Finally watching the finale, even though I already know the winner



Great finale so far, I'd pay good money for them to stop doing dance routines with ex-housemates at the finales though!

Edit: UGH Sonia just mentioned Benjamin and Layla are back. I'd also pay good money for it to be Estelle instead of Bleughjamin

Excellent ending with a great final 5. This has been the first BB finale I even bothered watched in a while. The last finale was LukeA's win. CBBs, BBCan, BBUS all had poor selection of house mates left.

Not sure why they bothered with Benjamin and Layla nonsense.

Was great that Jade's dad flew over, meant we didn't have to suffer an Ed reunion on the stage.

Looking forward to next years

Nathan was the intruder who voluntarily left. I found him a bit sanctimonious, whining about not liking the HMs bitching about each other. Bitching is to be expected in BB, especially among HMs who have been isolated for weeks already. He would know that already having previously watched the show. Also, everyone on the planet 'bitches' sometimes.

In a recent Melbourne Community Voice newsmagazine I think Nathan admitted he went on the show to kick start his media career, but left the show when he realised he wasn't being as funny as he thought he would be, etc. I think I still have one at work I'll transcribe it later today...

I liked Tim and Tahan from the start and would have been happy if either of them won. I never really joined any of the recent Behind Big Brother threads about Tim's supposed game losing recent meltdowns, or the 'Tahan is mean' threads because with this year's choppy and apparently eccentric editing/storylining I felt that the editing could be really biased some episodes. So rather than judging on a particular incident or things within a single episode I just went on overall gut feel this year.

Also, the live crosses featuring Layla and Ben from 2012 suggest to me that the best place for past housemates is the past. It doesn't really work when you try to bring them back.

I love all the effort put into the finales. It really felt like an event, really nostalgic and emotional. I loved it!

My favourite housemate of all has been, of course, Mr Clooney. Yes, I got a little emotional when he left the other night, just like I did last year with Delilah. Sounds like he's having a ball at his new home.

I can't believe it's over, 14 weeks has flown by, and I watched every episode. Very glad that BB Australia will be back next year, see you all then!

I found the MCV article about Ben and Nathan. Funny that Nathan says that Zach was a big deal. He was popular but sexuality issues were probably more discussed with Johnnie in 2001 and David Graham in 2006. (The 2006 series also had a gay male intruder, making two gay men at one point.) The thing with Zach was simply that he was very popular.

URL: http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/feature...use-12258.html

CREATED ON // THURSDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2013 AUTHOR // TIM HUNTER

This year’s Big Brother has been the most gay-friendly yet having had three queer housemates in the infamous compound. Ben Zabel and Nathan Little tell Tim Hunter about their experience in the Big Brother house.

It’s not unusual for Big Brother to have gay and lesbian housemates, but it’s not as common to have three in the house. All three have been evicted now, and while lesbian/bisexual Tully’s not doing interviews at the moment, the long-lived housemate Ben and short-lived intruder Nathan were more than happy to chat.

Ben, a self-confessed dork with a love for kitsch, is an ex-flight attendant from Brisbane, and while he’d auditioned for Big Brother in 2012, but didn’t get past the second round, his application for this year was fuelled by other matters. “It’s a funny story,” he says. “The auditions were held on the same street where I live in Fortitude Valley, and they were held at the hotel where I had my school formal in 1999. The hotel had been renovated, so I thought I’d pop down and have a look. I feel sorry for all the other people that there were, because there were some real go-getters. It’s like a really bad joke that got out of hand.”

Nathan, on the other hand, runs his own business in Melbourne, as well as hosting trivia and karaoke nights at The Laird Hotel. He too auditioned last year, but didn’t make it through. “Then they contacted me because I didn’t apply this year, and put me through to the final rounds this year. I never considered I’d be the type of person that would be able to go on; I thought I was too old at 35. But I got on anyway, just not in the way I expected, as an intruder. I had three days’ notice before entering the house.”

So what expectations did they both go into the house with?
“I didn’t think I’d last very long,” admits Ben. “Because I suffer with anxiety and depression, I try not to have expectations, because I practice living in the now. And when I have expectations, it’s like trying to predict the future. I thought, I can’t win this, because a gay guy called Ben won it last year, and lightning doesn’t strike twice, and that allowed me to be myself, like I am at home on the weekend. I met Bert Newton, so I don’t care that I didn’t win. I could have gone that night.”
“I wanted to get a break in the entertainment industry,” says Nathan. “People say I have an outgoing personality, and I thought I may as well give this show a go. Unfortunately my personality ended up being quite subdued in the house. When the two female intruders entered, that’s when I realised they were fitting in, and I wasn’t, and that was the big reason why I left, especially when I saw how much these girls wanted to stay and how little I didn’t.”

And has their inclusion in the house reflected a change of attitudes in society? Ben likes to think so. “Big Brother is at its best when it tries to be a microcosm of today’s society. It’s always been gay and lesbian friendly, and has a very strong following in the GLBTI community. Big Brother gets that gay people come in all shapes and sizes and varieties, and they took a risk putting me in there, and it’s paid off for them. I’m very proud of them for that.”

