Made in Bondi reportedly features a cast that does not hail from the iconic seaside suburb at all.
According to Seven, the upcoming reality series “follows the real lives and loves of young Sydney socialites living in the wealthy eastern suburbs and on the world’s most famous beach – Bondi.”
However, it seems that most of the cast members are not actually from Bondi, or even Sydney.
“Producers tried very hard to get real Bondi locals with a profile on board, but they didn’t have much luck,” a source told The Sunday Telegraph.
Instead, the cast includes: Bella Salerno, 23, who spent much of her childhood in Europe, Molly Paradice, 23, from Scone in outback 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 appear in the series.
Jewellery designer Emma Pillemer, 22, is believed to be the only cast member genuinely raised in Bondi.
Sources on the set also claim that most of the filming took place at Brighton Le Sands, approximately 30 minutes from Bondi Beach.
Despite its name, Made in Bondi features a cast that isn’t exactly from the iconic seaside suburb, and the series wasn’t even filmed there.
“It’s clear they’re not targeting an Australian audience,” one source said. “This show is aimed at the international market, who won’t know the difference.”
It was also reported that participants were paid as little as $240 for a day on set.
In stark contrast, the cast of the Real Housewives of Sydney have contracts worth between $30,000 and $50,000.
According to Seven, the upcoming reality series “follows the real lives and loves of Sydney’s socialites living in the wealthy eastern suburbs and on the world’s most famous beach – Bondi.” Pictured: Emma Pillemer
Producers initially aimed high, attempting 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 bear fruit, they had to make do with a mix of influencers and socialites from various parts of Australia and abroad.
With a title that suggests local glamour and beachside living, Made in Bondi could surprise viewers with its unexpected cast and filming locations.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment.
Born and raised in the eastern suburbs, Lawson Mahoney attended the renowned private boys’ school, The Scots College.
