Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the Spanish Grand Prix after McLaren’s Lando Norris lost out because of the bad timing of a virtual safety car.

Norris was leading comfortably from pole position when the VSC was called on lap 15. The timing was terrible for the world champion – he had already passed the pit exit when the VSC was called.

That meant Antonelli and Verstappen were able to pit under the VSC, saving time, while the caution period ended before Norris could make it around to the pits again.

He did then come in but, to make matters worse, the stop was slow and he rejoined in fifth place.

Norris was able to recover only to third around this track where overtaking is next to impossible.

Antonelli’s eighth win in 14 races this year puts an even tighter stranglehold on the championship for the Italian.

He is now 81 points ahead of team-mate George Russell, who finished fifth after a difficult race on a confusing strategy, and 101 clear of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who retired early on with brake failure.

“It’s good to win but it doesn’t feel as good because Lando deserved to win,” Antonelli said.

Norris said: “We’ll take it on the chin. There could be more wins this year.”

The key stories of the maiden race on the new Madring were:

Norris knew that holding on to the lead would be tough from pole but he robustly defended from Antonelli into the first corner.

The Mercedes driver cut the chicanes at Turns One and Two, and again at Turns Five and Six, each time getting into the lead, each time having to give it back.

After that, Norris set about building a lead and looked to be in control of the race as he extended his lead progressively, moving 5.6 seconds clear 10 laps in, and 6.2 when Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin stopped at Turn 20 with brake failure.

The VSC was called, but Norris had already reached the pit straight, while Antonelli and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had not and could come in.

Norris came in the next time around, but the VSC ended a couple of corners before he reached the entry to the pits, allowing the cars still on track to get back up to racing speed – a stop under a safety car saves a driver about 10 seconds over one under green-flag conditions.

To make matters worse, McLaren’s mechanics had trouble with both the right-hand side wheels, and the stop took seven seconds rather than the usual two.

Norris came out in fifth place, 6.3secs behind Russell, and his hopes of winning were gone.

At the front, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who had been running fourth before the VSC, stayed out, having started the race on hard tyres rather than the mediums chosen by Antonelli and Norris and the softs Verstappen had.

Leclerc stayed out, and led the race with Antonelli close behind but the gap fluctuating as the Mercedes driver managed his tyres.

Ferrari kept Leclerc out as long as possible, hoping for a second safety car to enable him to make his own cheap stop.

But one never came, and Leclerc had to pit eventually, on lap 48 with nine to go. He resumed in fourth behind Antonelli, Verstappen and Norris.

Norris had closed all his deficit to Verstappen by the final stages and was running right on the Dutchman’s tail in the closing laps, but was unable to pass.

The closest he came was with two laps to go as Verstappen stumbled over some lapped cars, but despite a mistake at Turn Five, the Dutchman was able to hold on.

Officials briefly looked at an incident with two laps to go when he cut a chicane while fighting to stay ahead of Norris, who complained Verstappen should give the place up. But no action was taken.

Donald Trump today said he ‘loved’ making Right-wing British politicians angry with his support for Irish reunification. 

Kemi Badenoch led condemnation of remarks made by the president in a meeting with Micheál Martin in Dublin yesterday, during a two-day politics and golf visit to the republic.

Flanking the Taoiseach Trump, 80, said reunification of Ireland and Northern Ireland will ‘happen eventually’ and would be a ‘great thing’. 

Asked today about the diplomatic row sparked by his comments while he watched a golf tournament in Doonbeg today the president said: ‘I loved them.’

Further asked about the backlash to his intervention, he said: ‘I have always loved the people of Ireland and it just seems to me that you have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland and it would seem to me that one of the naturals of all time is put them together.’

He went on: ‘Many people agree. I made what I considered to be a fairly routine comment, I have had so much support on that.’

It is the latest gaffe by a US leader under whom the special relationship with the UK has reached its lowest ever ebb. 

Northern Irish politicians and those on the Right of UK politics lined up to criticise him last night. 

The backlash was led by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and even close ally Nigel Farage said he disagreed with the president. 

Asked what he thought the Prime Minister made of his comments in support of a united Ireland, the US president said: ‘I’ve spoken to him. I think he’s a very nice guy. He tends to be on the liberal side, unfortunately.’

