Please do not swear… ‘BIG BROTHER’ IS BACK for its biggest series yet!
The iconic eye is once again watching after the social experiment show made a sensational return to our screens this September.
The series is now well underway, with the final fast approaching and the remaining gaggle of housemates hungry to be crowned this year’s winner and take home a life-changing cash prize.
First announced exclusively on GK Barry’s hugely popular ‘Saving Grace’ podcast, the hit series’ new aftershow, ‘Big Brother: The Group Chat’, sees legendary ‘BB’ 2002 winner Kate Lawler and ‘Loose Women’ star GK Barry continuing the conversation after the main show comes to a close.
Big Brother: The Group Chat
“I LOVE ‘Big Brother’ - I’ve been a massive fan for years,” reveals GK.
“So, getting the chance to be part of the show in this way is genuinely a dream come true! I have a front-row seat to all the drama, surprises and big moments, and getting to do it alongside an iconic ‘BB’ legend like Kate makes it even more exciting.”
Digging deep into all the drama, gossip and gameplaying alongside TikTok sensation and “mega fan” GK, past ‘BB’ winner Kate is also a huge supporter of the show which, following stints on Channel 4 and also 5, now airs on ITV2 and ITVX.
“‘Big Brother’ has been a huge part of my life since I first stepped through those doors 24 years ago,” Kate explains. “So, to now return in this role alongside the fantastic GK Barry feels like an exciting full-circle moment.”
Big Brother’s “naughty little sisters”
Whether it’s an unexpected shake-up, an unlikely alliance or a moment that has everyone talking, from the biggest moments to the hot topics sparking conversation, Kate and GK dissect the drama, celebrate the stand-out scenes and weigh in on the decisions and surprises shaping the game.
“Think of us as Big Brother’s naughty little sisters with ALL the tea!” says Kate. “We watch the show twice a day – first separately, then we get together and watch it in ‘The Group Chat’ that night.”
Bursting with exclusive interviews with evicted housemates, celebrity fans and special guests, Chris Hughes, Fleur East, Angellica Bell and Jordan Banjo among them, viewers can expect strong opinions, plenty of personality and the inside scoop from those who know the house best.
“I love getting stuck into all the conversations, twists and talking points with the fans, while bringing a little of my own first-hand experience to the mix,” Kate discloses.
Live launch twists & turns with AJ Odudu & Will Best
Kicking off with huge twists and turns, the ‘BB’ live launch night last month didn’t disappoint, as hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best revealed the House of Chaos, seeing a new theme each week.
‘Big Brother’ also appointed a Chief Creator of Chaos to be their mole - a role given to YouTuber Tays, who is part of ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ winner Angry Ginge’s group The Bov Boys.
Following the chaos of the Bov Boys takeover and the revelation that Tays had been secretly working as ‘Big Brother’s mole, tensions, friendships and rivalries began to take shape in the nation’s most famous residence.
The launch episode for the latest series secured 1.4m viewers, with a dramatic first week in the house keeping audiences firmly hooked.
“It’s been incredible to watch. The arguments, the housemates have been phenomenal this year,” says Kate.
“It's great casting,” adds GK. “Controversial and entertaining housemates and the tasks are really great. ‘Big Brother’ has been messing with a capital ‘M’!”
Photo credits: © ITVX; © Dave Bennett, Getty Images.
Kate wears Josh Birch Jones at The Attitude Awards 2026.
Jedward join Double Trouble week
One of the first-ever reality TV shows, this captivating current season’s seeing old-school tricks and mayhem bringing back the golden era of the show.
“It's very reminiscent of old-school ‘Big Brother’,” says Kate. “Like the nightmare room, with the rich side and poor side divide when I was in it in 2002.”
Reimagined as a house of surprises, this year’s ‘BB’ house has been keeping housemates on their toes with unexpected twists and game-changing moments around every corner. Some past celebrity contestants have entered the civilian house, too, to shake things up and cause carnage.
The housemates gathered in the garden to watch a huge pink egg with a surprise inside hatch open, with two-time former housemates Jedward hopping out ready to rock the house with their antics.
“We always knew in our hearts we would be back on ‘Big Brother’,” said the pair, who finished second on the show in 2011 and third in 2017. “It's been such a big part of the public knowing us. Nearly every year there's a Jedward mention, so this has been manifesting. We're proud that, after all these years, the quiffs are still gravity defying, literally landing from PlanetJedward and making some iconic memories.”
