Back in 2004, Trevor Butler made history as the first and only Australian to win $1 million when he won season four of Big Brother Australia.
Fans of the show will remember the elation felt across the nation when Butler got down on one knee and proposed to his high school sweetheart Breea.
It’s been 17 years, and Butler is still happily married to Breea, with whom he shares two sons. Now, Butler is back for Big Brother Royalty Vs New Contenders, and he’s hoping he can do it all again.
When asked why he made the decision to come back to Big Brother, Butler, who now works in radio on the Gold Coast, had a simple answer: why not?
“But seriously, to show my sons, nieces and nephews why the occasional person stops and asks for a picture or a chat,” he added.
Speaking to New Idea, Butler said that he “had the discussion with the family” before agreeing to rejoin the show.
“My two boys were like, ‘Yeah’, but my wife, Breea, was like, ‘No, I’m not going through that again’,” he shared, adding: “I was quite keen because it’s a different format and a different way of playing, so I was interested in seeing how I’d go the second time.”
One of Australia’s most popular housemates, Butler was never nominated for eviction during his first season, winning everyone over with his quick-witted, fun-loving personality.
Butler has fond memories of his “amazing” time in the house, and recalls that his housemates “were the absolute best as well”. It’s an experience he’s hoping to recreate when he returns this season.
“There was the occasional drama, but it was more like a family style of Big Brother,” he said. “You had your goofball moments and then the moments that made the show as popular as it was.”
Although the game has changed and evolved a lot since 2004, Butler says he’ll do “nothing” differently.
“I went in to the 2004 series being myself and left the same way and I’ll do the same this time around as well,” he explained. “It doesn’t matter if I’m out early or get to the nitty gritty end game. I’ll stay the same.”
Still, Butler did concede to New Idea that he’ll be “a bit out of [his] comfort zone” with the more “strategy-based” iteration of Big Brother.
“This one’s going to be a whole lot different and I don’t know how I’m going to cope,” he said.
As one of the show’s previous winners, however, he does expect to find a target on his back from the moment he sets foot in the house.
“The housemates will want me out quick smart,” he said. “I also get along with people in any situation, so there’s another reason for housemates to evict me.”
When Butler won his first season, he and Breea used the money to set up their home and foundation. If he wins again, Butler will use the money to pay off his kids’ school fees, and to develop his own children’s book.
Will Butler become Big Brother Australia’s first two-time winner? Only time will tell. Until then, Big Brother Royalty Vs New Contenders will premiere on Monday, May 9, only on Channel 7 and 7 Plus.
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