He said he would ‘love to see a unified Ireland’ during a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin on Saturday

When asked about the diplomatic row sparked by his comments while he watched a golf tournament in County Clare today the president said: ‘I loved them.’

Conservative leader Mrs Badenoch accused him of ‘shooting from the hip as usual’, adding: ‘This sort of loose talk about the future of democratic countries is deeply unhelpful and creates unnecessary tension.’

And her shadow foreign secretary Tom Tugendhat told broadcasters: 

‘I suppose I knew he was a republican, I didn’t know he was that kind of a republican.’

And even Nigel Farage distanced himself from his close ally, saying: ‘Northern Ireland is a proud and integral part of the United Kingdom. The people of Northern Ireland neither want a referendum, nor unification. I disagree with President Trump.’

And it emboldened supporters of reunification. Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader Claire Hanna said: ‘In the last hour Donald Trump has announced that he is in favour of a united Ireland. It turns out that he isn’t as orange as he looks.’

The President spoke while sitting alongside the Taoiseach at the Farmleigh Estate. Asked about uniting the island, Mr Trump said: ‘I don’t want to cause any trouble, but I’ll tell you I would love to see a unified Ireland.’

He continued: ‘I think it would be a great feather in everybody’s cap if that happened. It’s going to happen eventually. 

‘You know how I see it, it’s going to happen eventually; it may as well happen now… I think it would be a fantastic thing. 

‘Now the UK will have something to say about it, obviously, but I think it would be a great thing.’ 

Mr Trump also warned today that any conflict over the Falkland Islands between the UK and Argentina would be a ‘disaster’, but said that he would be able to ‘settle it’.

This morning Communities Secretary Angela Rayner refused to get drawn into the row, telling Sky News: ‘Donald Trump is Donald Trump and the president will say and speak his mind as he sees it. 

‘But look, we’re really serious about the Good Friday Agreement. We’re very proud of our history.’

The President’s comments about a united Ireland were met with criticism from unionist leaders in Northern Ireland.

The Taoiseach and Mr Trump shake hands as they meet each other at Farmleigh House, Dublin this morning

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President Trump waves at Dublin Airport before stepping into a waiting motorcade

Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson posted on X: ‘President Trump knows better than most that elections matter.

‘Northern Ireland’s constitutional future will be decided by the people of Northern Ireland, not by commentary in London, Dublin or Washington.

‘Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom because that is the settled democratic will of its people.

‘I am confident NI will continue to choose the UK and the security it offers. As unionists, we are not interested in the destruction of our country by joining with the Irish Republic.’

Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said Mr Trump ‘is not the first US president to meddle in the affairs which don’t concern him’.

He added: ‘Northern Ireland is not a pawn in Trump’s fall-out with the UK. Our constitutional future does not depend on him or any other foreign dignitary.’

Former SDLP leader and MP for Foyle Colum Eastwood, an open critic of the US president, shared a clip of Mr Trump’s remarks on social media, adding: ‘Always liked him.’

Trump is expected to present the trophy to the winner of the Irish Open later today at the golf resort in County Clare in south west Ireland.

Donald Trump’s armoured golf buggy, nicknamed Golf Force One, (left) is parked outside the Trump International golf course in Doonbeg

Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Taoiseach Micheál Martin were in attendance for the final day of play at the Trump International golf resort as the president again blurred the lines between his professional and private interests.

Around 4,000 Irish and US security personnel were involved in the weekend-long security operation, with anti-drone technology among the measures deployed. 

The An Garda Síochána is liaising with the Defence Forces and US Secret Service in a security effort said to be costing Ireland €20million euros (£17million).

Roads were closed and police checkpoints installed near the course as around 30 people protested the visit in the nearby Doonbeg village. 

Trump may choose to travel in his armour-plated golf buggy, nicknamed Golf Force One, which was seen parked on the premises. 

AJ Odudu and Will Best will return as hosts as a new group of housemates move into the redesigned Big Brother house.

On the opening night, viewers will see this year’s contestants enter the house for the first time.

What is the schedule for Big Brother 2026?

Big Brother returns tonight on ITV2 at 9pm, with new episodes airing from Sunday to Thursday at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

This means there will be five main-show episodes each week.

ITV has confirmed the 2026 run will be longer than previous editions shown on the channel.

