The hit TV sitcom Friends is the casting template for this year's Big Brother, according to executive producer Alex Mavroidakis.
Housemate auditions start in Perth on Thursday, which is just the first of three rounds prospective contestants must pass to be considered for the reality series.
Mavroidakis said the show had already had more than 20,000 online applications, and his dream team of housemates would resemble the six main characters on Friends.
Friends ran for 10 seasons and was about the bond between Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Monica (Courteney Cox), Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), Joey (Matt Le Blanc), Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Ross (David Schwimmer).
While there will be more than six housemates, Mavroidakis said the Friends characters were the type of people he was trying to catch during a month-long expedition for contestants.
"We are looking for the cast of Friends ... we want a Monica, a Rachel, a Chandler, a Ross and so on," he said.
"We want people who are intriguing, open, fun and have something about them that hooks people in."
Big Brother hopefuls can save themselves a lot of time by filling out an application form online and uploading a video of themselves before heading to the auditions.
The first audition involves 15 random people chatting with a producer for about 20 minutes and, if successful, applicants will return with about seven other people for a second discussion.
The final round involves a chat with Mavroidakis, who ultimately decides if an applicant is Big Brother-bound.
He said applicants who uploaded a video could go straight to the second round of auditions.
Mavroidakis said the show was desperate for more over 30s and professionals.
He acknowledged a lot of people tried to use the show as a springboard to a media career, and while they were welcome to apply, ideally, he wanted a broader section of the community.
"We are unashamedly saying we want more over 30s, more parents and more professionals than ever before," Mavroidakis said.
"It's hard for them to have the time to apply and they are not the type to turn up to Big Brother auditions, but we are trying to make it easier for them.
"It's certainly not a war on wannabes this year, but the mantra of Big Brother has changed as the series has evolved."
Besides putting themselves on the line, people can now nominate a mate for Big Brother.
Mavroidakis said one producer was dedicated to sifting through the "mate" applications and seeking out those who had been put forward by a friend or family member.
To register for Big Brother, visit bigbrother.com.au.
BIG BROTHER AUDITION DATES:
April 3 - Perth, Crown, Burswood
April 5-6 - Brisbane, Pullman Hotel
April 10 - Newcastle, Hunter Stadium
April 12 & 13 - Sydney, Australian Technology Park
April 15 - Albury, Rydges Albury
April 23 - Launceston, Hotel Grand Chancellor
April 26-27 - Melbourne, Melbourne Park Function Centre
April 29 - Adelaide, Adelaide Showground
May 1 - Canberra, Hotel Realm
May 7 - Townsville, Jupiters
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