Gretel Killeen

Gretel Killeen was born on February 3, 1963, in Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia. She embarked on a multifaceted career that includes writing, producing, and acting. Her early television presence began with regular appearances on ‘Midday with Ray Martin’ on the Nine Network from 1989 to 1991, where she wrote and performed in the sketch ‘A Town Like Dallas.’ In 1990, she co-hosted ‘Coast to Coast’ for the Nine Network. Killeen is widely recognized for her role as the host of ‘Big Brother Australia’ from its inaugural season in 2001 through to its seventh season in 2007, including ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ in 2002. She was replaced as host in late 2007 as part of a show revamp. Beyond hosting, she has also been involved in writing for the ‘Big Brother’ series (2005-2007) as a screenwriter and scriptwriter for ‘Big Brother Uncut’ (2005-2007).

Her career expanded into significant roles as a writer and producer, notably for ‘Jimmy and Gret Don’t Do Sex’ in 2011, where she also acted as ‘Gret’. Killeen demonstrated her versatility by producing ‘How Not to Behave’ in 2015 for ABC TV, a series she also co-hosted with Matt Okine. As an actress, her credits include ‘Gettin’ Square’ (2003) as Rhonda Halliwell and playing Angela Mercy in ‘The Horizon’ web series from 2009 to 2017. She further participated in Australian television as a contestant on ‘The Masked Singer’ in 2019 and competed in ‘The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition’ in 2025 with her daughter Epiphany. In late 2025, Killeen was announced as the new host for ‘The Traitors Australia,’ set to air in 2026, succeeding Rodger Corser. Her literary contributions include numerous successful books, spanning several series like ‘Fleur Trotter’ and ‘The My Sister series.’

Killeen has also taken on prominent roles outside of regular programming, co-hosting the Sydney New Year’s Eve telecast in 2006-07 and the Australia Day eve celebrations in 2006 and 2007. In 2009, she hosted the ‘TV Week Logie Awards,’ making a memorable entrance in an angel costume. Her diverse experience also includes radio, filling in on Nova 100’s ‘Hughesy, Kate & Dave’ in 2003. She has been a regular guest on various morning and talk shows, including ‘Studio 10,’ ‘Sunrise,’ and ‘The Project,’ highlighting her continued presence and relevance in Australian media. In 2000, she received a Mo Award for Female Comedy Performer of the Year, recognizing her talent in live entertainment.