Double Trouble week saw what the Irish double act describes as “the return of the Jepic TV era”, bringing double the energy after “checking in for the full experience” and causing “Splashgate”, leading to an explosive fallout and formal warnings in the Diary Room.
“Jedward brought so much to the house,” says Kate. “What amazing TV… the hot tub, amazing!”
The GC back in the BB house
Gemma Collins' long-awaited return to the ‘Big Brother’ house saw her leave after just 48 hours.
Ten years after the ‘TOWIE’ star’s original ’BB’ appearance, jam-packed with her no-nonsense opinions, drama and arguments galore, the GC said farewell to the housemates less than two days after she arrived.
‘The Only Way Is Essex’ star hosted several tasks and parties for the housemates before making an abrupt exit via the Diary Room.
The Group Chat
Across an extended eight-week run, viewers have been enjoying watching ambitious tasks, high-stakes nominations and dramatic live evictions as the housemates face the high-pressure environment’s challenges at every turn, in a bid to outlast their rivals and grab the prize money of a whopping £100k.
The place to continue the conversation after the show, ‘Big Brother: The Group Chat’ creates a space where the biggest stories, surprises and debates of the series can continue every night, bringing fans even closer to the action, personalities, dynamics and relationships at the heart of the series.
“We basically dissect everything that's happened in the sshouse,” GK explains. “We have a guest on and just have a bit of a chinwag about what we think about the episode and the nominations and evictions. Then, on Sunday nights, we're joined by the evicted housemate. It’s a nice, light-hearted show and people can join us and get involved by sending us voice notes.”
Produced by Initial (part of Banijay UK), the brand-new companion show is the perfect way to give ‘BB’ fans even more of what they love, with a dream-team duo at the helm bringing it to life.
Both entertaining and hilariously funny, the brilliant pairing of GK and Kate bringing exclusive and entertaining new content a-go-go is going down a storm with viewers. Between them, they bring an incredible mix of ‘Big Brother’ experience and broadcasting talent, along with a natural connection with audiences.
“Kate knows the ‘Big Brother’ experience better than anyone, while GK is a hugely successful podcaster, and they both have a brilliant ability to connect with audiences,” says David Smyth, Commissioner, Entertainment & Reality, ITV. “They’re the perfect pair to chat through all the gossip, bringing their own unique insight and energy to the show.”
Old-school ‘Big Brother’ is back
‘Big Brother’ viewing figures are up big time this year, with the series continuing to make a big impact on ITVX. A captivating cast, alongside countless twists, tensions and talking points, has kept the series at the centre of the conversation.
With phenomenal ratings for both shows, what has particularly captured the nation's imagination this year?
“I think it's because it's brought back old-school ‘Big Brother’,” GK explained to entertainment presenter Richard Arnold on ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’. “That's all we wanted. It's like the arguments, people just sort of not thinking about the outside comments or what people are gonna say. I mean, the people in there this year, they have just absolutely gone for it. And it's not as political as the last series. I think it's a nice escape for people this season.”
Kate on her BB3 win
Entering the house the same year as Alison Hammond and the late Jade Goody 24 years ago, Kate went on to make the history books as the first woman to win ‘Big Brother’ in the UK.
“Well, I think it was a bit of luck,” Kate explained to Richard Arnold. “Craig had won the first series and then Brian Dowling won the second, and I just think the British public wanted a woman to win, so there was that element.”
“But also, I just think it was a great series, and I don't think you could have called it. I think it was very close between myself and Johnny. I loved him so much and I thought it could have gone either way.”
“I also had a bit of a journey in there… I had ups and downs and people felt sorry for me. You can't have a strategy… I said I was going to be nice to everybody, but I ended up having arguments with people. I had fallouts, snogged people and had a bit of a romance in there, but I was on the poor side for six weeks and I think maybe the public felt sorry for me.”
Would GK go on the show? “I couldn't ever do it because I’d be cancelled,” she says. “So, I'm very grateful for doing the companion show with Kate!”
Who wins? YOU decide…
‘Big Brother: The Group Chat’ airs Sunday to Thursday nights straight after Big Brother on ITV2, ITVX and YouTube, with episodes also available across major podcast platforms.
Photo credits: © ITVX; © Mike Marsland.
Kate wears Josh Birch Jones at The Pride of Britain Awards 2026.
Kate Lawler rocks the red carpets at the Attitude & Pride of Britain Awards in Josh Birch Jones
Straight from ‘Big Brother’ to the red carpet, Kate has been dazzling us in gorgeous gowns by multi-award-winning fashion designer Josh Birch Jones at recent high-profile events.
