Julie Chen Takes ET on a Tour of the Big Brother House

"Julie Chen takes ET on a tour of the new "Big Brother" house for the reality series' eighth season.

Nowhere is it more clear that a house is not a home than in the house that CBS built for the eighth season premiere of "Big Brother," premiering Thursday, July 5 at 8 p.m.

"We have this fantasy 'Alice in Wonderland' feel," explains series host JULIE CHEN, who takes ET down the rabbit hole to point out the special features.

First up are the three bedrooms: One is very tiny, one is very large, and one is just right. It may sound more like the "Three Bears," but it is really a takeoff on the portion of the movie where Alice grows 10-feet tall and then shrinks to a very small size.

"I am maybe five feet, five inches on a good day, and I had to stoop to get in," says Julie, pointing out the tiny doorway. "This bedroom is made to make you feel larger than life. I can touch both ends [of the bed] with both of my hands. Look at the little stool, look at the little furniture. You know how they say the camera adds 10 pounds? This room adds 50."

The small-sized bedroom isn't the only one that will cause the house guests some discomfort. The too-large bedroom requires a step-stool to get in bed -- and to put clothes into the chest of drawers, making its inhabitants feel very small. There is also one bedroom that is just right, but still a little unique, with a king-sized round bed.

"This is what we call the romance room, in case anyone wants to get romantic this season on 'Big Brother,'" Julie adds.

There is also a gym where the house guests can work out to stay healthy -- and to burn off steam. And speaking of steam, the bathroom once again features a double shower, but affords a bit of privacy with a shower curtain and frosted glass. But even on the "throne," "Big Brother" contestants will be observed.

"Up in that corner, that little hole -- that is a camera," Julie shows ET. "The reason we have that is we don't want to have anywhere in the house where people can have secret conversations."

The eighth season of "Big Brother" will be adding a new element to the game, which will not only involve the people who are living in the house, but the viewers as well. The viewers are going to be able to get involved like they never have before.

"I can tell you that everything is not what it appears to be initially," Julie says."

Source: ETOnline