SIMON Jaeger, 23, of Gymea Bay, admits he had his reservations about The Shire reality show when he saw a leaked promotional clip in March.
But when he found out it wouldn't be following a Jersey Shore-style format, a US series which follows the social lives of a group of 20-somethings living under one roof, he was happy to join the cast.
"It's a dramality and follows real storylines," Mr Jaeger, who has been filming scenes for a few months, said.
"Whether it's a relationship or business the show just follows our normal life."
Network Ten revealed some more cast members in a promotional clip on Tuesday night.
One short snippet showed two girls, introduced as Vernesa and Sophie, discussing how they love "looking fake".
The other clip featured an aspiring rapper Rif Raf sampling some of his lyrics with a friend.
But a handful of people were quick to jump on social media to question whether these cast members were really from the shire.
One person wrote on the official Facebook page of The Shire: "Are they actually from the shire?? Not your typical shire girl."
Another posted a comment that said it would be better to show real girls from the shire like Tegan and Kerry, referring to two cast members featured in the first promotional clip.
Mr Jaeger said he was approached by a producer to join the show when he was doing some MC work.
The event planner and first grade football player for Sutherland Sharks said it was an added bonus and coincidence to find out that his two best mates — Andy, 22, and Mitch, 23 — were also part of the cast.
"I really wanted to be part of it because I thought it would be a great opportunity to do something new," Mr Jaeger said.
"I was definitely getting many different opinions from other people.
"But I didn't want to not do something out of fear of what other people thought."
A Ten spokeswoman said filming worked around each cast members' schedule.
While Mr Jaeger wouldn't give away too much, he said his girlfriend Jill, 25, would appear in some episodes.
"She's been totally happy with me being on the show," Mr Jaeger said.
"I'm not doing it with the hope to go on to bigger and better things but I think it is a fantastic stepping stone.
"I just want to make sure I have fun and I think it's a great way to promote the shire."
The Shire will premiere on Channel Ten at 8pm on Monday, July 16.
IS IT REALITY?
SUTHERLAND Shire mayor Carol Provan has defended her actions encouraging businesses not to participate in The Shire reality series.
When the mayor and her fellow councillors saw the original promotional clip leaked online in March, she said they were all concerned the reality show would promote the shire in a negative light.
She said it was her decision to go out and speak with some businesses in the community.
‘‘I believe I had a right to the community to fight for it,’’ Cr Provan said.
‘‘I can’t stop people from participating but I can certainly advise them on what I think.’’
But some readers have come out in support of the show.
One online reader Timothy left a comment : ‘‘I’ll be watching the shire indeed to support the local areas economic prospects.’’
Another, David, called Cr Provan’s reaction ‘‘disgraceful’’ with shire business owner Miles accusing her of ‘‘exploiting the situation for her own political reasons’’.
He was urged not to co-operate with the show but did anyway. The reader said the scenes he had seen were ‘‘absolutely fine’’.
Businesses who have agreed for filming to take place include Beach Burrito at Cronulla and Lucy’s Espresso Bar at Sylvania Waters.
While she hasn’t seen the latest commercial,Cr Provan hopes the show does turn out to be good.
‘‘I hope I get to eat humble pie,’’ Cr Provan said.
‘‘I suppose some people might be cranky with me but I believe I have a right to fight for the community.
‘‘I hope it does turn out to be a good show that highlights our great beaches and way of life.’’
Will you watch The Shire?