Reports suggest the finale could be on Thursday, November 5, although ITV has not officially confirmed that date.

A new companion programme will also be shown after each main episode.

Big Brother: The Group Chat will air from Sunday to Thursday immediately after Big Brother on ITV2, ITVX and YouTube.

Former Big Brother winner Kate Lawler and GK Barry will host the programme.

It will include discussion about events in the house, as well as interviews with evicted housemates, celebrity fans and guests.

Before the series begins, content creators The Bov Boys, who include Angryginge, will move into the house for a 24-hour livestreamed “dry run”.

The exercise will offer an early look at the redesigned building before the official launch. It is also described as a first for the programme.

Who are the housemates in Big Brother 2026?

The full list of housemates has not been revealed.

Viewers will find out who is taking part during the launch programme, as the contestants enter the house for the first time.

Big Brother has, however, released a first look at the new house for this year’s series.

First pictures show dark maroon-red, blue, green and wood tones across the rooms.

The Diary Room chair will again use the programme’s eye logo shape.

Further details about the contestants, including their names and backgrounds, are expected as the launch takes place.

The series will include tasks, nominations, evictions and events involving the housemates.

The 2026 series follows three main ITV editions shown in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The programme originally aired on Channel 4, and later Channel 5, before ITV Studios reached a deal with Banijay, which owns the rights, to revive it in 2023 after five years away.

When is Celebrity Big Brother returning?

Celebrity Big Brother was shelved for 2026 and is now unlikely to return in 2027, according to a report in The Sun.

The celebrity programme had two series after the ITV revival, in 2024 and 2025, with David Potts winning the first, while Jack P Shepherd won the second.

Reports said the celebrity version could return in 2027, but this is now in doubt.

The Sun reported that staff working behind the scenes were “already operating on the basis that it won’t be coming back”.

An ITV spokesperson said previously: “Big Brother returns to ITVX and ITV2 later this year.

“No decisions have been made for 2027 as yet.”

Reports have linked the decision about Celebrity Big Brother to difficulties signing celebrities.

The Sun said stars were increasingly seeking places on The Celebrity Traitors, creating competition for programmes that depend on celebrity contestants.

ITV is also expected to find contestants for I’m A Celebrity and its reported spin-off, The Wild Frontier, which may air in early 2027.

For now, viewers can watch the main Big Brother series from tonight, with episodes running five nights a week until the end of the run.

Will you be watching the new series of Big Brother? Let us know in the comments.

“Very light, very warm and breathable – doesn’t make me overheated or cold. As thick as I thought and amazingly waterproof”

It’s that time of year when we start to dig out our cosier items, and for many a winter coat is an essential purchase. Bagging one that’ll keep us toasty without adding too much heavy bulk is key, and now shoppers think they’ve found a duvet-like cover-up that fits the bill perfectly.

Mountain Warehouse’s Cosy Wrap II Womens Extreme Down Jacket is popular thanks to its comfy yet reliable design. Perfect for when a sudden downpour hits, it’s water repellent meaning droplets roll off the fabric during light rain.

When the temperature drops, the coat is thermal tested to -40°C, while it also boasts a fill power rating of 600 allowing for a decent level of insulation. Two handy side pockets are also convenient for those constantly out and about.

READ MORE: Marks & Spencer’s ‘smart but stretchy’ £16 trousers ‘shoppers have been buying for years’

READ MORE: Roman’s ‘eye-catching’ £30 2-in-1 dress is a ‘complete outfit for day or evening’

Normally priced at £219.99, the coat has been cut by 55% to £99.99 and comes in four wearable colours; khaki, navy, dark burgundy or black. Available in UK sizes 6-24, it’s rated highly by shoppers.

Elsewhere, Next’s Chocolate Brown Shower Resistant Hooded Long Wadded Coat costs £66 and comes in both regular and petite lengths. At Uniqlo, the Seamless Down Long Coat in beige is down to £139.90 from £179.90 on sale.

Reviewers have been impressed by Mountain Warehouse’s Cosy Wrap II Womens Extreme Down Jacket praising its ‘warm’ yet ‘light’ design. One person said: “Excellent product. Lightweight, warm, good fit, lovely colour.”

