Sonia's dry run for Ellen

TV presenter Sonia Kruger. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: The Sunday Telegraph

Debbie Schipp, The Sunday Telegraph, reports

Sonia Kruger will host Ellen DeGeneres' first official function when the US talk-show queen hits Australia next month, but it'll be a dry affair for Kruger.

The Mornings presenter will steer clear of the cocktails thanks to a new year detox.

The event, at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, will be the welcoming party for DeGeneres who'll record segments for her show here.

Kruger admits she's anxious about the gig but won't be calming the nerves with a drink. "It makes me more nervous than the launch night of Big Brother because she is so fabulous. We all love Ellen," she says.

"I think I'm going to keep it straight, but I'd love to get a bit of groove on with Ellen.

"If I don't feel better at the end of (the detox), I am never doing it again."

With MasterChef judge George Calombaris catering, the party's food should suit Kruger's health kick, as well as DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi, who are strict vegans.

At 47, Kruger has a body most women half her age would kill for and confesses she hardly exercises.

"It's from years of dancing. I'm lucky if I walk the dog." She enjoys doing Zumba, hip-hop and jazz, but struggles to make it a regular commitment.

Kruger is back co-hosting Mornings with David Campbell on Nine from tomorrow and will again call the shots on Big Brother this year. She says Mornings is planning a more "magazine" style format for 2013.

"I think now there are a lot of opportunities for morning television to fill in the gaps. We are going to try to do a few more outside broadcasts this year. To do a bit more out of Queensland and also get down to Melbourne when the opportunity presents itself."

Seven's shock Winners and Losers finale a buzz for TV actor Blair McDonough

Blair McDonough's character was killed off in dramatic Winners and Losers finale on Seven. Source: National Features

Nui Te Koha and Colin Vickery, The Daily Telegraph, report

Winners and Losers star Blair McDonough reckons there is life after his television death.

A healthy 1.172 million Aussie viewers watched the explosive 2012 finale of the Channel 7 drama last night.

McDonough's character Matt O'Connor was killed when his ute stacked with gas cylinders exploded.

Seven had teased viewers with a "Who will die?'' promotion in the lead-up to last night's show.

"I've been bruised, bashed, beaten and blown up,'' McDonough said today. "My deaths have become run of the mill.''

McDonough shot to fame when he was the runner-up on the first series of reality show Big Brother.

It led to an acting career which has included Aussie shows Neighbours, City Homicide, and Sea Patrol.

McDonough also starred in UK police drama Heartbeat.

"On Neighbours I had temporary blindness and broke a few limbs, on City Homicide I was killed by a metal pole to the head, and in Sea Patrol I was bashed by Navy officers and then sentenced to life in jail,'' the 31-year-old says.

The death of McDonough's Matt O'Connor came after it was revealed that he had betrayed wife Bec (Zoe Tuckwell-Smith) by having an affair with rival Tiffany Turner (Michala Banas).

"It's good to have a story arc, get to where you want to go, and then shock everyone,'' McDonough says.

Winners and Losers has been commissioned for a third series, which will screen in 2013.

Gillard should back gay marriage, says mother of Big Brother winner Benjamin Norris

"I just share my life with her,'' says Big Brother winner Benjamin Norris of his mother Jane. Picture: Norm Oorloff

Andrew Fenton, News Limited Network, reports

Most mums probably wouldn't think it was "fabulous'' if their son completely ignored their advice but Jane Needham does.

That's because she advised her son, Big Brother winner Benjamin Norris, to stop applying to be a housemate after his fourth failed attempt in a row.

"I said: 'Promise me you won't do that again' because he was always so disappointed he didn't get in,'' the 59-year-old teacher said with a chuckle.

"This time he didn't tell me until the last minute when he was sure he got in and it's just been fabulous!''

Needham, from the Melbourne suburb of Templestowe, was the first person let inside the Big Brother house on Wednesday night to congratulate her boy on winning $250,000 and a new car.

As she let out a squeal and embraced him, he attributed his win to her. "You taught me really good things,'' he said, but she replied: "You've done all this yourself.''

Norris, 32, admits to being a "bit of a mummy's boy'' as a kid, but added they'd grown even closer since the age of 19 when she'd stopped mothering him and became a close confidant instead.

"I just share my life with her,'' the Toorak accounts manager said.

"People think it's odd that I'd pick up the phone and ring her no matter what I'd done, whether good or bad and say 'why would you tell your mum that?''

