When the rebooted new season of Big Brother Australia returned to our screens last year, it had us reminiscing on some of our favourite stars from the glory days of the show.
Perhaps one of the most well-known names is that of season six winner Jamie Brooksby, who pocketed $426,000 prize money back in 2006.
The handsome 22-year-old from WA captured hearts around the nation thanks to his quirky array of headbands, ripped physique and of course that on-screen romance with co-star Katie Hastings.
For a moment in time, the country was utterly obsessed with Katie and Jamie. But like most reality romances, the pair’s relationship soon fizzled on the outside world.
These days, you might not even recognise the Big Brother star. Jamie’s swapped the peroxide blonde locks and hair accessories for a more rugged aesthetic – and we’re not complaining about it!
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It’s been 14 years since Jamie Brooksby starred on Big Brother so we decided to track him down and see what his life looks like now.
In an exclusive interview with TV WEEK the 37-year-old tells us life has treated him well since his TV days.
Jamie now works as a property developer and divides his time between Melbourne and Brisbane.
“I look after the sales of medium to high density developments. They don’t condone headbands apparently,” Jamie tells us of his role.
Then and now: Jamie during the peak of his Big Brother fame in the pages of Cleo magazine (L), cuddling his pet pooch (R).
(Image: Bauer syndication, @jms_brksby/Instagram)The former reality star confirms he’s currently single. “There was someone special but it didn’t work out. I’ve been single now for about a year,” he explains.
For now, Jamie is the proud dog dad to an adorable pug called Dallas but he admits he’d love kids one day.
“I don’t have kids but would love to someday soon,” the Big Brother alum says.
Looking back on his Big Brother experience, Jamie says he has no regrets – including his very public romance with Katie, which he reveals combusted as a result of the intense media spotlight following his win.
“It was a very unconventional way to form any relationship. Having said that, it didn’t make the feelings any less real. Following the show we embarked on media tours, which were overwhelming and completely alien to both of us,” Jamie says.
WATCH: Relive Katie and Jamie’s mock wedding on Big Brother. Post continues after the video…
Reality romance: Jamie and Katie fell for each other in the Big Brother house but it didn’t last long on the outside world.
(Image: Channel 10)“I remember just wanting to go home and stay out of the spotlight. I would blame myself for the eventual break-up as I remember not really wanting to make a decision either way. It was a lot to take in at the time. We were also so young, I think she was 19 and I was 22.”
Jamie hasn’t spoken to Katie since their split all those years ago but looks back at their romance with fondness.
“We haven’t spoken since shortly after we parted ways but I have no ill feelings whatsoever. I hope she’s living her best life. We shared something pretty surreal and memorable. It was an unforgettable experience that changed our lives,” he explains.
READ NEXT: Where are your favourite former Big Brother stars now?
All grown up! Jamie now works in property and splits his time between Melbourne and Brisbane.
(Image: @jms_brksby/Instagram)While many recipients of large TV cash prizes blow their entire earnings on frivolous lifestyle choices, Jamie has been much more strategic with his winnings, investing his money back into the property market which has in turn, set him up for a secure future.
But that’s not to say he didn’t have a little bit of fun with his well-deserved prize money.
“I was in China Town with my brothers one night shortly after the show finished. In Big Brother at the time, you would get paid $500 per week for every week you stayed in the house. I’d stayed 14 weeks, so I knew I had $7000 in the bank, I’d never had so much money! I said I’d pay for the meal and went to get some money out at the ATM. I asked for an ATM receipt and when it printed it out, it printed out my bank balance of roughly half-a-million dollars!” Jamie remembers.
“They’d just randomly deposited it like a week later without informing me. So I spent some of the money on crispy skin chicken, pepper steak, beef black bean and a couple of Tsingtao beers… Oh and a Shannon Noll CD, which I bought from a petrol station the following day cause I was a big fan. The rest went into property, so yes I still have [the money].”
Well, it doesn’t get more early noughties than that.
Jamie and runner-up Camilla during the 2006 Big Brother finale. Jamie was just 22 at the time.
(Image: Channel 10)Jamie recently tracked down his season of Big Brother on YouTube and admits watching himself back was tough.
“Do you know that feeling when you hear your own voice being recorded? Well, it was like that but on steroids,” he laughs.
Jamie isn’t watching the current season of Big Brother but says he’d be open to a reality TV return.
“It’s certainly crossed my mind. I might be showing my age but do they still air Ready Steady Cook? I’d be OK at that,” Jamie says.
Sadly Ready Steady Cook stopped airing in 2013 but Jamie has a back-up plan.
“Am I too much of a has-been to give I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! a go? I notice they’ve been pretty loose with the term celebrity these days.”
Jamie, we think you’d be perfect for it. Channel Ten, we hope you’re reading!
Want to know more about Jamie? You can follow him on Instagram here!
Jamie is the proud dog dad to Dallas and says he’d love to have kids soon.
(Image: @jms_brksby/Instagram)The love between Jamie and his beloved fur baby Dallas has our hearts beating a little faster, the former reality star sharing a number of additional sweet snaps to his Instagram over the years, showcasing their adorable bond.
Awwww!
(Image: @jms_brksby/Instagram)