Big Brother introduces secret "mole" in throwback-style twist

Big Brother UK has announced a throwback-style twist during tonight's Live Launch. The 2026 series kicked off this evening as 16 brand-new contestants entered the iconic experiment.

Among the Housemates was content creator Tays, who took part in a 24-hour test run of the premises yesterday, alongside fellow members of his group The Bov Boys. In today's episode, Tays reentered the house with a juicy secret, having been appointed the "mole".

Hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best explained the twist to viewers, revealing that Tays would be the 'Chief Creator of Chaos' in the 'House of Chaos'. They added that the house will take on a new theme each week, turning the experiment on its head.

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As a fake housemate this week, Tays is tasked with convincing the others that he's just one of them. The streamer will also have to hide his identity as the secret mole, as the contestants all try to figure out who it is.

Long-time fans of the show may remember a similar twist from the 2006 celebrity series, when civilian Chantelle Houghton had to convince the others that she was famous. Chantelle went on to become the first female to win Celebrity Big Brother during that series.

Fans online were pleased to see more of Tays, following the livestream of the test run. One Twitter/X user called it "a genius twist", saying it was great way "to get their streamer audience invested".

As the episode came to end, the Housemates were asked to gather in the living room by Big Brother. The omniscient voice instructed them not to get "too comfortable" as "not everything is as it seems".

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Big Brother revealed that one of the Housemates is a mole, whose job is to cause chaos and remain undetected until next Friday's eviction. Tomorrow, the mole will nominate three Housemates to face the public vote.

Before the credits rolled, viewers were let in on another twist that not even Tays was aware of. The mole will have to pick another Housemate to join him on his mission. But who will he choose?

"Wasn't a fan of the mole twist but now it's giving Traitors and i'm here for it," said one fan, while another added: "I love the fact everyone calling this mole thing a thing from Traitors when #bbuk has been doing moles since before the traitors was even born."

Big Brother airs at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX. Big Brother: The Group Chat airs on ITV2, ITVX and YouTube, with episodes also available across major podcast platforms.

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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.