Kruger smashed the glass ceiling with talent
“Without giving away too much – there are so many secret rooms and escape routes and tunnels,” Kruger shares. “We’ve seen the couch that opens up in the promo. People sort of disappear from time to time and also arrive in interesting fashion.
“What fascinates me is guys such as m my partner (Channel 7 executive Craig Mcpherson) are looking at the house and thinking it’s really cool, while women are more interested in the characters who are going into the house.”
Kruger also refutes the oft-repeated claims that contestants are exploited or edited into a particular character.
“It’s a really funny, outdated view that we somehow edit them into villains or heroes,” Kruger says. “What happens is it’s a bit like the layers of an onion that get peeled away and then the real person is revealed.
“(Contestant) Daniel is not a villain but he’s definitely a very strategic player of the game. He’s a real estate agent so he understands the art of the deal. Some people might see that a certain way and others will look at it and think how clever.
“Obviously it is edited but essentially to try to make sure the episode are pacy – there’s an eviction every episode this year so there’s a lot to get through.”
Seven announced it would be making a local celebrity version this year and Kruger can hardly wait for filming to start. It’s been hugely popular overseas and she anticipates it will go gangbusters here. And she has a wish list – with international stars Ricky Gervais and James Corden topping it.
Kruger hadn’t quite planned for such a busy year, but, as she says, plans change. She pauses when we ask if she is good at saying no in general.
“That’s a really good question – I want to say I am but I’m thinking in reality, probably no.”
So while saying no to the abundance of amazing work opportunities is not only tough, but highly unlikely, Kruger balances that with declining social invitations.
“I don’t actually go out a lot these days – I like to be at home in the evening and have that time with Maggie, especially now she has got school the next day. To be honest, I prefer a nice long lunch these days.”