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£99.99

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Shop the Cosy Wrap II Womens Extreme Down Jacket at Mountain Warehouse

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A second found it easy to care for, writing: “Better than I thought! Very light, very warm and breathable – doesn’t make me overheated or cold. As thick as I thought and amazingly waterproof! Also super easy for spot cleaning!”

Meanwhile a third liked it for long periods outside, commenting: “I bought the cost oversized for me because I have to be outdoors for hours. It’s fantastic.

“I love the distribution of insulation (and its ethical standards) and the overall feel of the coat. The hood is fantastic.”

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Someone else simply wrote: “Love it. Gorgeous colour, lightweight and warm” while another said: “Very smart looking coat. Really warm.”

It is worth noting that a couple of people mentioned minor improvements they would have liked to see, with one writing: “It’s so warm, I love it. The fit is a little bigger than I would have wanted but I don’t mind.”

Another also said: “Time will tell on durability but I love the neckline and colour (burgundy). Could have done with a couple of internal zipped pockets and a fleece lining.”

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Despite this, someone else praised the fit, commenting: “Beautiful fit! Love the colour! Very warm and comfy! Getting a lot of great compliments on it!”

A further reviewer went as far as to say the coat was ‘the best ever’ writing: “This is the best coat I have ever bought! It keeps me so warm, the hood is lovely and big and it’s stylish for a winter coat.”

A final review reads: “Super warm even with a t-shirt underneath. Perfect for extreme cold temperatures.

“The wrap design is very nice and no scarf is needed. Length was longer than anticipated but was a nice surprise to keep most of body covered up from cold winds. “

One half of a pair, who left six restaurants without paying in one month, has now been caught after business owners worked together to try and bring the duo to justice

One half of a couple dubbed the ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ of dine and dash was caught after the duo fled six venues in one part of Spain without paying their bill.

The man, 40, who was arrested on September 4, was one half of a duo who skipped out on bills at restaurants and cafes in the Alt Emporda region of the European country, near the country’s border with France.

The string of dine and dash incidents reportedly happened over a month and the affected parties were reportedly in contact with each other during this time, before it all ended at Pizzeria Il Nonno.

It was at this venue that the man was confronted, then chased, by the manager before being arrested by the Castello d’Empuries Local police.

L’independant reports that the couple had also attempted to pull the same stunt at places along the Costa Brava in Catalonia, five of which were in the coastal town of Empuriabrava.

The first of these alleged incidents was reported on August 17 where, having requested to have their coffee outside, the couple exited leaving the Vilabertran venue €95.40 (£81.89) out of pocket.

Later, they would visit the L’Empuria Beach café where the woman left, followed by the man, who claimed to a waitress that he was leaving for cigarettes. They venue was left with a €75 (£64.38) unpaid bill.

Other venues affected, reports El Gerio Digital, were The Loft, Internet Café, and Restaurant Dlux alongside the restaurant in Vilabertran.

However, it all came to a head at the aforementioned Pizzeria Il Nonno over a bill of €55.10 (£47.30).

Following the events of the couple’s near month-long spree of fleeing, the six restaurants are now working together to assemble a detailed picture of what happened and how much money was lost, along with evidence from security footage.

It is not yet known what has happened to the arrested individual’s alleged accomplice and whether or not she, in turn, has been caught.

As well as being held by the authorities over the dine and dash incidents, the man was also arrested on a separate offence.

The man, who has not been named, was arrested over allegedly breaching an active restraining order in relation to his former partner and currently has a police record. The precise details of this alleged offence are not known.

If you have been affected by issues of domestic violence or coercive control you can call Refuge’s 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free. The number is 0808 2000 247

The Money Saving Expert founder has pulled no punches as he hit out at the government’s Sunday announcement

Martin Lewis has revealed he is clinging to ‘one hope’ after criticising the government in a brutal new update today. The Treasury today, Sunday, September 13, failed to commit to abandoning the threshold freeze for graduates repaying their student loans.

This comes despite mounting pressure to take exactly that step. And Martin Lewis, founder of MSE and a prominent personal finance guru who regularly features on ITV and BBC, has expressed his irritation at the development – while clinging to one glimmer of hope.

Ministers have for months come under fire for their management of repayment conditions for graduates, particularly those holding so-called “plan 2” loans borrowed between September 1 2012 and July 31 2023 in England. At last October’s Budget, then-chancellor Rachel Reeves froze the salary threshold at which graduates begin repaying the loan for three years from 2027.