“I remember when Zac was in Big brother in 2007,” says Nathan,” and I remember it being a really big deal at the time, and that was only six years ago. So something has happened in Australia in the last five years; a lot of has to do with the Internet, and being to exposed to a lot more queer characters on TV, and the marriage equality debate.”

And what about their newfound fame? Even while on the phone doing this interview, Ben was stopped in the street for an autograph, photo and chat. “I’m overwhelmed by it, to be honest. The feedback is so kind. I’ve had gay and lesbian people come up and say, ‘G’day’, and I’ve had blokes on building sites come up and shake my hand. It’s extraordinary, and it’s so short-lived, but it’s so nice of them to do that.”
“I’m adjusting to being recognised in the street,” says Nathan. “I wasn’t expecting the age range to be really huge. It can be anyone from 10 to women over 50 – they really love me, so that’s really interesting. And I also get emails from kids who get bullied at school, and I give them advice, and that’s a great thing as well.”

Big Brother screens weeknights at 7pm on Channel Nine.

Didn't their dislike from Tahan stem from when she bitched about their jobs and the "God help their kids" comment about one of them training to be a teacher? That's the first instance I remember about it.

I think I must be one of the only people who is GUTTED that Tim won. I hated his attention seeking manipulation of everyone, his completely see-through attempts of saying and doing things to try and gain favour with the public and his sense of entitlement about how he felt it was up to him to try and show to everyone what he felt the other HMs were like. He was also arrogant and thought that the show was all about him. His comments on Monday's show where he said he would be so surprised if he was one of the two to be evicted then.

I didn't watch it last year, but from what I've read, I don't think I would have liked Benjamin winning either and I can see why people disliked him. Shame that for me, it's been two undeserving winners in a row.

The big deal about Zach, IMO, wasn't that he was gay it was that he was the nicest HM they had in there that year. He was neck and neck with Aleisha and I remember them holding the voting lines open till they got the result they wanted. He should have won, he deserved to win. But he was an intruder and we can't have that!

She had the same reaction a lot of people probably do. I wouldn't let them or Mikkayla teach my children. They're not mature enough to teach anyone anything. Tahan still apologized and tried to get past it, tried to get on with them, but those bitches just wouldn't have it. They weren't nice they were petty, vindictive, bitchy and fake. IMO.

They targeted her? For me, it was the exact opposite. I remember Tahan pulling an irritated face not long after they entered, and she always seemed to have the issue with them.

As for "mean girls", Tahan behaved like a stereotypical mean girl most of the time imo. She'd poke fun at people for petty things, really go below the belt by bitching about appearances and career aspirations. I honestly saw nothing of the sisters provoking this rivalry, I only saw Tahan start it.

She also seemed to really come alive when there was a gossiping opportunity. I got the impression she loved that.

But, hey, each to their own, you evidently saw things completely differently so fair enough.

As for Mikkayla, I thought she could be just as bad as Tahan. They gave each other as good as they got, absolutely.

That said, I did like and respect Tahan by the end, as she admitted herself that she'd said some nasty things and just speaks before thinking when she's angry, and that's absolutely fair enough. As soon as someone stands up and acknowledges it, I believe that's that. Same with Mikkayla, she admits that she's similar to Tahan in some ways and knows she wasn't a saint. None of us are. Heck, I've been bitchy at times.

I don't see any of these housemates as horrible people, they're all basically nice, decent people, with their own flaws, just like the rest of us. There's nobody from this show that I can say I actually dislike. Sure, some pissed me off now and again, but that's natural.

For those who have seen both.. Would it be a fair analogy to compare Benjamin winning last years BBAU to if Craig Coates won BBUK6? OR maybe BBUK 10;s Charlie.. a ball of nastiness wrapped up in clearly transparently faux niceness

can't believe this is still going on. The SS and Tahan were hugging and chatting all during finale so why can't their fans get over it?

He didn't deserve to win, and I'm sure he must have had a gay vote just like Ben had last year. Also the stereotypical campness probably appealed to some if they hadn't seen much of it before. He was actually pretty boring. He was advertised as having a temper and we hardly saw any of it. He pretty much kept his head down and so got to the end. Very happy with the final result, and a relief as well. He pretty much attached himself to Aleisha, a bit like Rodrigo did with Sophie.

Addressing someone else, Mikkayla was nothing like Tahan. Mikkayla had some major issues and always wanted to play the underdog. There was some real anger from her.

I tend to agree with this. Zach was a nice guy, but also very appealing and entertaining. That year had a lot of bitching - which started day 1 - so Zach seemed like a breath of fresh air. I would have been happy had he won.

That was a fantastic finale with a great result too, although so very, very, close. I loved how much focus the old HM's were given and the memories and the three finalists watching everything as the show unfolded was brilliant. It was sad to see it end. This being my first time watching BB Aus I can safely say I've thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait till it's return next year! I would love to see so much of BB Aus in our BB. Definitely think our show needs rethinking on many levels to be honest.

