Big Brother in Turmoil as Live Launch Canceled by Gold Coast Storm

Channel Ten’s highly anticipated Big Brother Australia revival descended into chaos on Saturday night after a violent storm lashed the Gold Coast, forcing the live launch to be shut down mid-filming.

Wild lightning, booming thunder and torrential rain pummelled the Dreamworld set just as the first few contestants were being introduced, leaving producers scrambling to save the night.

Only four housemates had entered the famous compound when filming was abruptly halted, with the studio audience forced to evacuate as conditions worsened.

Crowds, many dressed in ponchos provided by crew, were seen running for cover as heavy rain flooded the open-air stage area.

Staff reportedly made urgent attempts to keep spectators in their seats, but most fled as lightning strikes moved closer to the park.

‘They had to call it off halfway through because the storm got too dangerous,’ one crew insider told Daily Mail.

‘There was no proper roofing over the stage, and with that much lightning around, it just wasn’t worth the risk.’

The insider said frustration was high behind the scenes.

‘Everyone had been working around the clock to pull this launch off, and then the weather just killed it,’ they said. 

‘People were soaked, equipment was getting wet, and the energy totally disappeared.’

According to production insiders, concerns about the lack of a roof had been raised weeks earlier, but cost limitations meant Endemol Shine – which produces the show – opted against building one.

‘They were trying to save money wherever they could,’ another source revealed.

‘It’s ironic because that decision ended up costing them the entire night’s shoot.’ 

Channel Ten refuted suggestions that work was behind schedule, telling Daily Mail the Gold Coast share house would look ‘amazing’.

‘Anyone with questions about the show should know that nothing gets past Big Brother. The house is looking incredible, and will be ready for its 12 new tenants this weekend,’ a network spokesperson said. 

‘From lush loungerooms to boujie breakout spaces, a kitsch kitchen and statement Diary Room chair, the house is going to amaze housemates and viewers alike.’

They also promised the show would deliver some playful twists for viewers. 

‘The only thing we can’t share? Rumours that there’s a “secret room” somewhere in the house! To find out more, watch on Sunday as Big Brother reveals all.’ 

The reboot has already attracted huge interest from the public.

Saturday night’s shutdown caps off a turbulent lead-up to the relaunch, with reports earlier this week that construction of the new Dreamworld house had fallen behind schedule.

At the time, insiders claimed parts of the backyard were unfinished and production staff were ‘freaking out’ about meeting the premiere deadline.

‘Some parts of the house weren’t ready when rehearsals took place,’ a production insider said. ‘They’ve had to cut corners to get things done.’

Network Ten has denied those claims, insisting the Big Brother compound is complete and ‘one of the most impressive builds yet’.

‘The house is incredible – from lush living areas to a statement Diary Room and vibrant kitchen. It’s ready to amaze housemates and viewers alike,’ the spokesperson said.

The revamped season will mark Big Brother’s return to Channel 10 for the first time since 2008.

The network has promised a throwback to the show’s early 2000s glory days with live nominations, evictions and even a 24-hour streaming feed.

More than 20,000 hopefuls applied to appear on the reboot, which promises one of the most diverse casts in the show’s history.

But after Saturday’s storm drama, all eyes are now on whether producers can recover in time for the all-important premiere.

Big Brother Australia premieres Sunday at 7pm on Channel 10.