Channel Seven is hoping for a clash of the reality TV titans after reportedly paying almost a million dollars to bring over two outspoken Americans for Big Brother VIP.
Just days after flying over Caitlyn Jenner with the promise of a $500,000 payday, the network has now paid former Donald Trump advisor Omarosa Manigault Newman $450,000 to take part, according to People magazine.
Omarosa, 47, may not be familiar to Australian audiences, but she’ll certainly be one to watch given her history as an outspoken TV personality and White House insider.
Big payday: Channel Seven has reportedly paid $450,000 to lure outspoken reality star and former Donald Trump advisor Omarosa Manigault Newman to appear on Big Brother VIP
‘Omarosa and Caitlyn are expected to go head-to-head, especially about LGBTQ+ issues,’ a source told People.
‘They’re the two highest paid on the upcoming season,’ they added.
This will be Omarosa’s second stint on a celebrity version of Big Brother, after she placed fifth on the U.S. edition three years ago.
Her first brush with fame came in 2004 when she was a confrontational contestant on the first season of The Apprentice USA, fronted by CEO Donald Trump.
She later served as director of communications for the Office of Public Liaison during the Trump administration from January 2017 until she was unceremoniously fired in December that year.
Omarosa – once arguably Trump’s most prominent African-American supporter – was allegedly escorted out the White House for abusing its car service, reports Politico.
The right-wing political operative later blasted Trump, 75, during an appearance on Celebrity Big Brother USA and vowed to never vote for him again.
She also labelled the former commander-in-chief a racist in her 2018 book Unhinged.
Clash of the titans: ‘Omarosa and Caitlyn are expected to go head-to-head, especially about LGBTQ+ issues,’ a source told People magazine. Pictured: Caitlyn Jenner, who has reportedly been paid $500,000 to star on Big Brother VIP
Meanwhile, her reality TV résumé includes Celebrity Big Brother (2018), Fear Factor (2005), Celebrity Apprentice USA (2008) and All-Star Celebrity Apprentice (2013).
A reality TV mainstay, Omarosa has often been described as a ‘villain’ and one of the most ‘hated’ women on television – a characterisation she rejects.
She also once fronted a dating competition series called The Ultimate Merger in 2010, in which men vied for her affections.
Omarosa is now happily married to pastor John Allen Newman.
Big Brother: Omarosa, 47, may not be familiar to Australian audiences, but she’ll certainly be one to watch given her history as an outspoken TV personality and White House insider. Pictured on the American version of Celebrity Big Brother
Kicked out the White House: She later served as director of communications for the Trump administration from January 2017 until she was unceremoniously fired in December 2017
Omarosa will join the likes of Caitlyn Jenner, Thomas Markle Jr and Jessika Power for Australia’s Big Brother VIP in a newly built Sydney complex.
Other rumoured housemates include retired athlete Matt Shirvington, TV presenter James Tobin, comedian Josh Thomas and former Hi-5 star Charli Robinson.
In April, a network insider told Woman’s Day producers had their sights set on several big names, including Home and Away’s Lincoln Younes and radio star Ash Pollard.
Big Brother VIP is the second celebrity-themed Big Brother format to air in Australia, after a first season was made back in 2002.
Cameras rolling: Omarosa will join the likes of Caitlyn Jenner, Thomas Markle Jr and Jessika Power for Australia’s Big Brother VIP in a newly built Sydney complex
The new set is currently being constructed despite the ban on building works in Sydney, after the producers were granted special permission.
Castmate Caitlyn Jenner is facing scrutiny for campaigning for Governor of California from her hotel quarantine in Australia ahead of filming the reality series.
The Republican candidate, 71, is halfway through her two-week stint in lockdown in order to participate in the series, despite the recall election being less than two months away.
She defended her decision to fly to Sydney for a TV commitment, telling Fox News on Sunday that ‘[un]like most politicians, I actually honor my contract.’
Already creating drama: Castmate Caitlyn Jenner is facing scrutiny for campaigning for Governor of California from her hotel quarantine in Australia ahead of filming the reality series
Many Americans are confused why she would be running for office from overseas as the recall campaign reaches its stretch run.
And Aussies are angry that a spot in hotel quarantine has been given to a foreign celebrity while 30,000 Australians remain stranded overseas due to border closures
But she defended her choice, saying: ‘I have had this on the books, this show that I’m doing down here in Australia, for months and months.’
Big Brother VIP will air on Seven in Australia later this year with Sonia Kruger is returning as host.
Coming soon: Big Brother VIP will air on Seven in Australia later this year with Sonia Kruger is returning as host. Pictured: Omarosa on Celebrity Big Brother USA