Content Warning: This article touches on the topic of depression which may be triggering for some readers.
During last night’s live Big Brother finale, winner Reggie Sorensen – formerly Reggie Bird – was overcome with emotion as the audience chanted her name.
“I can’t believe it Sonia,” she told host Sonia Kruger. “Thank you, thank you to everyone that voted for me. I hope I did you all proud.”
But among the adoring crowd were a few people whose cheers meant the most to Reggie.
Reggie Sorensen was the 2022 winner of Big Brother.
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Along with her two kids, the reality star’s new partner also watched as the Big Brother queen regained her crowd.
“He was sitting in the audience watching with his daughter,” she tells TV WEEK.
“We all travelled here together and he came up on stage once it was all finished.”
Meanwhile, Reggie’s two kids, Mia and Lucas, were overjoyed for their mum as they huddled together on stage.
“They were so shocked, just like I was. They were really overwhelmed and little Lucas, he was trying not to cry,” she recalls.
Reggie’s kids, Mia and Lucas, joined their mum on stage.
(Image: Seven)“Australia has seen the kids grow up, it was just awesome for them to be there with me.”
The $250,000 prize money means a lot to Reggie, 48, who previously lost her 2003 winnings after the breakdown of her first marriage.
“That went in a divorce, because I paid off the house down in Tassie and this time around I’m just so blessed,” she says.
“I’m proud of myself for going back and doing this because it was a big decision to make. And I’m glad I made that decision.”
WATCH: Reggie Bird wins Big Brother 2003. Article continues after video
After winning Big Brother for the first time, Reggie was dealt a bad hand. In 2004, she was diagnosed with a degenerative eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa and is now legally blind.
The reality star also suffered a stroke in 2017 as a result of a heart condition, was swindled out of her money, and nearly faced eviction from the home she shares with her children.
What’s more, Reggie’s youngest son Lucas is currently grappling with cystic fibrosis.
As life keeps throwing her curveballs, the 48-year-old previously told TV WEEK how she stays resilient.
Her son Lucas suffers from cystic fibrosis.
(Image: Instagram)“I think it’s a matter of you just got to get on with it,” she said.
“Years ago, when I couldn’t drive anymore and handed in my driver’s license, I lost all of my independence. And then, you know, with Lucas’ illness, I went through a lot of depression back then.”
“But I managed to pull through and I think that what will be, will be, and I’ve just got to make the most of every day. That’s how I look at life.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
