With their big permed hair and tiny neon G-strings, it was hard to ignore the seemingly inseparable Rancan sisters as they gyrated their way to fame and fortune on morning TV 30 years ago.
Complete with matching leg warmers and headbands, twins Adele and Lisa and older sister Marissa high-kicked their way into Australian living rooms five days a week for almost two decades, before fading into obscurity after building a fitness empire that included products, gyms and fitness videos.
Yet if friends are to be believed, the family bond between the trio has become increasingly strained in the past decade – with Marissa’s shock inclusion in the cast of Seven’s reboot of iconic series Big Brother next month sparking even further rivalry between the close sisters.
The trio found fame in the 80s as aerobics icons.
(Image: Supplied)“I’m not sure if they buried the hatchet, but certainly a few years ago Marissa wasn’t always on speaking terms with the twins,” confirms one close friend, who claims the sisters’ relationship has been tense at times and that Marissa had taken a stand, telling friends she wanted to go her own way five years ago.
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“Marissa felt she wasn’t always as supported in the years following their heyday.”
WATCH: First look inside Big Brother house for 2020. Story continues below…
The three sisters opened up their first gym in Sydney’s Cremorne in 1981. It has since gone through several ownership changes, with Marissa, 61, deciding to turn her back on the fitness industry that made her famous and pursue a career as a makeup artist.
“The Rancan Sisters was such an incredible time and it’s still amazing people remember us,” Marissa tells Woman’s Day.
“And while we had a great time, my instructing days are now over.”
Her sister Adele, 57, last week quashed any rumours of a rift, insisting the trio are just as close as when they shared a townhouse in Sydney together in their TV heyday.
An insider says Adele would be upset by Marissa’s TV comeback.
(Image: Instagram)“We’re absolutely just as close,” Adele claims. “We support each other in every way and we’re so excited to watch Marissa [on Big Brother]. She’s going to be entertaining, that’s for sure.”
Friends say Marissa’s upcoming comeback on Big Brother has also sparked disappointment for the twins, after one of them was rejected several times after attempting to secure a spot on popular Ten reality TV show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!.
Big sister Marissa is taking on Big Brother.
(Image: Channel Seven)“She has put her name forward since the show’s debut back in 2015, but has been rejected every time,” one industry insider confirms.
“I think the twins would be a little upset that Marissa has this huge opportunity to restart her career on Big Brother.
“While they are of course supportive, it must hurt to see her big sister back in the limelight, after those rejections.”
Want more Big Brother Australia goss? Check out the links below!
Big Brother Australia stars: Where are they now?
Big Brother host Sonia Kruger revealed juicy details on the reboot and you can expect drama
Big Brother’s first contestants for 2020 have been revealed!
The wait is almost over! This is when Big Brother 2020 will start airing
Big Brother 2020 first look! Inside the reboot’s new house
It’s official! Sonia Kruger to host Big Brother reboot in 2020
