Overview

• The long-running sisters, who joined in 2017 and 2018, did not appear in the September 26 broadcast, prompting viewer questions on X.
• Coverage reported no public explanation from Channel 4 or Studio Lambert for their absence.
• Series 26 added five new households, including friends Jake and Calum from Glasgow, the Gordon family from Surrey, Andrew and Alfie from the Cotswolds, Sara and Lara from Yorkshire, and sisters Rosie and Susie from Edinburgh.
• Scottish duo Roisin Kelly and Joe Kyle previously announced they were not asked back for the new series, and Channel 4 thanked them in a statement.
• Some fans criticised the refreshed roster as having too many posh families and feeling less diverse, saying they have yet to warm to the newcomers.