Made in Bondi is reportedly set to feature a cast that isn’t from the iconic beachside suburb.
According to Seven, the upcoming reality series “follows the real lives and loves of young Sydney socialites living in the affluent eastern suburbs and on the world’s most famous beach: Bondi.”
However, it appears that most of the cast members aren’t from Bondi or even Sydney at all.
“Producers have tried hard to get real local Bondi members on board with a profile, but they haven’t had much luck,” a source told The Sunday Telegraph.
The cast includes: Bella Salerno, 23, who spent much of her childhood in Europe, Molly Paradice, 23, from Scone in New South Wales and Isabella Cicero, 31, a content creator from Perth.
Pippa Hanan, 22, from Paddington, publicist Billy Daniels, 32, who moved to Paddington from Perth, and model Lachlan McLean, 27, from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, also feature in the series.
Jewellery designer Emma Pillemer, 22, is believed to be the only cast member who actually grew up in Bondi.
Sources on set also claim that the majority of filming took place in Brighton Le Sands, about 30 minutes from Bondi Beach.
Despite its name, Made in Bondi features a cast that is barely native to the iconic beachside suburb, and the series wasn’t even filmed there
“They’re clearly not targeting an Australian audience,” an insider noted. “This show is aimed at the international market, who won’t know the difference.”
Contestants reportedly received as little as $240 for a day on set.
In stark contrast, the Real Housewives of Sydney actors have contracts worth $30,000 to $50,000.
According to Seven, the upcoming reality TV series will follow ‘the real lives and loves of young Sydney socialites living in the affluent eastern suburbs and the world’s most famous beach: Bondi.’ Pictured: Emma Pillemer
Producers initially aimed high, trying to recruit model Montana Cox, fashion designer Sophie Coote, Pilates instructor Bernadette Fahey and socialites Andy El-Bayeh and his wife Harriet Williams.
When these efforts failed to yield the desired results, they had to settle for a mix of influencers and socialites from different parts of Australia and beyond.
The title of Made in Bondi suggests local glamour and beachside life, but the film could surprise viewers with its unexpected cast and filming locations.
Ny Breaking Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment.
Lawson Mahoney was born and raised in the Eastern Suburbs and attended the famous private boys’ school, The Scots College
