Iconic Big Brother heartthrob looks unrecognisable today – as he announces shock plans to join another reality TV show
It’s been 14 years since he was crowned the winner of Big Brother Australia season six.
But you’d be hard-pressed to recognise Jamie Brooksby, 36, these days.
The hunk, who pocketed $426,000 in prize money at age 22 in 2006, has evaded the spotlight for over a decade and now works as a property developer, splitting his time between Melbourne and Western Australia.
My, how you’ve changed! Big Brother Australia 2006 winner Jamie Brooksby, 36, looks very different to how he appeared when he pocketed $426,000 in prize money at age 22
Since finding fame, Jamie has bid farewell to his iconic Big Brother aesthetic, which included peroxide blond hair, a deep tan and a large sweatband collection.
These days, he sports a shaggy dark brown mane, a thick beard and heavy tattooing.
Speaking to TV Week magazine on Thursday, Jamie admitted he previously struggled to watch footage himself on Big Brother.
The glory days! Since finding fame, Jamie has bid farewell to his iconic Big Brother aesthetic, which included peroxide blond hair, a deep tan and a large sweatband collection. Pictured on Big Brother in 2006
New look: These days, he sports a shaggy dark brown mane, a thick beard and heavy tattooing. Pictured in March 2020
‘Do you know that feeling when you hear your own voice being recorded? Well, it was like that but on steroids,’ he chucked.
As for whether a reality TV return is on the cards, Jamie said he’d be interested in starring in a different Channel 10 program.
‘Am I too much of a has-been to give I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! a go? I notice they’ve been pretty loose with the term celebrity these days,’ he told the publication.
The way they were: He also spoke to the publication about his ill-fated romance with fellow housemate Katie Hastings (pictured together on Big Brother in 2006)
He also spoke to the publication about his ill-fated romance with fellow housemate Katie Hastings.
The couple found love inside the Big Brother House, but split soon after the show ended due to the pressures of fame.
‘I remember just wanting to go home and stay out of the spotlight,’ Jamie said, adding that he ‘blamed himself for the eventual break-up’ because he didn’t wan to ‘make a decision either way’ about their future.
Jamie revealed he’s been single for a year, but would love to have children in the near future.
Family man: Jamie revealed he’s been single for a year, but would love to have children in the near future. Pictured in July 2019