Big Brother is back for its biggest ITV run yet, with 12 new housemates preparing to move into the famous house for an extended eight-week series.
AJ Odudu and Will Best return to host the new series, which ITV says will feature a house packed with surprises, unexpected twists, ambitious tasks, high-stakes nominations and live evictions. The broadcaster says the Big Brother brand has now generated more than 157 million streams on ITVX.
Here are the housemates entering the house.
Yasmin
Age: 29
From: Manchester
Occupation: Teacher
Yasmin describes herself as bubbly, straightforward and someone who will make sure people always know where they stand with her. A long-time viewer of the programme, she says the social-experiment aspect of Big Brother is what attracted her to applying.
She admits being messy could land her in trouble with the other housemates, while revealing that despite having three degrees, she doesn't believe common sense is necessarily her strongest point.
If she wins, Yasmin says one of her biggest priorities would be helping her mum and creating greater financial security for her family.
Harry
Age: 30
From: Croydon
Occupation: Online fitness coach
Harry says he thrives on meeting new people and sees Big Brother as an opportunity to step away from his normal routine and running his own business.
He hopes to bring positive energy and a light-hearted attitude to the house, although his habit of coming alive late at night may prove less popular with housemates looking for some sleep.
Harry has no elaborate strategy for reaching the final and says he intends simply to take each day as it comes.
Chelsey
Age: 29
From: Manchester
Occupation: Social worker
Chelsey was encouraged to apply by her mum after saying she wanted to do something exciting.
She believes her work as a social worker has made her a good listener and problem solver, but says viewers will also see her more playful side.
Chelsey has spoken openly about spending part of her childhood living in a women's refuge with her mother and sister, an experience that helped inspire her own career in social work.
Philip
Age: 53
From: Liverpool
Occupation: Content creator
Philip promises there will never be a dull moment while he is in the house.
Calling himself the "Queen of Scotty Road", he says he is fiercely loyal to his friends but won't be afraid to call somebody out if he feels the situation requires it.
Should he take home the prize, Philip says he would help his mum, other family members, close friends and charities he already supports.
Lynx
Age: 24
From: London
Occupation: Property developer
Lynx wants the experience to show viewers that people don't have to fit conventional expectations.
He is particularly looking forward to switching off from the outside world, going without his phone and meeting people of different ages and backgrounds.
He plans to avoid an elaborate game plan, although he admits that being brutally honest could potentially earn him nominations.
Charlotte
Age: 18
From: Oxford
Occupation: Student
Charlotte is the youngest of the newly announced housemates and says she has wanted to appear on Big Brother since watching the ITV reboot.
A quadruple amputee, Charlotte expects some viewers may be surprised by the everyday things they see her doing in the house, from getting dressed to cooking and doing her makeup.
She describes herself as stubborn and confident and says she is prepared to defend herself during disagreements.
If she wins, Charlotte says some of the money could go towards the significant cost of her prosthetic legs, with savings and a holiday also on the list.
Pauline
Age: 31
From: Essex
Occupation: Carer
Pauline has watched Big Brother since childhood and says recent experiences in her personal life encouraged her to embrace a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
She describes herself as calm, patient and competitive, particularly when it comes to tasks.
Pauline also revealed that she previously worked as a private investigator, something likely to make her one of this year's more intriguing housemates.
Her direct approach could, however, make her a target when nominations begin.
Tays
Age: 23
From: Manchester
Occupation: Streamer and content creator
Tays will enter the house with a rather different mission from the other housemates.
He says he is excited by the opportunity to "cause some havoc" and believes he can keep his cards close to his chest while carrying out his role.
Tays says he is competitive enough to get the job done — although he is less convinced he'd cope with remaining in the house for the full eight weeks.
Rochelle
Age: 57
From: Essex
Occupation: Housewife
Rochelle says she originally applied as a joke and never expected the application to go anywhere.
After being married for 33 years and raising three children, she is looking forward to doing something entirely for herself.
She expects untidiness to be one potential source of friction inside the house and admits she can be bossy.
Outside the show, Rochelle is a keen horse rider and show jumper. If she wins, more horses and handbags could be on the shopping list.
Millie
Age: 19
From: Paisley
Occupation: Bartender
Millie describes herself as loud, spontaneous and impossible to miss when she walks into a room.
She hopes loyalty will help her build strong relationships with her fellow housemates, although she openly admits she can be lazy and isn't afraid of speaking her mind.
Away from her louder personality, Millie says she is creative, plays several musical instruments and enjoys painting.
She also has a young son and says winning would allow her to invest in his future, while potentially buying a home or starting a business.
Frankie
Age: 23
From: London
Occupation: Marketing manager
Frankie has watched Big Brother since childhood and expects his personality to divide opinion.
He thinks some people will love him while others may feel rather differently — something that could make him an interesting presence once nominations begin.
Frankie says his inability to cook could potentially frustrate the other housemates.
If he wins, he wants to give money to his nan, who he has lived with for several years, as well as put money towards his own home and travel.
Samuel
Age: 21
From: Slough
Occupation: Administrative apprentice
Samuel grew up watching Big Brother with his mum and describes appearing on the programme as fulfilling one of his dreams.
He hopes to bring wit, charm and determination into the house and is particularly excited about the tasks, Diary Room visits and forming friendships with people he would never ordinarily meet.
Samuel says complete honesty — plus occasionally being messy or grumpy when his sleep is interrupted — could make him vulnerable at nominations.
If he wins, he intends to help his self-employed parents prepare financially for retirement, while also saving towards his own future.
What can viewers expect from Big Brother 2026?
ITV is promising an extended eight-week run, with the redesigned house intended to keep the new cast guessing through twists and game-changing moments.
The housemates will face tasks, nominations and live evictions as they compete to survive until the final and win the cash prize. AJ Odudu and Will Best return as hosts.
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