NEWCASTLE has a Big Brother housemate.

He's a police officer turned firefighter and one-time member of the controversial Exclusive Brethren.

The Network Ten reality show branded David Tchappat its "cult buster" last night.

The 32-year-old was the last contestant to enter the Big Brother house during last night's opening episode.

Ten said David had "escaped" from the Exclusive Brethren when he was 19, and that until then he had never eaten in a restaurant, been to a movie or kissed a girl.

Tchappat will take on his house adventure alone, as his family is still part of the sect and do not watch television.

He lives in Redhead despite being a relieving member of the NSW Fire Brigade's Newtown station in Sydney.

His bio also revealed him as a gym junkie who craves Hollywood gossip.

The Herald has learnt Tchappat joined the police force not long after leaving the Brethren, including work as a detective at Maroubra.

Several years ago he switched to firefighting after being on the force for six years, and has been working in Sydney while waiting for a position in Newcastle.

He also mows lawns to help top up his income.

The program's producers have tried to breathe new life into the reality program by making several changes to the 2008 series.

They recruited radio personalities Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O to host the show, and introduced a range of housemates likely to clash such as Pauline Hanson supporter Terri, and Aboriginal contestant Dixie.

David is the latest housemate from the greater Hunter area to be involved in the program.

In the first series in 2001, former Merewether lad Peter Timbs flew the flag for the region and in 2003 Daniel "Saxon" Small from the Central Coast entered the house.