So what are the psychological effects of being a Big Brother Housemate?
Well to start off with you develop a strange paranoia of speaking freely in front of mirrors – especially in hotel rooms.
And for those HM's playing the game, and that's everyone, it'll be a fortnight at least before they can admit to it publicly, if at all.
'Playing the game' or 'not being yourself' is such a heinous crime in the house…
and becomes so internalised after months and months you just can't admit to it.
It's like you're stuck with your bluff face on after a huge game of poker.
I remember when Rove asked me about playing the game I said having a plan going into the house would be akin to having one before climbing aboard a bull at a rodeo – impossible.
But a few weeks later on Triple J speaking to fellow Chaser writers Chris and Craig – I was freely admitting to it.
After the initial psychological block the reason it's so hard is because it's a catch-22.
On the one hand people loved you on the show and you don't want to disappoint them by making them think everything you did was fake.
On the other hand you want to impress people by showing what a smart and expert game player you are – and how you did it.
It's a choice between being perceived as wily and sly and genuine and likeable. But I suppose in the end people see you're a bit of both.
To read more about how I played the game, click here.
24 July 2007
HM's Heads Muddled
What happens to BB Housemates?
You thought being in the BB house was a mind scramble.
Well remember that for most HM's the experience gets washed down with a month or two of non-stop late nights, booze, sex, and mingling with the famous and powerful.
At this moment they'll be frantically traversing the country – flown into a new city each day wheeled out to a couple of nightclubs, scraped from their bed the next morning only to be chucked back on a plane to fly somewhere else.
And for the twenty-one-year olds this will probably all be too much – they'll soon wake up from a four month hang over and wonder where it all went.
But of course many will have dreams of bigger and better things. Of their own TV or radio show and a continuation of the false celebrity they've almost come to take for granted.
Unfortunately they're no different from a band that's had a popular single and is desperately trying to create another or an actor or presenter who's frenetically trying to snag another high profile gig. Because in the fickle world of celebrity you're only as famous as your latest project.
Fame is like a drug – and of course the bulk of this year's housemates will have to learn to go cold turkey.
Some will desperately try to get back into the headlines any way they can by going to every nightclub opening they're invited to and becoming gigolos for the gossip column photographers.
But they'll find the media who once filled pages with praise about them and titbits about their life will now refer to them as ‘Reality TV rejects’ and ’Channel Ten Trash’. What they don’t realise is the magazine and newspapers who once sold advertisements while building them up will now sell just as many ads while tearing them down.
This is their reward for doing what many freely admit they couldn't do – totally expose themselves to the voyeuristic gaze of the nation.
And they'll have to watch jealously as some of their fellow housemates get chances and opportunities as they get left behind.
But a few will have the sense to try to organically grow a career using their notoriety and existing skill set, while organically and patiently building new skills. And by working hard, really hard. And by making their own opportunities.
But for most it will be back to life. Albeit with a sore head and an interesting life footnote and story or two for the grandkids.
Yes Big Brother is a mind scramble. But unfortunately most housemates won't be able to unscramble it quickly enough to make the experience work for them.
Thomas Talks About His Older woman
Is Susannah a good kisser? What's it like going out with an older woman? Does he worry he might only last a month like her last boyfriend? Does he feel vindicated by Susannah falling for him - can he tell all those people who said he was too touchy feely to get stuffed? Well you'll have to listen by clicking here to find out...
Travis' Top Sheila Has a Talko
Amanda Perkins the charming wife of lovable Travis talks about his shy romantic side, their son Jesse and the stress of being on the outside when your loved one is in the house. She reckons he is exhausted BUT that he's definitely not playing the game. Take a listen...
Michelle Murmurs
Michelle said she wouldn't want her daughter to act the way she does, and denied she's ever been diagnosed with ADD!! It was actually a lovely little yak. Watch our video interview with her on our podcast page by clicking here.
