The Real Housewives of Melbourne Cast Announced

“The Real Housewives of Melbourne” won’t hit TV screens until 2014, but viewers can now guess the drama that will unfold on the show based on the recently revealed cast. Based on the popular U.S. reality show, the Australian franchise is set to feature the pampered lifestyle of six affluent women who will “have Australia talking.”

Foxtel has announced the six women who are joining the cast of the show formerly known as “The Real Housewives of Australia,” and if there’s anything that viewers of the series franchise in the U.S. know, it’s that the cast were picked because they promise to be controversial in the show.

“The Real Housewives of Melbourne features a fabulous array of privileged, powerful, and glamorous women and is sure to be compelling viewing embracing all the drama and extravagance, triumphs, and pitfalls we have come to love about the Real Housewives franchise,” Brian Walsh, Foxtel Executive Director of Television, said, as per TV Tonight.

“We settled on Melbourne because it had the strongest selection of women – colourful identities with the most lavish of lifestyles and who are prepared to talk and not hold back! I think we have a very special group of women who will have Australia talking.”

The reality show is now in production, but there’s no definite air date yet. Foxtel’s Arena channel will premiere the show in early 2014.

The cast of “The Real Housewives of Melbourne”:

Andrea Moss – A former TV journalist in New York, Andrea now runs a multi-million dollar plastic surgery and cosmetic business in Toorak with her husband, Dr Chris Moss, who is regarded as one of the world’s finest facial plastic surgeons. She’s also a mum to three children under 11.

Gina Liano – One of Melbourne’s top barristers, Gina is a single mother of two, and a sister to designers Bettina and Teresa Liano.

Lydia Schiavello – An interior design and decoration student at RMIT University, Lydia is recently married to well known architect and CEO Andrew Norbury. She leads a diverse lifestyle and loves spending time with her family, which is composed of her six children and step-children.

Janet Roach – Described as “fabulous and fun,” Janet, a millionaire property developer, is living her life to the fullest as she rediscovers herself after leaving husband number two overnight. She’s a mum of two adult boys, aged 25 and 29.

Chyka Keebaugh – A mother of two teenagers, Chyka is a co-owner of one of the country’s largest and most successful and extravagant event companies, The Big Group and The Design Depot.

Jackie Gillies – Wife of Silverchair drummer Ben Gillies, Jackie is the youngest of the cast. She’s not only the wife of a rock royalty, she’s also a celebrity psychic.

In case some Aussies are not familiar with the series, here’s a preview of the show’s New Jersey franchise in the U.S.