Graduates are likely to end up financially worse off as a consequence, as the threshold would have otherwise increased in line with inflation. When they were initially introduced in 2010, the plan 2 loan threshold was intended to rise with inflation annually, but it has been frozen on multiple occasions since 2016.

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In a report released in July, the Treasury Committee called on ministers to pledge to reverse the freeze at the next budget this autumn. Now the Government says it “recognises” the cost-of-living pressures that numerous graduates encounter and “understands concerns” about the consequences of repayment terms. But while it said it had not ruled out scrapping the threshold freeze, it has not so far agreed to do that.

“We keep all aspects of the student finance system under review,” the Treasury said. “Decisions on student loan repayment arrangements must be considered alongside wider fiscal priorities, the long-term sustainability of the higher education funding system, and the need to ensure value for money for taxpayers.

“Any significant changes require careful consideration of their impacts on borrowers, taxpayers and public finances. The Government will continue to consider opportunities to ensure the fairness of the student finance system for borrowers, taxpayers and public finances.”

Martin Lewis issues verdict on new Treasury student loan plan

Today, in a post on X, Mr Lewis said: “This is a very disappointing response that does little to help the millions of students already struggling with student loans, after years of degradation of the terms they signed up to, by successive governments.

“Most urgently, it doesn’t address the coming immoral freeze of the Plan 2 repayment threshold, announced by Rachel Reeves, due to start next April.

“That will mean all those on Plan 2 loans will effectively pay more each year. I say it’s immoral because it is a negative retrospective change of terms to loan contracts students, often aged 18, signed up to. No commercial firm would ever be allowed to do that. The only slim hope is that as the freeze was announced in a Budget, it has to be undone in a Budget and therefore they are just waiting for the coming one to do that.

“At the same time, the Government has sadly rejected the Committee’s recommendation that the ‘fairness’ protections that holders of commercial loans get should apply to student loans too – perhaps as it knows some of the ways it behaves would fall foul of those conditions.

“Most frustrating is that back in 2015, I campaigned for this change, and even worked with current Cabinet Minister, Wes Streeting, then a backbencher, to put an amendment in Parliament (it failed). So, it is incredibly frustrating to see a government he is now a part of reject[ing] it. The Government has also rejected shifting the inflation link from RPI to CPI – continuing the unfair pattern that means when the Government raises our costs by inflation it’s often via the higher RPI, but on things where it pays out it’s often linked to the lower CPI measure.

“Of course, I welcome the small crumbs it has given that at least future students will be told in plain English, before they sign up, that the amount they repay can be altered after the event. But let’s be clear: better information for future students will not fix the existing Plan 2 student loan crisis. The repayment threshold needs to rise, interest needs to fall, maintenance support needs uprating, and the whole system requires a fundamental reset.

“As I say, the one hope here as I say is there is they are waiting to reverse the threshold freeze in the budget. The more fuss that is made now the greater chance of that.”

Terms and conditions of student loans

The Government has agreed to make it clearer that the terms and conditions of a student loan can be changed by future governments after the Commons Treasury Committee warned the way the loans have been presented has amounted to mis-selling. Chair of the Treasury Committee Dame Meg Hillier urged the Chancellor John Healey to use the upcoming Budget to “give graduates some much-needed breathing space”.

Dame Meg said: “The commitment to right a historical wrong by updating the information so that prospective students are properly informed before taking out a massive loan is an important step forward.

“Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t help graduates who are angry that they didn’t receive the same service and are now facing punitive repayment terms on a loan which keeps growing. And they are juggling that stress with other huge pressures like trying to get on the housing ladder and save for a pension. I say it again, we must give young people a fair chance.

“Importantly, the Treasury has not ruled out reversing the threshold freeze but instead says the whole student finance system is under review.

“I recognise that finances are tight but I continue to urge the Chancellor to look at this again. I sincerely hope he will use his upcoming budget to give graduates some much-needed breathing space.”

Interest on plan 2 loans is applied at the retail price index (RPI) inflation rate plus up to 3%, determined by a graduate’s earnings. The interest rate has been capped at 6% since the start of September to shield graduates from surging inflation during the war in Iran.

