Big Brother is returning to ITV2 and ITVX with its biggest civilian series yet and this time, the housemates could get some very unexpected company. The new season launches on Sunday, September 13 at 9 pm, with AJ Odudu and Will Best returning as hosts. The 2026 edition will run for eight weeks, making it the longest series since ITV revived the reality show in 2023.
ITV is reportedly planning to bring familiar Big Brother faces into the civilian house, with former stars potentially arriving as guest residents or for specific tasks.
What Is The Big Brother 2026 Celebrity Twist?
According to reports, ITV bosses have been approaching famous former Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother contestants about appearing in the new civilian series. The idea is for some stars to become temporary “guest residents”, while others could enter the house for specific tasks or surprises.
Chantelle Houghton is among the names reportedly linked to the twist. Her potential return would be particularly fitting. Houghton entered Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 as a civilian and famously convinced the other housemates that she was part of a fictional pop group called Kandy Floss. She went on to win the series.
However, ITV has not officially confirmed the celebrity line-up.
Who Are The Big Brother 2026 Housemates?
The civilian cast is being kept under wraps until the launch show on September 13. That means viewers will have to wait until the premiere to discover who has agreed to spend the next eight weeks under constant surveillance.
ITV has teased a revamped house described as a “house of surprises”, promising unexpected twists, ambitious tasks, high-stakes nominations and dramatic live evictions. The longer run also gives the show more time to introduce changes to the game and put the housemates through new challenges.
While names such as Gemma Collins, Kerry Katona and JoJo Siwa have reportedly been mentioned as dream celebrity targets, they should not be considered confirmed contestants.
When Does Big Brother 2026 Start?
The Big Brother 2026 launch show airs on ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm on Sunday, September 13. AJ Odudu and Will Best are back to host the fourth civilian series since ITV brought the format back in 2023.
The show will run for eight weeks, extending the amount of time viewers get to follow the housemates’ relationships, arguments, nominations and evictions. Last year’s series began on September 28 and ran for 48 days, ending with music composer Richard Storry winning the £100,000 prize.
What Happened To Big Brother Late & Live?
The traditional Big Brother: Late & Live companion programme is being replaced by Big Brother: The Group Chat, a visualised podcast hosted by former housemate Kate Lawler and podcaster GK Barry. The programme will air from Sunday to Thursday after the main episode.
It will feature interviews with evicted housemates, celebrity fans and other special guests, while also giving viewers another place to discuss the biggest moments from inside the house. For Lawler, the new role marks a return to the franchise more than two decades after she first entered the Big Brother house.
Why Is Big Brother 2026 Expected To Be Different?
ITV is selling this as its “biggest series yet”, with an eight-week run, a redesigned house and more twists built into the format. But the reported celebrity appearances could be the element that changes the game most.
Big Brother 2026 begins Sunday, September 13 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
