a friend of the show, she’s back for Round 4, and at this point one more appearance and we’re releasing a Best Of compilation.Housemates, this week’s special guest has entered the chat. Please gather in the living room for Mel Tracina!
33. Vinnie (Big Brother)
15:20||Season 2025, Ep. 33Born and raised in regional Victoria, Vinnie—also known as Vincent—grew up making wine and salami with his Nonno as part of what he proudly calls “the biggest Italian family in Australia.” After moving out at 18, he built a life in Melbourne, where he now works as a barber.Vinnie radiates charisma. He has that rare mix of confidence, self-assurance, and warmth that makes him instantly magnetic. He knows who he is, doesn’t suffer fools, and has earned a reputation as a bit of a ladies’ man—sharp, charming, and confident, with just a hint of cheeky cockiness.But he’s also faced an unfortunate label in the house: being called “fake.” So today we ask…Will the real Vinnie please stand up?
32. Holly (Big Brother)
15:12||Season 2025, Ep. 32This is your central hub for all things Big Brother — from eviction interviews to deep dives with host Mel Tracina and the legendary voice of the series, Mike Goldman.Holly is a 31-year-old model from my home state of WA. Others often describe her as “fun with a side of chaos,” but she prefers “a unicorn: fabulous, untamed, and impossible to ignore.” She’s lived and modelled in LA, Milan, and beyond, and that experience has shaped her into someone who can read a room in seconds. She’s sharp, quick with a one-liner, cat-obsessed, had been proudly single, and very aware of the energy she brings into a space. Holly has said she’s not here to be the loudest in the room — she’s here to be the smartest.There is a lot to unpack with Holly today, so we’re going to dive straight in.
31. Mel Tracina #3 (Big Brother)
16:56||Season 2025, Ep. 31This is your central hub for all things Big Brother — where the drama is high, the strategy is sneaky, and the housemates somehow still forget there are cameras literally everywhere.What a week it’s been in the Big Brother house – it went from Love Island Australia to The Real Housewives of Hotel Hell. There was more whinging in the house than at an old people’s bingo game when a mobile phone rings. Mel Tracina has done a fabulous job as host as she oversaw the double eviction of Jane and Mia through a big downpour. She’s a friend of the show, she’s back for Round 3 — ready to talk gameplay, evictions, nominations and the quality of the BOM weather app.
30. Mia (Big Brother)
17:25||Season 2025, Ep. 30This is Eviction #3 as Mia was the third to say goodbye. Mia is an unapologetic ball of energy—equal parts chaos, charm, and charisma. A proud Sri Lankan Australian and a retail assistant at Bunnings, she brings a huge personality and an even bigger laugh everywhere she goes. She’s passionate about inclusivity and representation, but she’s not afraid to get messy either. Loyal to those she loves, ruthless when crossed, hilariously honest, and never afraid to call it like it is, Mia is the kind of housemate who thrives in chaos.And of course… Mia, where looking for love is just the beginning. (Did that pun work? I tried!)
29. Jane (Big Brother)
15:35||Season 2025, Ep. 29This is Eviction #2 as Jane was the second to say goodbye. Jane is far from your typical Big Brother housemate. At 67, she’s the oldest contestant in the history of Big Brother Australia, bringing a lifetime of perspective into a game often dominated by younger generations. A single mother of two and grandmother of four, she’s happiest on the golf course with her girlfriends and is known for her no-nonsense, straight-shooting approach to life. She dislikes gossip, tackles conflict head-on, and—despite being an outspoken Donald Trump supporter—entered the house determined to keep her political views to herself. Funny, loyal, and proud to represent the older generation, Jane walked into the house wanting one thing: to win.Unfortunately not meant to be this time.