The reality television landscape has been captivated by the romance between Colin Ridley and Holly Young on the latest season of *Big Brother Australia*. Their relationship has sparked significant conversation among viewers and fellow housemates, who have critiqued the couple for their frequent displays of affection and perceived detachment from the rest of the group. As the season approaches its finale on October 30, 2023, Colin’s mother, Vanessa Ridley, has shared her thoughts on her son’s journey and his unexpected romance.
In an interview with PEDESTRIAN.TV, Vanessa expressed her pride in Colin’s experiences on the show, stating, “I’m glad he has gone for what he has wanted, gone after a lovely woman. That has surprised me.” She noted that Colin is typically reserved and shy, but Holly seems to have brought out a more confident side of him. “He must have wanted it because he has gunned for it, and I couldn’t be happier for him,” she added.
Vanessa’s emotional investment in her son’s reality TV experience has not been without challenges. She admitted that watching some episodes has been “stressful,” particularly during moments when Colin faced difficulties. “When he is upset, if I feel something is unjust, I can’t do anything about it,” she remarked. To manage her stress, Vanessa has primarily focused on watching nominations and evictions, relying on friends to keep her updated on other developments.
Other Contestants’ Families Share Their Support
Vanessa is not alone in her support for her son. Other contestants’ families have also provided insights into their loved ones’ experiences. Pam Beeby, mother of contestant Coco Beeby, described watching *Big Brother* as an “emotional roller coaster.” She praised Coco for her bravery and expressed concerns about public perception. “It can be stressful, wondering how she will be judged by the public. It’s definitely something the whole family talks about,” Pam stated.
Pam strongly believes Coco deserves the grand prize of $135,000, emphasizing her daughter’s integrity and authenticity throughout the season. “She’s been true to herself with heart, humour, and honesty. She’s played the game with integrity, kindness, and strength,” she commented.
Meanwhile, Heidi Dunne, mother of contestant Bruce Dunne, shared her perspective on watching her son navigate life in front of the Australian audience. “Not a lot has surprised us as Bruce has genuinely been himself from day one — the good, the bad, and the ugly,” Heidi said. She expressed hope for Bruce to win, highlighting his courage in putting himself in the spotlight.
As the season draws to a close, Colin, Coco, and Bruce will face off against popular contestants Allana Jackson and Emily Dale in the highly anticipated finale. The excitement is palpable as fans await to see who will emerge victorious in the competitive environment of *Big Brother Australia*.
The grand finale airs at 19:30 AEDT tonight on Network 10, promising an evening filled with drama and anticipation as viewers prepare to witness the culmination of this year’s reality competition.
