When Conor Maysey first decided to apply for *Big Brother Australia*, he was well aware of the potential backlash. As a passionate disability advocate living boldly with Tourette’s syndrome, he knew his larger-than-life personality and neurodivergent traits might invite harsh criticism. Yet, following his eviction from the house and witnessing the overwhelming wave of support online, the 31-year-old insists he has zero regrets about taking the plunge.
“You’re always putting yourself out there for negative comments or ignorant remarks about neurodiversity when you step into the TV spotlight,” Conor admits candidly. “But I figured it was a risk worth taking. And now, hearing stories like that of a young kid whose life has improved just by saying, ‘I have Tourette’s like Conor on *Big Brother*,’ it melts my heart. My whole goal was to reshape how Australians view Tourette’s—to show it’s not a punchline but a real part of who someone can be. If I’ve achieved that, then every second in the house was worth it.”
Conor doesn’t shy away from addressing his tics, the involuntary movements and sounds associated with Tourette’s that were on full display during his time on the show. He sees them not as a hindrance but as an integral part of his identity, one he’s unapologetic about sharing with the world. “Tourette’s has shaped me, but it doesn’t define me negatively,” he explains. “Going on *Big Brother* was about owning that and helping others do the same. The love pouring in now proves that vulnerability pays off.”
Inside the *Big Brother* house, Conor quickly became the go-to chef for his fellow housemates, whipping up meals that kept everyone fed amid the chaos. For him, cooking wasn’t just a chore—it was a lifeline. “I discovered my passion for cooking during my recovery from mental health struggles in my early 20s,” he reveals. “It’s incredibly therapeutic. Prepping dinner for 12 people might sound overwhelming to most, but for me, it was a way to stay grounded and process the emotional rollercoaster of the game.”
However, food soon sparked conflict in the house, particularly when some housemates began dipping into rations outside of designated meal times. Conor, driven by an unshakeable commitment to fairness—a trait he attributes to his neurodivergent perspective—couldn’t stay silent. “As someone who’s neurodivergent, I’m a real stickler for justice and equality,” he shares. “Sharing a space with adults who sometimes acted more like teens was tough. I know I came off as bossy to them, but I was just ensuring everyone got their fair share of our limited food. People have always called me ‘the bossy one,’ and *Big Brother* definitely proved them right—but in a way that aligned with my values.”
With the *Big Brother Australia* season finale airing tonight, Conor is rooting hard for his favorite housemate, the unassuming school teacher Emily, to claim the grand prize. “She’s been a ray of pure positivity from the start,” he gushes. “Emily is so authentically herself—she’s like a living *Kath and Kim* character, obsessed with Scotch Finger biscuits and plain Smiths chips. I adore her, and I truly hope she walks away with the win.”
As the finale unfolds, the question remains: Will it be Emily, Bruce, Coco, Colin, or Allana who emerges victorious? One thing’s for sure—Conor’s journey has left an indelible mark, proving that embracing your true self, tics and all, is a gamble with no real downside.