Celebrating the very best of our country at last week’s Pride of Britain Awards, she made sure Josh’s stunning strapless, gold-tulle gown with a metallic sequin bodice was beautifully captured on camera both before and at the star-studded ceremony.
“I had to get ready in my ‘Big Brother’ cabin after filming ‘The Group Chat’ and did some snaps before jumping in a taxi!” Kate reveals.
Hosted by Carol Vorderman, the glitzy awards recognise the remarkable people whose courage, kindness and determination have changed lives, honouring those who are the pride of the nation, making our world a better place.
Kate had worn Josh’s amazing Alba gown at the Attitude Awards earlier this month and was delighted to showcase another of his incredible gold designs.
“The man behind the dress on the red carpet! Absolute pleasure to wear another one of your dresses, Josh!” said the star upon meeting the young sustainable designer on the Pride of Britain Awards 2026 red carpet, where Kate’s ‘Big Brother: The Group Chat’ co-host GK was busy interviewing award winners and celebs, including ‘Strictly’ star Shirley Ballas, Ashley James, Vicky Pattison and even the PM!
Kate & Josh congratulate the winners
Inspired by the Golden Age of film and fashion, Josh is known for his timeless approach to luxury womenswear that celebrates and empowers women. His distinctive brand is rooted in femininity, elegance and exceptional British craftsmanship.
“It was such a privilege to dress Kate for such a special evening, which celebrates remarkable heroes who have done truly astonishing things,” he says.
A beautiful black dress by Josh was also worn by Helen Flanagan on the night.
“I had the most incredible evening at the Pride of Britain Awards,” says Kate. “It’s an honour to celebrate people who’ve done extraordinary things.”
“From fundraising to founding nationwide mental health groups, there were heroes who’ve performed life-saving surgery or carried out acts of bravery you couldn’t even imagine. Others are campaigning for change after losing their children to suicide. It was a highly emotional evening but equally inspiring.”
“Congratulations to every single winner who made up our Pride of Britain 2026!”
Josh headlines London Fashion Week show
The youngest-ever member of the British Fashion Council and Positive Luxury Butterfly Accelerator Programme, Josh first showcased his exceptional eco designs at London Fashion Week at just 13!
Now 21, Josh headlined London Fashion Week’s This Is Icon show last month, presenting a special showcase of some of his most iconic designs from the past 10 years.
The glittering LFW runway also saw him honoured with an Icon award alongside stars including Ray Winstone, Denise Van Outen, Tony Mortimer from East 17, Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan and Kelly Osbourne.
A celebrity favourite, Josh has dressed everyone from Carol Vorderman, Vanessa Williams and Oti Mabuse to Laura Whitmore, Alexandra Burke and Princess Diana’s niece Lady Eliza Spencer, with whom we also spoke for this issue of Events & Entertainment.
The Kent-born ethical designer’s collections celebrate the art of dressing up through beautifully tailored, quality couture-level detail and enduring style, his hand-crafted pieces designed to transcend trends and be cherished for years to come.
Join us at Josh’s 10-year anniversary show at The Savoy London
Next month, the Events & Entertainment team will join Josh at The Savoy London, where his fabulous British womenswear label will showcase pieces from his collections across the past 10 years.
Taking guests through the journey of the brand, concluding with the new anniversary collection, this wonderful celebration of an incredible decade of creativity, craftsmanship and timeless British fashion takes place on 29th November.
Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Josh in the next issue of Events & Entertainment!
www.joshbirchjones.com
Kate’s glam squad
Dresses: Josh Birch Jones
Styling: Stevie B & Amanda Levitan
HMUA: Anna Lingis – Kate was “glammed” using cruelty-free makeup brands bareMinerals, ICONIC London & Morphe Brushes
Sif Jakobs Jewellery & Karen Millen
Shoes: Kurt Geiger
Clutch Bag: Dune London
Photo credits: © Dave Bennett, Grant Buchanan, Simon Ackerman, Hoda Davaine, Mike Marsland, Karwai Tang, Getty Images & WireImage
Kate stunned in a gold Josh gown at the Pride of Britain Awards 2026.
Kate also wore Josh at The Attitude Awards, pictured alongside ‘Strictly’ star and Kim Kardashian’s hairdresser Chris Appleton.
Soap star Helen Flanagan also wore Josh at the Pride of Britain Awards.