The Australian Big Brother house has been destroyed in a shock fire four years after the show last aired.
Here in the UK, we’re only just getting over the demolition of our own Big Brother compound.
The iconic Elstree Studios site was torn down earlier this year following Channel 5’s decision to axe the long-running reality brand.
However, if you thought that was bad, then spare a thought for Big Brother fans Down Under – who have now lost their house in more tragic circumstances.
The Australian abode, near Dreamworld theme park on the Gold Coast, is now in ruins after suffering a devastating fire.
Several teenagers are in custody after the iconic Big Brother house was set ablaze on the Gold Coast. @kathrynforan #9News pic.twitter.com/iyKEHGfkuN
— 9News Gold Coast (@9NewsGoldCoast) June 22, 2019
According to Nine News, Queensland emergency services were called to the scene at 2.15pm local time on Saturday, where thick black smoke was filling the air.
Authorities warned users of a local motorway to drive cautiously, and nearby residents to shut their doors and windows.
Dreamworld itself was not affected, with rides continuing to operate as normal.
Police have charged four children, aged between 11 and 15, with a suspected arson attack. Two 9-year-olds were also arrested, but later released.
BBUK host Rylan Clark-Neal responded to the news, tweeting: “Very sad news about the Big Brother Australia house.”
It marks the second time in a month that the telly dwelling has been hit by fire.
At the end of May, a minor blaze was allegedly “deliberately lit” nearby, although it did not cause substantial damage.
The Big Brother Australia house was built in 2001 and remained in place for every series of the show.
It originally aired on Network Ten until 2008, before moving to the Nine Network between 2012 and 2014.
In the four years since, the house has been left all but abandoned – making it a target for vandalism.
Footage shot by urban explorers recently went viral, showing how its walls have been covered in graffiti, while windows and mirrors have been smashed to pieces.
Sadly, there currently seems to be no prospects for a Big Brother revival in either the UK or Oz.
Nine now airs Love Island Australia, which is due to return for a second run very soon.
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