Big Brother legend Kate Lawler and GK Barry to host new companion show

Big Brother winner Kate Lawler is returning to the franchise 24 years after entering the famous house — this time alongside podcaster GK Barry to front a brand-new nightly companion show.

The pair have been announced as hosts of Big Brother: The Group Chat, which will air Sunday to Thursday immediately after Big Brother when the reality series returns to ITV2 and ITVX this autumn.

Episodes will also be available on YouTube and across major podcast platforms, giving viewers another way to follow the conversations, controversies and relationships developing inside the house.

Kate Lawler returns 24 years after Big Brother win

The appointment marks a significant return for Lawler, who became the first woman to win the UK series of Big Brother when she triumphed in its third series in 2002.

Now, more than two decades later, she will bring her first-hand experience of life as a housemate to the new programme alongside GK Barry, the podcaster and social media personality whose real name is Grace Keeling.

Lawler described the opportunity as a “full-circle moment”.

She 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.”

GK Barry said joining the programme was a “dream come true”.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

What is Big Brother: The Group Chat?

The new programme will continue the conversation immediately after each Sunday-to-Thursday episode of Big Brother.

Kate and GK will dissect the biggest moments from the house, discuss emerging alliances and relationships and react to the twists and decisions shaping the competition.

The programme will also feature exclusive interviews with evicted housemates alongside celebrity fans and special guests.

David Smyth, Commissioner, Entertainment & Reality at ITV, said:

“Big Brother: The Group Chat is the perfect way to give Big Brother fans even more of what they love, and we couldn’t have asked for better hosts to bring it to life.

“Kate knows the Big Brother experience better than anyone, while GK is a hugely successful podcaster, and both have a brilliant ability to connect with audiences. They’re the perfect pair to chat through all the gossip bringing their own unique insight and energy to the show.”

Katy Manley, Managing Director of production company Initial, said the pairing would bring together Big Brother experience and broadcasting talent.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Kate and GK as the hosts of Big Brother: The Group Chat,” she said.

“Between them, they bring an incredible mix of Big Brother experience, broadcasting talent and a natural connection with audiences. This brilliant pairing will be funny and entertaining, bringing fans even closer to the action with plenty of exclusive content.

“Big Brother: The Group Chat will create a space where the biggest stories, surprises and debates of the series can continue every night.”

Big Brother returning this autumn

The main series will return to ITV2 and ITVX this autumn with a new group of strangers moving into the Big Brother house.

ITV says this year’s house has been reimagined as a “house of surprises”, with twists and game-changing moments planned throughout an extended run.

Housemates will face tasks, nominations and live evictions as they compete to remain in the house and ultimately win a cash prize decided by the public.

The Big Brother brand has generated more than 157 million streams on ITVX.

Big Brother: The Group Chat will air Sunday to Thursday immediately after Big Brother on ITV2, ITVX and YouTube, with episodes also available through major podcast platforms.