"But I continue to share my life with my mum because I love what she has to say and she continues to have these amazing values.''

The pair's bond only grew stronger during a horror 2006 when Norris' father Graeme committed suicide (his parents divorced when he was two) and Needham was diagnosed with cancer of the salivary glands. While she fully recovered, the events sent Norris into a major depression and he needed his mother more than ever. She made sure to pop around regularly and arrange lunches and dinners to make sure he was alright.

"It makes things a lot better if you can share them with your family,'' she said.

Needham said she'd known for years her son was gay before he came out and it didn't change a thing. And she said his surprise marriage proposal to Ben Williams, 27, at the end of the finale set a good example for kids struggling with their sexuality, to see "there are people who probably felt the same way they did at school who can go on to have a fantastic life.''

"I think Julia Gillard should be on the bandwagon for gay marriage,'' she said.

Big Brother winner Benjamin Norris' proposal for a gay marriage that will never happen

Big Brother winner Benjamin Norris, with host Sonia Kruger, jumps for joy after winning the show's $250,000 cash prize. But the real surprise was about to come. Picture: Paul Broben Source: Supplied

Andrew Fenton, News Limited Network, reports

It was the proposal that made headlines across the nation.

Big Brother winner Benjamin Norris - after claiming the major prize of $250,000 and a new car - got down on bended knee, pulled out a diamond passed down from his great-grandfather and asked for his partner Ben Williams' hand in marriage.

It was a touching moment, one that brought the issue of gay marriage into the lounge rooms of the 1.5 million Australian viewers who tuned in to watch the Big Brother finale on Channel Nine.

But this was a proposal for a wedding that will never happen.

Under Australian law, the best the couple can hope for is a civil union after the federal Parliament delivered a crushing defeat of proposed changes to the gay marriage laws in September.

Despite his public proposal, Norris, 32, insists he does not want to be a poster boy for gay marriage.

"This is not a protest, it's not a political statement," he said after the finale. "This is me living my life and being honest about myself."

Both Norris and Williams said the proposal was more a public declaration of love than a political manifesto and they're both perfectly content with a civil union in front of family and friends (though Williams believes there shouldn't be any barriers for marriage equality).

"I don't know if a Big Brother's contestant's opinion on it all (changing gay marriage laws) comes to being very relevant. What is relevant is someone going on Big Brother and being in love and saying to their partner Will You Marry Me?"

It's a much different situation in the US where gay advocates say this week's election was a tipping point in the battle for marriage equality and are readying themselves to take advantage of what they believe is an unstoppable cultural and generational shift in their favour.

Voters in Maine, Maryland and Washington state have approved same-sex marriage in local referendums on social issues.

It is the first time gay marriage has been backed by popular vote despite 35 such polls elsewhere in the US.

Gay marriage is permitted in six states, but those laws were passed by legislators or by courts.

So will Norris's on-air proposal signify a cultural shift in Australian attitudes towards marriage?

In an open letter to Julia Gillard yesterday, News Ltd journalist Matt Young urged Australian politicians to take a strong stance on gay marriage.

The Prime Minister made her position clear months ago when she declared Barack Obama's support for same-sex marriage would not change her view on the issue.

"I've made my mind up," she told ABC radio. "My view's not changing, I believe what I believe."

The Big Brother on-air proposal, Matt Young wrote, had left him unmoved.

"It's a nice gesture, but unless they move to Buenos Aires, it's not going to happen," he said.

Joyous ending for Big Brother winner Ben Norris after years of heartbreak

Ben Norris celebrates as his new fiance Ben Williams watches on. Source: Supplied

Andrew Fenton, The Daily Telegraph, reports

Gay Big Brother winner Benjamin Norris has spoken candidly about the years of tragedy and heartache he endured before his new fiance Ben Williams helped turn his life around.

In a triumphant ending to this year's Big Brother, after Norris won the major prize of $250,000 and a new car, he got down on one knee, pulled out a diamond passed down from his great-grandfather and asked for Williams' hand in marriage.

Norris, 32, from Toorak, Victoria, said he hoped sharing his story would give comfort to others experiencing dark times.

Just two years ago, Norris was still battling to overcome grief and depression following his father Graeme's suicide, and his mother Jane's cancer diagnosis in 2006.

''There are no words to describe the four years that led from that, it was a grieving process that not even I to this day understand,'' the most popular housemate said yesterday, tired and still emotional from the mammoth events of the night before.

