Jamie’s back in the real world

By Callan Date
BERWICK’S Big Brother housemate has been booted off the reality television show.
Jamie McDonald, 29, was evicted last Sunday night after spending more than 70 days inside the Gold Coast house.
The karaoke host survived several evictions before his number was up, but not before he had Australia laughing, and sometimes cringing, at his behaviour.
Only days after he was released into the real world Jamie spoke with the News about his time inside Australia’s most watched house.
“It has been absolutely insane. I was thrown on to the eviction stage and was grilled by Gretel and then after that they blindfolded me and I went and had drinks with the ninjas (Big Brother crew),” Jamie said.
He said he had been lapping up some basic privileges in the first few days since his eviction.
“I’ve been eating normal food. I have been able to shower without my clothes on and I’ve been able to go to the toilet without people watching.”
Jamie said he was unsure what the future would hold but like many fellow Big Brother evictees, he would like to score a more permanent role on television.
He said he and fellow housemate, Pakenham resident Travis Perkins, spoke regularly about life in the Casey-Cardinia region.
“Travis is a huge chance to win. We have already organised to meet down at the Berwick Pub and catch up for a pot and a parma when he gets out.
“I absolutely love Berwick. I love the look and the feel of the place and I love the people in Berwick. It’s a great place to live.”
Travis, 32, drives trucks for Safeway for a living and has been applauded by many for his sense of humour and funny antics with other housemates.
According to website Sportingbet Australia, Travis is $2.25 favourite to win.
Jamie said his one major regret from his time in the house was a drunken episode after winning Friday Night Games.
“I got drunk and said I was the smartest housemate. But by saying that I proved that I am the dumbest housemate.”
Jamie’s real-life housemate, Caren Bode, said it had been a wild ride watching her best friend on television every day.
“It’s been crazy. The whole experience has been positive but very busy,” she said.