Gretel Killeen announces shock return to television after her future with Big Brother reboot was revealed

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Okay, so I was *totally* worried when I heard Gretel Killeen wasn’t going to be on the new Big Brother – I mean, it just wouldn’t be the same! But honestly? It’s amazing news! She’s landed some incredible new presenting role, which is fantastic! I’m so thrilled for her, even if it means she won’t be back in the Big Brother house. I can’t wait to see what she does next!

The popular TV presenter, age 63, will return to host the next season of Network Ten’s reality show, The Traitors. This comes after the previous host, Roger Corser, departed the network last year.

On Sunday, Channel Ten announced the news on social media, posting a picture of a glowing Gretel.

‘The Traitors is returning to 10 with Aussie legend Gretel Killeen as host!’ they began.

They then revealed when fans could expect to see the upcoming season. 

Get ready, Faithful and Traitors! Betrayal is coming to Australia in 2026 with #TheTraitors Australia, premiering on Channel 10. Expect alliances to be tested and trust to be broken!

Gretel expressed her enthusiasm for the job, saying she’s always eager for new creative challenges. She explained that hosting ‘The Traitors’ allows her to try out a playful and mischievous side of her personality.

Tamara Simoneau, VP of Content at Paramount Australia, shared her excitement about collaborating with Gretel.

Everyone agrees that no one can host this show better than Gretel Killeen, the original creator of popular, talked-about reality TV.

We’ve gathered a fantastic group of smart and resourceful Australians, but Gretel is about to challenge them in ways they’ve never experienced before. Viewers can expect a thrilling and suspenseful ride.

This new role feels like a return to familiar territory for Gretel, as she previously hosted ‘Big Brother’ on Channel Ten from 2001 to 2007. She stepped down from the role, and Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson took over.

The reality show *The Traitors* first appeared on the Ten network between 2022 and 2023, and was presented by Australian actor Roger Corser. He has since moved to Channel Nine.

In September 2024, Network Ten surprised everyone by announcing that Big Brother would be back on their channel in 2025. The show hadn’t aired on Ten for four years, having previously been on Channel Seven.

Okay, so I was *so* excited about the new host, but apparently, even though I totally thought Sonia Kruger and Gretel Killeen would be perfect – they hosted before, you know?! – they weren’t even considered! Can you believe it? I was picturing them back on the show, but the producers never even talked to them about it. It’s a little shocking, honestly.

According to a source familiar with the project, Sonia and Gretel were never in the running to be part of the 2025 reboot.

Sonia hosted the most recent season of Big Brother on Channel Seven, and Gretel was the show’s original host in the early 2000s. However, Channel 10 decided to go in a new direction this time.

According to a source, Network 10 was looking for a new personality who had a similar vibe to Gretel when she was first hired in 2001.

Mel Tracina aims to offer a fresh take on the show, but her comedic style, advocacy for women, and willingness to challenge men are very similar to what Gretel Killeen previously brought to it.

Viewers who enjoyed the original seasons of the show recall Killeen as a host known for her clever humor and bold personality, qualities that really shaped the early years of Big Brother.

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2025-09-28 13:51