''People laughed at some of the things I did on Big Brother and that's beautiful, to think that maybe some people out there who are experiencing hardships might think: 'I just need to wait the time out'.''

Norris credits his strong relationship with his mother Jane Needham, 59 – ''an incredible woman'' and his three-year relationship with live-in partner Williams for getting him through the tough times.

He admits to being a wild child in his twenties and making ''every mistake'' it was possible to make.

His mum says he was frequently penniless and had trouble holding down a job.

''I was living life at a level that was overwhelming and it took me to meet Ben to start putting my life in my 20s behind me,'' he said.

''He tamed me.''

Williams, 27, who still appeared stunned by the shock marriage proposal yesterday said: ''I ground him. He's the crazy one and I'm the sensible one and that kind of balance is important in a relationship.''

The pair are similar in many ways, apart from looks and first names.

They also share a job at Scoupon, with Williams stepping into the role while Norris was on Big Brother.

Importantly both Norris and Williams said the marriage proposal was more a public declaration of love than a political manifesto – and they'e both perfectly content with a civil union in front of family and friends (though Williams believes there shouldn't be any barriers for marriage equality).

''This is not a protest, it's not a political statement,'' Norris said.

And as for adopting or having a child using a surrogate?

Williams first heard about it through the media – but he still sees children in their future.

''I'm obsessed with children,'' he revealed.

''We've just opened a new chapter in our life but hopefully one day we can have a family just like any other couple.''

''We have a dog Oscar and that's our child for the time being.''

The Big Brother finale was a big success for Nine drawing a peak audience of 1.5 million viewers.

Programming chief Andrew Backwell said the figures means the network was ''seriously considering'' making an announcement on another season soon.

Josh Moore thanks fans for their support and talks about brother's death

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."

Biggest ratings battle to date starts Sunday night

Nine will be in big trouble if Big Brother doesn't work, says media analyst, Steve Allen. Picture: Channel Nine Source: news.com.au

Colin Vickery, The Daily Telegraph, reports

TV audiences will be spoilt for prime time viewing choices in a $100 million TV war that begins Sunday night.

That is when Channel 10 will unleash Sarah Murdoch-hosted talent show Everybody Dance Now.

Dance is the start of a mammoth roll-out by Ten that includes I Will Survive, Puberty Blues, Don’t Tell the Bride and Can of Worms with new host Chrissie Swan.

Nine is firing back with a swag of new shows including Underbelly: Badness, Big Brother, Howzat!, House Husbands, The Farmer Wants a Wife, Charlie Sheen’s Anger Management and Dallas.

Seven has The X Factor, US drama GCB, and Beauty & The Geek ready to roll.

This is the fiercest ratings battle yet and viewers will be spoiled for choice.

Media analyst Steve Allen says Ten is taking a big chance by coming out of the gates first.

Ten is relying on local shows to boost its ratings fortunes after a being swamped by Seven and Nine in the first half of the year.

“This is a huge roll of the dice (for Ten) and it is Aussie, Aussie, Aussie,” Allen says.

One of the big questions is whether three talent shows – Dance, Survive and X Factor – can all flourish at the same time.

Ten is putting Dance up against the Olympics. It poached Packed to the Rafters star Hugh Sheridan for Survive.

Allen doubts they can all be hits.

“You can’t double or triple a genre,” Allen says. “The overall audience goes up but the averages fall.”

Big Brother is Nine’s most crucial show. The reality show, hosted by Sonia Kruger, is set to run for three months.

A strong ratings performance by Big Brother will boost all of Nine’s other shows.

“If Big Brother doesn’t get up, Nine will have a lot of problems,” Allen says.

Seven and Nine are in a neck-and-neck battle for 2012 ratings supremacy.

Seven scored first blood with My Kitchen Rules but Nine hit back with The Block and The Voice.

Seven is taking a punt on Kath & Kim repeats and programs that have already screened on Foxtel – Smash and Killing Time.

