ITV has unveiled plans for a brand new Big Brother companion show, which will air when the series returns later this year.
Big Brother: The Group Chat will air Sunday to Thursday and feature exclusive interviews with evicted housemates, as well as “the inside scoop from those who know the house best”.
The programme will see Kate Lawler – who won the third series of Big Brother back in 2002 – join forces with I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star GK Barry.
Lawler said: “Big Brother has been a huge part of my life since I first stepped through those doors 24 years ago, so to now be returning in this role alongside the fantastic GK Barry feels like an exciting full-circle moment.
“I can’t wait to get 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.”
“I’ve been a massive Big Brother fan for years, so getting the chance to be part of the show in this way is genuinely a dream come true,” GK Barry, real name Grace Eleanor Keeling, added. “And getting to do it alongside an iconic BB legend like Kate makes it even more exciting.
“I honestly can’t wait to start, have loads of fun with it and have a front-row seat to all the drama, surprises and big moments.”
The Group Chat will be a visualised podcast, in the same style of Traitors spin-off Uncloaked, and replaces Late and Live. It will air straight after Big Brother on ITV2, ITVX and YouTube, with episodes also available across major podcast platforms.
While an exact air date is yet to be announced, Big Brother is set to return next month, with AJ Odudu and Will Best back at the helm.
Unlike in previous years, the civilian series won’t be followed by a celebrity version – though bosses have insisted the starrier version hasn’t been axed.
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival earlier this month, ITV boss Kevin Lygo said: “We’re committed to it, but it is ITV and it’s brutal out there.
“As long as it’s delivering we’ll continue it. It is the most extraordinary show of the last 20 years. It’s influenced so much. It was the first big reality show and showed people in all their vulnerability.
“It’s great it’s still on British TV and it will continue…as long as it can.”
His comments came after months of rumours that CBB was facing the chop. Thankfully, fans looking for a starry reality series to brighten the autumn months have Celebrity Traitors to look forward to.
After the huge success of last year’s inaugural run, we’ll get to see a fresh batch of A-list Faithfuls and Traitors in the show’s famous castle when the BBC hit returns in September.
