REGGIE BIRD - ‘THIS TIME AROUND IS FOR MY KIDS!'

Australia’s favourite fish and chip shop owner is back for another go

- Lizzie Wilson

Who could forget the adorable Reggie Bird, the small-town Tassie lass from the local fish and chip shop who won over an entire nation with her charm and no-nonsense attitude on season three of Big Brother Australia in 2003?

Fast forward and the little Aussie battler, who famously secured a whopping 72 per cent of the final vote and $250,000 in prize money, is ready to do it all over again!

With the reality TV franchise celebrating its 21st birthday this year, Seven’s new series sees a bunch of old favourites from previous seasons up against a line-up of sassy newcomers. And the question on everyone’s lips is can the now single mum-of-two become the first person in BB history to win the title twice?

“I’m still the same old straight-shooter Reg, and yes, I may be 20 years older, but thankfully, I’m a whole lot wiser these days!” she tells Woman’s Day.

“Winning for a second time would be a dream come true. There have been lots of ups and downs, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes over the years – but geez, who hasn’t!

“My two greatest achievements in my life are my gorgeous kids – Mia, who just turned 15, and young Lucas, who is 12,” she says proudly.

“They’re real little characters! I wake up every morning, regardless of what's going on, with a smile on my face. What else could I hope for?”

A CHALLENGING TIME