Channel 10:

Everybody Dance Now
Dance talent show hosted by Sarah Murdoch. Kelly Rowland and Jason Derulo are in charge of 88 dance acts chasing the $250,000 first prize.
Starts: August 12

I Will Survive
Talent show looks for singer/dancer/actor to be in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert stage show. Hosted by Packed to the Rafters star Hugh Sheridan.
Starts: August 22

Puberty Blues
TV reboot of classic Aussie novel by Gabrielle Cary and Kathy Lette. Cast includes Claudia Karvan.
Starts: August 15

Don’t Tell the Bride
Reality show where grooms plan weddings. Hosted by Kate Ritchie.
Starts: August 21

Can of Worms
Chrissie Swan replaces Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson for show that asks curly moral questions.
Starts: August 20

Channel 9:

Underbelly Badness
Latest in crime franchise stars Jonathan LaPaglia as Sydney underworld figure Anthony “Badness” Perish.
Starts: August 13

The Farmer Wants a Wife – Love Bites
Six farmers go on 200 speed dates in the latest edition of Nine’s romance series.
Starts: August 15

Big Brother
Family-friendly version of famed reality show on a new network. Hosted by Sonia Kruger.
Starts: August 13

Howzat!
Lachy Hulme stars as media mogul Kerry Packer in this two-part drama about World Series Cricket.
Starts: August 19

Anger Management
Charlie Sheen returns to sitcoms after getting fired from Two and a Half Men.
Starts: August 14

House Husbands
Aussie drama about men who raise kids. Gary Sweet, Rhys Muldoon, Gyton Grantley and Firass Dirani play title roles.
Starts: August/September

Dallas
Original Dallas cast including Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy return for soap opera about wealthy Dallas oil and cattle-ranching family.
Starts: August/September

Channel 7:

The X Factor
Same judges – Ronan Keating, Guy Sebastian, Natalie Bassingthwaite, Mel B – new talent including Bella Ferraro and boyband What About Tonight.
Starts: August 20

GCB
US drama from Sex and the City creator Darren Starr. Kristin Chenoweth and Leslie Bibb play southern belles.
Starts: August/September

Kath & Kim: The Souvenir Editions
Repackaged episodes of Kath & Kim with new introductions by Gina Riley and Jane Turner.
Starts: August/September

Smash
Broadway drama starring Debra Messing and Anjelica Huston. Think of it as a grown-up Glee.
Starts: August/September

Killing Time
David Wenham stars in acclaimed mini-series about disgraced lawyer Andrew Fraser.
Starts: August/September

Channel 9's Big Brother reboot wants you

Feeling famous or infamous ... The new look Big Brother- she new new logo - is looking for contestants. Picture: Channel 9 Source: Supplied

Holly Byrnes, The Daily Telegraph, reports

Got a Bunny wiggle the world needs to see? Not afraid to doona dance in front of the nation? Or just like the idea of doing nothing to get famous?

Then Big Brother wants you, with Channel 9 hitting the road for an extensive 'housemate hunt' next month.

The casting call for the revamped reality series will hit all major capital series, with filming expected to begin in late August.

Mornings co-host Sonia Kruger will front the franchise, with a brand new house set for construction at the home of the old one at Gold Coast's Dreamworld theme park.

BB executive producer Alex Mavroidakis said top of the search list were "people who have warmth, intelligence, humour and no agenda. It's the man on the street, the girl next door."

The format proved the launch pad for several media careers including radio host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald, TV commentator Pete Timbs and Logie winner Chrissie Swan.

Kruger said the reboot would see the "return of all that is good about the format - a mix of big event television, totally watchable Australians, engaging conversation and most importantly, humour."

And a final word of advice for hopefuls, says Mavroidakis: "do not try to second guess what we are look for. The truth is there is no 'Big Brother' type. Be yourself, be engaging and you might just win us - and Australia - over."

The Sydney search begins on April 29 at Penrith Panthers. For more audition details go to www.ninemsn.com.au/BigBrother.

Blair McDonough helps out with world thong record

Blair McDonough will be helping out at the Havaianas Australia Day thong challenge. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

The Herald Sun reports

Winners and Losers actor Blair McDonough is rallying Victorians to head down to the beach this Australia Day to set a new Guinness World Record.

Participants will flock to Torquay on Thursday to try and set a record for the longest line of giant inflatable thongs in the water, while raising cash for Nippers lifesaving programs.

McDonough agreed it would be a tough day in the office but said he was up to the challenge.

"Australia Day never used to mean much more than an excuse for another public holiday, but you finish this and you feel slightly patriotic," he said.

McDonough has enjoyed a strong career in acting since being the runner-up on the first series of Big Brother in 2001.

The show will be revived by Nine later this year and McDonough said he hoped producers choose the cast carefully.

"I hope they choose the ones that are a bit interesting rather than the ones that are just shocking," he said. "The first few really worked."

For more details on the Havaianas event, visit havaianasthongchallenge.com.au.