Fun Stuff April 28, 2021

Hit Network’s Gawndy campaigning to be cast on Big Brother VIP

The Hit Network’s regional NSW Breakfast co-host Daniel ‘Gawndy’ Gawned wants to appear on Channel 7’s upcoming Big Brother VIP, which will run later this year after the current Big Brother series.

Gawned has been talking about his aspirations on his show with co-host Maz Compton, and has had support from his regional NSW listeners.

He noted he’s a huge fan of the franchise, and his auntie Jemma Gawned was on the show’s first series in 2001.

In 2014, he also worked as a ‘Ninja’ on the show, and he now owns the couch from the 2013 series of the show.

The producer of Gawndy & Maz joked that if Gawned is unsuccessful in his VIP bid, he can instead set his sights on Big Brother VP, or Big Brother Very Person.

Compton threw her support behind the campaign, saying it’s time to “Get Gawndy on the couch”.

The last time Australia had a similar execution of the Big Brother ‘celebrity’ or VIP franchise was in 2002. Television and radio presenter Dylan Lewis took out the win, while Kyle Sandilands, then on 2DayFM, finished third. Radio presenter and writer Red Symons walked out after one day in the house.

Big Brother VIP this time around will be hosted by Sonia Kruger, who is also hosting the current series, and is set to be produced by Endemol Shine. Radio Today understands casting is currently underway for the show.

The Seven Network’s programming director, Angus Ross, has previously said the time is right to reignite the celebrity format.

“It was a hit here in Australia almost two decades ago and we’re looking forward to introducing a whole new generation of celebrities to Big Brother. Let the game begin,” he said.