Big Brother is back, and this year’s housemates have already been given plenty to talk about.

The 2026 series launched on ITV2 and ITVX on Sunday, September 13, with AJ Odudu and Will Best returning to welcome a new group of contestants into the house. The series will run for eight weeks, making it the longest edition since the ITV revival, with nominations, tasks and live evictions expected to shape the competition.

There are 16 contestants in the launch line-up, ranging from an 18-year-old student to a 57-year-old housewife. Their backgrounds are just as varied, with the cast including a social worker, teacher, fitness coach, property developer, radio presenter, content creator and jewellery seller.

But one contestant arrived with a job beyond simply surviving the house.

Rhianna, 21

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

The Chelsea-based stay-at-home daughter has already attracted attention because of her privileged upbringing. Rhianna has spoken about wanting to challenge assumptions people make about her and believes her appearance can make her seem less approachable than she really is.

She says she wants to prove she can stand on her own, with winning the prize giving her a chance to become financially independent.

Harry, 30

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

Croydon fitness coach Harry describes himself as someone who enjoys meeting people but also needs his own space. He is a self-confessed night owl, which could become an issue in a house where sleep schedules rarely stay predictable.

His approach is to take things as they come rather than arrive with an elaborate plan.

Charlotte, 18

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

The youngest housemate is Oxford student Charlotte, who is a quadruple amputee.

Charlotte has spoken openly about how people can be surprised when she does everyday things such as cooking, getting dressed or doing her make-up. Entering the house gives viewers a chance to see her life beyond assumptions about disability.

If she wins, she has a practical reason for wanting the prize money: her prosthetic legs can cost around £25,000 each.

Johanne, 44

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

Originally from Los Angeles and now living in Salford, Johanne works in online marketing.

She says she intends to be herself in the house and is unlikely to ignore uncomfortable conversations. Her personal experience with alopecia has also influenced what she would do with the prize money, with plans to create a haircare line aimed at people living with the condition.

Omar, 21

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

London jewellery seller Omar wants to challenge the assumptions people make about him.

He says he does not fit the stereotype some people may attach to his appearance and hopes the show will allow viewers to see more of his personality.

His plans for the prize are equally personal. Omar wants to invest in himself and his family, while helping children from his estate with school shoes.

Philip, 53

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

Liverpool content creator Philip is one of the oldest contestants this year and is not expecting to sit quietly in the background.

He describes himself as a loyal friend but someone who will confront people when necessary. With 24-hour scrutiny and limited privacy, his direct approach could prove useful or become a source of friction.

Pauline, 31

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

Essex carer Pauline has an unusual background outside the house. Before becoming a carer, she worked as a private investigator.

She describes herself as direct and says she is not interested in telling people what they want to hear simply to avoid confrontation. Her caring responsibilities have also shaped her decision to take on the experience.

Tays, 23

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

Tays is the contestant with a secret.

The Manchester streamer and content creator entered the house as part of a launch-night twist after taking part in the pre-series Big Brother dry run with the Bov Boys. He has been given a mission to operate as the show’s mole, keeping his real role secret from the other contestants.

His task is to create chaos while avoiding detection. He is expected to remain in the house for only a week.

Rochelle, 57

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

Essex housewife Rochelle applied for Big Brother almost as a joke and ended up making the cast.

After 33 years of marriage, she has described the experience of living away from her husband as something she is actually looking forward to. At 57, she is also the oldest housemate in this year’s line-up.

Millie, 19

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

Paisley bartender Millie is entering the house at just 19 and is already a mum to a two-year-old son.

She describes herself as loud and spontaneous but says there is more to her than the “girly girl” impression people might initially have. She also has a creative side, including playing musical instruments and painting.

Frankie, 23

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

London marketing manager Frankie appears to have no intention of taking himself too seriously.

He has joked about spending time in the hot tub and has made it clear that he expects plenty of attention in the house. Beneath the bravado, however, his prize-money plans are focused on his family, particularly his grandmother, with whom he has lived for several years.

