Kate Lawler and GK Barry to host Big Brother's new companion show The Group Chat

The show will air Sunday to Thursday this autumn.

ITV has announced that Big Brother legend Kate Lawler and podcaster supreme GK Barry will team up as hosts of the brand-new series companion show, Big Brother: The Group Chat, which will air Sunday to Thursday nights straight after Big Brother on ITV2, ITVX and YouTube, with episodes also available across major podcast platforms.

Ahead of Big Brother's return this autumn for what promises to be its biggest series yet, Big Brother: The Group Chat will give fans even more action, bringing them closer to the personalities, dynamics and relationships at the heart of the series.

With exclusive interviews with evicted Housemates, celebrity fans and special guests, viewers can expect strong opinions, plenty of personality and the inside scoop from those who know the house best.

From the biggest moments to the hot topics sparking conversation, Kate and GK will be on hand to dissect the drama, celebrate the stand-out scenes and weigh in on the decisions and surprises shaping the game.

Whether it’s an unexpected shake-up, an unlikely alliance or a moment that has everyone talking, Big Brother: The Group Chat will be the place to continue the conversation after Big Brother each night.

On hosting Big Brother: The Group Chat, Kate 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."

To which GK Barry added "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. 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."

A new group of strangers will move into the iconic Big Brother house, reimagined as a house of surprises to keep Housemates on their toes with unexpected twists and game-changing moments around every corner.

Across the extended run, viewers can expect ambitious tasks, high-stakes nominations and dramatic live evictions as the Housemates face challenges at every turn in their bid to outlast their rivals. Who will be crowned this year’s winner and take home a life-changing cash prize? Who wins? You decide.

Made by Initial, part of Banijay UK, Big Brother: The Group Chat is executive produced by Jo Scarratt-Jones and James Carpenter from Made You Look Studios and is overseen by Initial’s Managing Director, Katy Manley, Director of Production, Jody Collins, Creative Director, Tamsin Dodgson, and Executive Editor Jess Thomas.

Speaking ahead of the new series, ITV's Commissioner, Entertainment & Reality, David Smyth, 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."

To which Katy Manley, Managing Director, Initial added "We're thrilled to welcome Kate and GK as the hosts of Big Brother: The Group Chat. 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: The Group Chat will air on ITV2