She burst onto our screens as a cheeky, blonde 21-year-old, but more than two decades later, Big Brother Australia's original star Sara-Marie Fedele is almost unrecognisable.
From Bunny Ears to a New Chapter
Sara-Marie Fedele first captured the nation's heart back in 2001 on the inaugural season of Big Brother Australia. Known for her outspoken nature, iconic bunny ears, and the infamous 'bum dance', the fresh-faced contestant quickly became one of the show's most beloved personalities.
Now 47, the reality TV icon looks dramatically different from the young woman viewers voted into third place. While she has maintained a relatively low profile since her time in the spotlight, a recent profile with the Sydney-based Harry M Miller talent agency reveals a radiant and slimmer Fedele with sleek, long black hair replacing her trademark blonde locks.
A Life Beyond the Big Brother House
Despite her changed appearance, Fedele's signature cheeky grin remains. Her post-Big Brother career was varied and successful. Following her eviction in 2001, she capitalised on her fame by launching her own sleepwear line, writing a book, and even releasing a pop single titled 'I'm So Excited (The Bum Dance)'.
Her reality TV journey didn't end with her first stint. She returned for the show's celebrity edition in 2002 and later served as a panellist on the spin-off show, Big Mouth, in 2008. She also enjoyed presenting roles, including on the children's programme Totally Wild, and tested her skills on Dancing With The Stars in 2005.
The Bum Dance Queen Today
In a rare 2023 television appearance on Channel Seven's Sunrise, Fedele joined her former housemate Blair McDonough, leaving fans astonished by her significant weight loss and glowing presence. During the interview, she reflected on the simple origins of her famous quirks.
"I used to wear the bunny ears so I didn't have to do my hair and I used to do the bum dance to send a signal to my sisters to let them know I was happy," she explained. "They were very simple things that made me famous."
Today, the one-time 'bum dance' queen has traded the chaos of fame for a quieter life. She now resides in Perth and is a proud mother to her ten-year-old daughter. While she can be booked for hosting or special guest appearances, her focus remains firmly on family life, marking a profound transformation for one of Australia's original reality stars.
