'Big Brother 26' cast and new twist revealed

'Big Brother' season 26 cast members. Photo:
Sonja Flemming/CBS

The 16 contestants set to enter the Big Brother house for season 26 of the CBS summer reality staple have been revealed. And that may not be all of them.

A video clerk, a former undercover cop, a celebrity chef, a VIP cocktail server, and a crochet business owner are among the players who will be saying goodbye to their sanity when the show premieres July 17. But, for the first time ever, the contestants will have the opportunity to vote in a 17th houseguest — a houseguest whose identity remains a secret. Could it be another new player, or will it be a former reality star, such as last season, when the players entered the living room to see Survivor legend Cirie Fields casually sipping champagne?

The twist also brings to mind season 14 of the show, when coaches Dan Gheesling, Britney Haynes, Mike “Boogie” Malin, and Janelle Pierzina voted themselves into the game, leading to the franchise’s most famous moment ever. Then, during the season 19 premiere, Kevin Schlehuber accepted $25,000, even though it would unleash a mystery twist into the game. That mystery twist was allowing the previous season’s runner-up, Paul Abrahamian, to enter the house, although Kevin did not know that would be the result.

It seems this time the players — or at least one or some of them — will know and decide whether to allow another competitor in their midst. In the meantime, here are the first 16 contestants that will be competing in the artificial intelligence themed season under the watchful eye of the Chenbot.

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