“I didn’t want to draw attention to it.”

Big Brother Australia star was one of the most divisive contestants on the Channel 10 show.

Though she formed a close connection with Colin, 21, she clashed with many of her other housemates, including Coco.

Holly was evicted from Big Brother on Sunday, November 30, and left a very honest parting message for her housemates, in which she revealed she could count who she’d been staying in touch with “on one hand”.

She also urged the housemates to have more “compassion” after the backlash she faced, and now, she has explained the reasoning behind her words.

Speaking to Refinery 29, Holly revealed that she suffers from auditory processing disorder (APD), dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Holly Young has revealed she has ADHD and APD, which led to her being misunderstood on Big Brother. (Credit: Network 10)
APD is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing what the ears hear, while ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder which makes it difficult to manage impulsivity and stay focused.

Holly said she made the decision not to speak about her diagnoses in the house because she didn’t feel “safe” to do so, though she did hint on-screen about privately discussing “learning disabilities” stigmas with Colin.

“I just didn’t want to give anybody in the house any more ammunition, so I just thought that I would keep that to myself,” she explained.

“And honestly, I’ve worked so hard [that] I didn’t want to sort of draw attention to it.”

Holly admitted she felt she had to be “cautious” about what she said in the house because people were “nickpicking at every single thing” that she said.
Holly formed a close connection with Colin in the house. (Credit: Network 10)
“I wasn’t really open about the fact that I have an auditory processing issue and that I am dyslexic with ADHD. That’s a lot to deal with,” she explained.

“Did I want to have to disclose that to the house? No. Should I have? [It] would have made it easier for me, potentially, but at the end of the day, that’s my choice, and I’m entitled to it, so the fact that was kind of used against me did hurt.”

Holly formed a fast connection with Colin in the house after they bonded over their shared experiences, but she admitted she felt “judged” by the rest of the house.

She exclusively told New Idea, “People did really judge me in there, and I didn’t appreciate that, and my whole point was not to judge a book by its cover.

“But people made their minds up and didn’t want to give me a second chance or open their minds to it. They just buckled down whenever they could.”

Read our exclusive interview with Holly here and scroll on for everything you need to know about her.
Holly decided not to reveal her diagnoses in the house because she didn’t feel “safe” to do so. (Credit: Instagram)

Who is Holly Young?

Holly hails from Western Australia and works as an influencer and model.

Upon her arrival in the Big Brother house, Holly described herself as a “unicorn” who is full of energy.

“You guys can expect a whole lot of entertainment,” she teased.

During her career as a model, Holly has lived in Australia, London and New York, and has even attended Milan Fashion Week.

Holly boasts more than 100,000 followers on the platform, including some very recognisable names.

She is followed by radio host Jackie “O” Henderson, fashion designer Pip Edwards and funnyman Tommy Little.

Holly was also the BFF of Married At First Sight bride Carina Mirabile, with the pair often appearing on each other’s social media pages.
Holly boasts more than 110,000 followers on Instagram.
Upon her exit from the Big Brother house, Holly addressed claims that she had been “feuding” with Carina, hinting that they had grown apart.

“Carina and I have known each other since we were 15, and I have nothing negative to say about her,” she told Mamamia.

“I have noticed a few articles, but to be honest, I think that’s another thing that’s been blown massively out of proportion.

“I only wish Carina the best in life — people go on separate journeys at different times, sometimes friendships drift apart, and they come back together.

“Potentially, we’re on a drift right now, and one day I’m sure we’ll sit back, have a conversation and probably have a laugh about a few different things.”
Holly is best friends with MAFS star Carina Mirabile. (Credit: TikTok)

Who is Holly Young’s ex-boyfriend?

Holly has also dated a celebrity Australian real estate agent, who has found TV fame himself in recent years.

Last year, Holly had a whirlwind romance with none other than Luxe Listings Sydney star Gavin Rubinstein.

The pair reportedly went public with their relationship in August 2024, but quietly went their separate ways just months later after an “intense” holiday.

“Things got complicated when they started travelling together,” an insider told the Daily Mail.
Holly reportedly dated celebrity real estate agent Gavin Rubinstein last year. (Credit: Getty)
“It was fast-paced from the beginning, but they were just in different places in life.”

Holly allegedly went on to date entrepreneur Richie Harkham, who was said to be one of her exes’ friends, before they split up soon after.

She was also briefly linked to Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt in 2017 after reportedly meeting at the Crown Melbourne.