Samuel, 21

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

Administrative apprentice Samuel from Slough says honesty is one of his defining traits.

He has never had a partner and is hoping to build genuine friendships inside the house. His biggest potential weakness may be domestic life, as he admits he can leave a mess behind and does not react well when his sleep is disturbed.

Chelsey, 29

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

Manchester social worker Chelsey has a personal reason for choosing her career.

She spent part of her childhood living in a women’s refuge with her mother and sister and later became a social worker herself. She says having experienced support from a social worker when she was younger helped inspire her career choice.

Yasmin, 29

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

Teacher Yasmin, also from Manchester, has three degrees but jokes that academic qualifications have not necessarily given her common sense.

Her family is central to her motivation for entering the competition. If she wins, she wants to help her mother, who raised six children as a single parent.

Lynx, 24

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

London property developer Lynx says he is not entering the house with a detailed game plan.

Instead, he wants to remain himself and avoid becoming trapped by a strategy. His admission that he is not particularly good at lying could become significant once nominations and alliances begin to take shape.

Rob, 25

Photo: Matt Frost/ITV

Bideford radio presenter Rob plans to bring plenty of energy to the house.

He describes himself as someone who enjoys entertaining people and wants to make the experience fun. His unusual claim to fame includes jumping into the water from Ilfracombe Pier dressed as an elf during a carnival event.

With such a mixed cast, the early question is less about who looks like an obvious winner and more about who can adapt once the introductions are over.

The house has also been redesigned for the new series, with colourful communal spaces and a new Diary Room set-up. Producers have promised unexpected twists and high-stakes nominations, while the new companion show, Big Brother: The Group Chat, replaces Late & Live and is hosted by former winner Kate Lawler and GK Barry.

For the housemates, however, the real test has now begun. Sixteen strangers have moved in, but only one can leave with the prize.

For almost five years, fans have been asking the same question: who will replace Daniel Craig as James Bond? Now, the search for the next 007 is moving forward.

Amazon MGM has begun the casting process, with Nina Gold, whose credits include Game of Thrones, overseeing the search. The studio has not officially announced a shortlist, but several actors are being linked to the role as screen tests approach.

The next Bond film will be directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for Dune, with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing.

With Craig’s five-film run ending with No Time to Die in 2021, the new casting decision will establish the direction of the franchise’s next era. The question is whether the studio will choose an actor who is already a major star or someone whose profile can grow alongside the role.

Photo – Instagram/@Callum Turner

Callum Turner is among the names most frequently linked to the role. The British actor has built his profile through projects including Masters of the Air and The Capture, and his recent work has put him firmly on Hollywood’s radar.

Turner has not confirmed that he is being considered for Bond, but reports have continued to place him among the contenders.

Photo – Getty Images

Scottish actor Jack Lowden is another reported contender. He is best known internationally for playing River Cartwright in Slow Horses, while his film credits include Dunkirk and Mary Queen of Scots.

Lowden’s name has become increasingly prominent in reports about the casting process, although neither he nor Amazon MGM has confirmed that he has been selected.

Photo – Getty Images

Jacob Elordi would be one of the biggest names associated with the role. The Australian actor rose to fame through Euphoria before taking on film roles in Saltburn, Priscilla and Frankenstein.

His inclusion in Bond speculation reflects the studio’s interest in actors with an established international profile. However, former Bond casting director Debbie McWilliams has previously said she would not favour Elordi, Callum Turner or Harris Dickinson because audiences already know them too well.

McWilliams’ view is notable because she was responsible for casting Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. She is no longer involved in the current casting process, however.

Photo – Columbia Pictures

Harris Dickinson has also been linked to the role. His credits include Triangle of Sadness, The Iron Claw and Babygirl, giving him experience across both independent films and larger productions.

Like Turner and Elordi, Dickinson has been mentioned in reports about the casting search, but there has been no official confirmation from Amazon MGM.

Photo – PA

Jack Barton is perhaps the least familiar name among the actors currently being discussed. His credits include Heartstopper, SAS: Rogue Heroes and Poor Things.

