Sonia Kruger defends new ‘Survivor-style’ Big Brother format

Sonia Kruger has defended Big Brother’s new format, which requires the housemates to discuss game plans and strategic alliances – much like Survivor.

Speaking to Woman’s Day on Monday, the 54-year-old host said that viewing habits had changed since the show debuted in 2001 and the rules had to be updated.

‘When Big Brother first started 20 years ago, people were still fascinated with housemates in the kitchen making a sandwich,’ Sonia explained.

‘But our viewing habits have changed and we’ve put so much into every episode that you’ll get more out of it as a viewer,’ she added.

The original Big Brother premiered on Channel 10 in April 2001.

Seven’s revamped version debuted on Monday after a five-year hiatus (it last aired on Nine in 2014) and Big Brother set the housemates a gravity-defying challenge.

After stepping into the compound’s basement and discovering a huge metal frame with swings, Big Brother announced: ‘Each of you must secure yourself to a swing and then using only the power of momentum you must propel yourselves backwards and forwards, attempting to get enough speed and height to reach the top bar.

‘You’ll then place a ball on a shelf. The first housemate to successfully place five balls will win the challenge.’

Talia Rycroft won the challenge and then started crying in the diary room as she had to nominate three housemates for eviction. 

She ended up choosing Kieran Davidson, Zoe George and Laura Kaiviti.

The rest of the housemates voted which of the three they’d like to leave the show, and Melbourne-based dancer Laura was eventually sent packing with six votes.

‘You all did it to me, so don’t apologise. It’s okay, don’t worry about it,’ she said bluntly as the group said their goodbyes.

Afterwards, Laura told Big Brother she was ‘very shocked’ by her elimination.

Big Brother continues Tuesday at 7:30pm on Channel Seven