Gretel Killeen returns to the spotlight in The Rocky Horror Show. She speaks to AXN about playing a sexually-repressed librarian, writing a film, and life after Big Brother.

Think what you may about Gretel Killeen, but there’s no denying that the woman has talent. Best known for her seven-year stint as the host of reality TV series Big Brother, Killeen has honed her witty and outspoken style as a stand-up comedian, a scriptwriter, and as the author of 25 books including children’s literature and more adult fare, such as the popular Visible Panty Line (1998). Killeen can now add naughty librarian to her list of achievements, as she takes a new spin on the role of Narrator in the Sydney production of The Rocky Horror Show.

“I’ve decided to play it as a sexually-repressed librarian – now this may be too optimistic on my behalf because I am questioning my own acting ability, and finding it difficult to walk and talk at the same time,” Killeen tells AXN. “That said, she’s a sexually-repressed librarian who’s somewhat unexpectedly titillated by the story… and it’s actually coming incredibly naturally!”

Killeen was chuffed to join such a talented cast. “I’d already seen the production and loved it. And then they asked me [if I would play the Narrator], which was fantastic because I’m finishing writing a novel at the moment, and we all know writing could do with dressing up in suspenders by night,” Killeen laughs.

Killeen is particularly enthralled to be working with underground musician cum musical theatre sensation iOTA (Hedwig and the Angry Inch). “The cast is extraordinary, but obviously this really does revolve around iOTA and that extraordinary voice and charisma,” she says.

While she has spent many years in the limelight, whether on TV or doing stand-up comedy, acting on stage presents new challenges for Killeen. “The last time I sang was in Bye Bye Birdie when I was about 14 at school, so the talent on this production is overwhelming. But they’re cuddling me through!”

In October last year, it was announced that Killeen would not be returning to host the 2008 season of Big Brother, sparking rumours that she was unceremoniously ditched from the show. During her time on the notorious reality series, Killeen was affectionately dubbed ‘Gretsky’ by her fans, and criticised by the media for supposedly steamrolling particular housemates on eviction nights.

But Killeen remains positive about the experience. “It was a challenging and difficult experience,” she muses. “But I’ve raised two children [Ezekiel and Epiphany] by myself, and Big Brother allowed me to do that. It help me financially and I could still be a complete and utter hands-on Mum.

“It’s great to have experiences that make you think ‘can you imagine? I did that. I had that extraordinary experience and spoke in front of those people, and the Prime Minister of the time said so and so and there was scandal…’. I’m really glad I did it – I’m a changed woman as a result.”

Nevertheless, Killeen was often the victim of vicious ‘anti-Gretel’ campaigns – she had websites and petitions started in her honour, and was often the subject of gruesome public autopsies. But she maintains it never touched her life.

“I didn’t seek it out,” she states. “I had to make a rule – don’t seek comment, whether it’s negative or positive, and trust yourself. And you have to ignore anything that might tip that upside-down. You cannot take on a million diverse opinions of yourself.

“Just as I have a right to my opinion, other people have a right to their opinion. But everyone loves a drama and a scandal, don’t they?”

And what does she think about how new hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O are handling the show?

“I haven’t watched the series on purpose because I didn’t want to be in a situation where I was complicating life by having seen it and not really giving my opinions of it. I’ve come from seven years of not necessarily being able to express my own opinion and I thought, I’m not working in TV at the moment so I don’t have to tow the line. So I don’t watch it. And imagine if they were fantastic – who wants to see that?!”

The Rocky Horror Show is on at the Star Theatre, Star City, Sydney, Wednesdays-Sundays. Gretel plays the Narrator until July 27. Book at www.ticketmaster.com.au or call 1300 795 267.