Josh Moore with Big Brother
host Sonia Kruger during the special episode which allowed him to thank and
farewell fans following his brother's death. Picture: Channel 9 Source:
Supplied
Holly Byrnes, The Daily Telegraph, reports
Josh Moore described his time on Big Brother as "a test of character" and after braving the public glare of live television and sharing the pain of losing his only sibling Toby it's clear he passed that measure of a man with flying colours.
The 28-year-old said the decision to put his family before the Channel 9 contest was a "no-brainer" as was returning to thank those who had offered condolences and comfort.
Supported in the wings by his parents, Carolyn and Terry, who sat among the live audience at Dreamworld, Moore was driven to come back for closure on the TV experience which had made his late brother so proud.
"After everything that's happened to get that opportunity to come on and say goodbye and thank everybody for their support meant everything," Moore said backstage.
"I know my brother would have wanted me to do it, for sure. First
and foremost, he would have wanted me to keep going.
Given the secrecy surrounding his acceptance into the BB experiment, it
had been left to his parents to tell Toby about the reason for his little
Brother's absence - a regret, Moore says.
"I had to keep it on the down low, so Mum and Dad told him while I
was in lockdown so I never really got to see the initial pride he would have
had in his eyes which is a bit of a bummer. He would have hated the fact I was
coming out because of him but I had to be with the family."
Impressively, he was able to contain his emotions during the live
interview, handled with care by BB host Sonia Kruger, Moore openly laughed as a
highlights reel of his time inside the house was replayed - capturing the
charming ladies man with a passion and natural talent to entertain.
While touched in the end by real tragedy, many will see his exit as a
great loss for the show, with Moore favourite to win the series.
His best friend Luke McKay said while the series was a great platform
for Moore's irrepressible personality and integrity "the best he's got to
offer is still yet to be seen."
But it was never about titles or prize money, Moore said: "It was
just a good thing to do as a test of character. It's strengthened my character
and more so coming out now."
The outpouring of grief and support from fans had touched Moore but
especially his parents.
Mrs Moore, a primary school teacher said: "you see so much bad
news, people (in the media) trying to take other people down. But all the
comments, the people in the streets who have stopped us to say 'we're just so
sorry for your loss.' That's just nice and such a support for us as a
family."
Moore's father Terry, a former North Melbourne and Hawthorn player and
Adelaide Crows administrator, added: "people have been so compassionate,
it just restores your faith in mankind again.
"Toby was extremely proud, as we all are of Josh," Mrs Moore
said "and I think he would have been shattered if he was to know that
what's happened to him has cut Josh's time short. If nothing else (Josh's
return appearance) is what Toby would have wanted him to do. Josh knew how much
he loved him and he was so proud of his little brother. Since he's been home
though its just been wonderful to have him there, to hug or to cry with."
While Moore will meet a round of media commitments this week, it is only
when he retreats away from the spotlight again his father says the mourning
will really begin.
"The hard time of grieving is actually when you're on your own.
That is really, really tough, that's when you cry. When you're out and doing
things and you've got lots of people around you and lots of things happening
that take your mind away from it. It helps you get through it better...it's not
that you're not grieving it's just that your mind is not on it for a
minute."
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