Big Brother set to include new twist to format for 2026

Big Brother is set for a format change as it is reportedly going to introduce previous celebrity contestants into the 2026 edition <i>(Image: Getty Images)</i>
Big Brother is set for a format change as it is reportedly going to introduce previous celebrity contestants into the 2026 edition (Image: Getty Images)
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Big Brother is set to return with a fresh twist for its latest series.

ITV is reportedly planning to bring back former Celebrity Big Brother (CBB) stars as surprise guests during the civilian edition, which launches on September 13.

Producers are reportedly in talks with celebrities from all previous editions of the programme, including the Channel 4 and Channel 5 versions.

Big names including Gemma Collins, Kerry Katona, and JoJo Siwa have been suggested as possible contenders, though no official confirmations have been made.

A source told The Sun: "ITV are always thinking up new ways to inject even more fun into Big Brother.

"When Sharon Osbourne came into CBB as a lodger a couple of years ago it worked really well.

"The plan is to find big stars from all of the CBB’s series to come in and surprise the housemates.

"Finer details are still being thrashed out, with the idea that some would come in as guest residents and some for specific tasks."

It added: "ITV are working hard on lining up their dream celebs to come on board and they think it could work a treat."

Newsquest has contacted ITV for comment.

How long will Big Brother be on TV for?

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the upcoming series has been extended by an additional seven days, giving the show a full seven-week run.

Celebrity Big Brother, meanwhile, will not be back on our screens until the spring of next year.

The delay follows budget discussions between ITV and Endemol, the production company behind the show.


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Kevin Lygo, ITV boss, said: "We're thinking not on the main channel, that's the answer.

"It’s so difficult now to book big celebrities, famous people, which is what we need on the main channel."

The most recent Celebrity Big Brother series was won by Coronation Street actor Jack P. Shepherd in 2025 and was streamed more than 150 million times.

Will you be watching the upcoming series of Big Brother? Let us know in the comments.

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