Just incase some haven't watched the finale yet, I'll put the next bit in spoilers



Now it's time for a BB break. With our version and BB Aus together in total I've watched bout 6 months worth of BB

I thought Zach was a breath of very stereotypical camp air, not my kind of thing. But it obviously appealed to children, I remember at the final a couple of kids interviewed said they were huge fans of him. It's difficult to say that somebody who comes in so late really has any right to win, they simply aren't tested enough.

Happy with that result. Would have liked Tahan to be final two with Tim but oh well....looking forward to next year's BB.

Absolutely brilliant finale again from Big Brother Australia (apart from a few minor points), I really like how they make it feel like a massive event & a fun thing to be apart of.

The few minor points, the editing was poor on the highlights, Tim making his bed said "that'll be the last time we sleep in those beds" (and while they were watching, the housemates said that it was from today) and then at the end of the highlights it showed them going to bed Like I said, very minor points.

The only other bad thing was the Benjamin & Layla party. I suppose just filler, so in the grand scheme of things not that important.

Happy with the winner and it was nice to reception that Ben received.

I'm so glad that the show will return next year, looking forward to it already.

I don't know if the person that streams the show via the aptly named Timmyvision is on the forum, but if they are then thanks for doing that. It was good to watch live on the odd occasion that I was able to.

According to Wikipedia (I know not the always the most accurate source of information, but I believe it this time!)

When Ed was evicted the percentages were - Ed 18.6%, Drew 22.1%, Jade 24.2%, Tim 35.1%.

The double evicition on Monday - Boog 3.8%, Drew 14.1%, Tahan 26.0%, Jade 26.5%, Tim 29.6%.

They sound pretty accurate.

Right person won, and we finally get a breather from all forms of BB until January when our show starts up again for 2014

Why is it Australia can do so much better than us when it comes to BB

Terrific uplifting finale, good atmosphere, no moronic booing whoever wins or is evicted, everything just so positive from start to finish

My personal highlight was getting a reply to a tweet from the production team at the start when Sonia teased the housemates about an eviction when there wasn't one

[quote=richie4eva;69630439]Right person won, and we finally get a breather from all forms of BB until January when our show starts up again for 2014

Why is it Australia can do so much better than us when it comes to BB

Terrific uplifting finale, good atmosphere, no moronic booing whoever wins ore3 is evicted, everything just so positive from start to finish

My personal highlight was getting a reply to a tweet from the production team at the start when Sonia teased the housemates about an eviction when there wasn't one [/ QUOTE]
you are 100000% right . I lough at evey episode i watch the big brother voice is the reason . What he come out with the during noms is great. In our bb the voices are just so boring.

Happy with the winner, but ....

That was one hell of a show. It felt like watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Tim as Charlie. lol
I loved the world news item shown to the final 2 and Big Brother's congrats speech to Tim.
I found myself rooting for all 3 at certain points.
Would have been nice to have an interview with Tim but I guess it didn't really matter.

This series had certain similarities to last year's but this line-up overall felt much more light-hearted and friendly. With intent nastiness, hostility and personal insults being replaced with open competitiveness and in-your-face honesty.
And unlike last year, I think I'll definitely want to revisit some moments from throughout the series.

Personally Tim winning makes this an almost perfect series for me. He was an OTT character who could also be deep and caring. He played the game in an up-for-a-laugh way and usually just for his own amusement. He could be childish and petty but I found his positives far exceeded any negatives and he shined for about 90% of his time in the house.
Plus, expecting there to be no negatives in a character as unpredictable as Tim is like buttering your toast and expecting there not to be any crumbs in the butter when you put the knife in a second time.
It just made him more controversial and edgy.
I think Ben is an example of what happens when a housemate is just too harmless. He did have an edge though, but his harmless side was promoted above all else and viewers lost the motivation to save him. Unlike say Tahan fans who never lost the motivation to save her all those times she was up. Infact all the final 3 were all fascinatingly flawed.

BBAus certainly do finals better than any BB I've seen recently. It was both exciting and touching and just reeked of positivity.
I also kind of like it when the voting is close as it allows the winner to feel that they fought some tough competition while giving the runners-up some confidence.

Zach was a breath of fresh air. He got along with everyone. They did put a lot of Ben/Stacy type people in that year. It was if I recall correctly pretty cutthroat as you say from day 1.

Can't say I've ever seen a BB where bitching isn't the norm. It seems to me to be a reaction to lack of "new" information. No tv, no radio etc... so nothing to "talk about". The only thing new is what this HM or that one did that day.

There were some thoroughly unpleasant people that year, the other intruder who's name I forget who went after Aleisha because she knew the girl was popular, an older woman who should have known better too.

I enjoyed the final this year, shame Tahan didnt come second, I think she offered far more to the series than Jade did whatever your opinion on either of them, but overall, although I did think he got away with things none of the girls would have been excused for and was quite vindictive and childish at times, the show (at least as we were shown it) did revolve around Tim and he did provide plenty of entertaining stuff along the way so I can't say I have any complaints about that.

I think Mikkayla running around saying that Tahan was somehow rigging the votes wherever she could in the run up to the final was about as mean as you could ever be to anyone by the way, thats pure vindictiveness and I do wonder how much that affected things. She may think they were the nice group, mikk was very much a mean girl.