Recent reports have identified Barton as a surprise favourite, with screen tests expected to involve him alongside Lowden, Turner, Elordi, Dickinson and Paul Mescal. Amazon MGM has not confirmed that this is the official shortlist, so claims about a frontrunner should be treated as specudiscussionslation.

Barton would also fit McWilliams’ long-held preference for casting an actor who is lpnot already too closely associated with a string of major roles. Whether the current casting team shares that approach remains unknown.

Credit: Instagram

Bond speculation has produced a long list of possibilities over the years. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill have repeatedly been linked to the role, while Theo James, James Norton and Regé-Jean Page have also featured in reports and fan .

Idris Elba has remained one of the most talked-about alternatives, although he has repeatedly indicated that he does not expect to become the next Bond.

At present, however, the more recent reports point towards Barton, Lowden, Turner, Elordi, Dickinson and Mescal as the actors to watch.

The choice will ultimately depend on what Amazon MGM and Villeneuve want from the character. Craig’s Bond brought a more grounded approach to 007, beginning with Casino Royale in 2006 and ending with No Time to Die. The next actor will inevitably be judged against that era, but the new film does not have to follow the same formula.

For now, there is no confirmed successor. What is clear is that the casting process has begun, and the shortlist is starting to take shape. If the latest reports prove accurate, the next James Bond could be one of several very different actors, with the final decision likely to determine the tone of the franchise for years to come.

Even after decades in the spotlight, David Beckham admits there is one person who can still leave him feeling like a fan. That person is basketball legend Michael Jordan.

The two sporting greats were recently photographed catching up over lunch in Ibiza, where Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, met Jordan and his wife, Yvette Prieto. Also joining the gathering were the Beckhams’ son Romeo Beckham and his girlfriend, Kim Turnbull. The afternoon included lunch at Casa Jondal before the group spent time by the water. Photos showed Beckham greeting Jordan with a warm embrace, a moment that quickly drew attention because of the long-standing admiration he has openly expressed for the basketball legend.

Photo: Backgrid

For Beckham, this was more than a casual reunion. It was another meeting with the athlete who influenced him long before they became friends.

Years ago, Beckham revealed that meeting Jordan for the first time was one of the few occasions when he genuinely felt overwhelmed. Recalling the encounter, he said he found it difficult to take his eyes off the former Chicago Bulls star during a dinner, prompting Victoria to jokingly tell him to stop staring. Beckham also remembered being amazed when he shook Jordan’s hand, describing just how much larger it felt than his own. He has shared those stories several times over the years, and the latest photographs show the two sharing another warm meeting.

Photo: Backgrid

Jordan’s influence on Beckham has shown up in more ways than personal admiration. When Beckham signed for Real Madrid in 2003, he could not wear his famous No. 7 shirt because it already belonged to Raúl. Instead, he chose No. 23 as a tribute to Jordan’s No. 23 jersey with the Chicago Bulls. Beckham later kept the same number during his time at LA Galaxy, reinforcing how significant Jordan had been to him throughout his career.

Although both men reached the top of different sports, their careers followed similar paths. Each built successful businesses beyond sport. Beckham is now a co-owner and president of Inter Miami CF, while Jordan remains one of the most influential figures in basketball and sports business. Their meeting in Ibiza brought together two men whose names continue to carry weight long after their playing careers peaked.

Photo: Backgrid

The holiday also reflected the relaxed atmosphere both families appeared to enjoy. Victoria Beckham kept to her understated holiday wardrobe, while Jordan and Prieto arrived from their yacht before joining the Beckhams for lunch. The group spent the afternoon talking, laughing and enjoying the Mediterranean summer without the formality that often surrounds public appearances.

Photo: Backgrid

What drew attention was Beckham’s reaction. Beckham’s admiration for Jordan has remained consistent over the years, something reflected in both his past comments and their latest meeting in Ibiza.

For Beckham, the meeting offered another chance to spend time with one of his long-time sporting inspirations.