Many graduates have discovered that despite years of payments, their debt balance has either increased or remained static due to the impact of inflation.

The prime minister said he was “very happy” with his finish time of under two hours – 01.57 – and was raising money for North East charity Changing Lives, which he visited last month to launch a national drive to end rough sleeping.

“You see the causes people are running for, all pulling together for the bigger cause,” Burnham said. “It’s just a day that reminds you how good this country is when it’s together like this.

“This part of the world, it doesn’t half shine on a day like this. The warmth of the people comes out – the people in the race with you, the people on the sidelines.”

As always, runners donned a variety of costumes in the bid to raise funds for good causes. Among them were nuns, horses and a pair of ovaries.

Big Brother UK has suffered heart-breaking losses over the years, here we remember the beloved housemates who passed away too young

Over more than 26 years, Big Brother has given us some of the most talked-about moments in British television history.

But behind the diary room confessionals, the late-night arguments and the tearful evictions, the show’s story is also one of profound human connection and, at times, devastating loss.

As the much-loved competition returns to ITV tonight at 9pm for its 23rd series overall, with presenters AJ Odudu and Will Best back at the helm, a new group of housemates prepare to step through those famous doors.

Before they do, we take a moment to remember the former contestants who lit up our screens and left an enduring mark on the show’s history, those who passed away far too soon.

Jade Goody

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Long before the phrase “reality star” became commonplace, there was Jade Goody. She first appeared in Big Brother’s third series, and from the moment she walked into the house, she was impossible to ignore. Funny, unpredictable and utterly authentic, she became one of the most beloved housemates the show has ever seen.

Her fame only grew after she left, with appearances on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Loose Women and Eggheads helping to cement her status as a genuine household name. She returned to the Celebrity edition in 2007, five years after her debut, before heading to India in August 2008 to take part in Big Boss, the country’s own adaptation of the format.

But her world soon changed forever. Jade was diagnosed with cervical cancer and was forced to withdraw from the show. She faced the illness with a courage that inspired millions, and her openness about her diagnosis is widely credited with prompting a surge in cervical cancer screening across the UK. She passed away at her home on 22 March 2009. She was just 27 years old.

Nikki Grahame

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Nikki Grahame became memorable after her appearance on Big Brother’s seventh series in 2006. She is best remembered for her now-legendary catchphrase “Who is she?”

After leaving the house, she headlined her own E4 series, Princess Nikki, in which she tackled a range of demanding jobs, from refuse collection to deep sea fishing and waste management roles. She was fearless on screen, but off it she fought a long and painful private battle with anorexia.

In early 2021, Nikki suffered a relapse. Her loved ones launched a public fundraising campaign to help cover the costs of her treatment, and fans rallied around her in. Sadly, she passed away from anorexia-related complications on 9 April 2021, shortly after being discharged from hospital. She was only 38.

Ben Duncan

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Ben Duncan was, by all accounts, someone who made every room brighter simply by being in it. A London-born socialite who had studied at the University of St Andrews alongside Prince William and Kate Middleton, he brought that easy charm and warmth to the Big Brother house when he appeared in series 11, reports OK!.

He tragically died in October 2025 after falling seven floors from the rooftop of The Trafalgar St. James hotel in London. He was just 45 years old.

Fellow former housemate Glyn Wise, who appeared in series seven, paid a heartfelt tribute on X, formerly Twitter. “While filming a Big Brother tribute to mark the end of its run on Channel 4, I met Ben and he was such a joy to be around. Rest in peace buddy xx,” he wrote in part.

Sophia Brown

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Some housemates need only a matter of days to leave a lasting impression. Sophia Brown entered the Big Brother house during its 10th series in 2009 and stayed for just nine days, she moved viewers deeply with her openness about living with Lupus.

Rather than shying away from her diagnosis, she spoke candidly about how the autoimmune condition had shaped her outlook, giving her an unshakeable positivity and zest for life that radiated through the screen.

She departed the house early but never left the hearts of those who had watched her. Sophia tragically died in 2012, aged just 30.

Big Brother returns to ITV2 and ITVX at 9pm tonight (Sunday, September 13).

By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER

Updated: 15:24 BST, 13 September 2026

By DAVID CHURCHILL

Published: 15:15 BST, 13 September 2026 | Updated: 15:17 BST, 13 September 2026