The UK entertainment industry is abuzz with recent developments, from the return of popular reality shows to significant legal victories and evolving industry dynamics. Here's a roundup of the latest news involving UK celebrities.
**Celebrity Big Brother 2025 Returns with Star-Studded Line-Up**
Celebrity Big Brother 2025 has made a grand return, airing nightly on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player, with its live final scheduled for April 25 at 9pm. Hosted once again by AJ Odudu and Will Best, the show features a diverse group of celebrity housemates, including EastEnders star Patsy Palmer, actor Mickey Rourke, Coronation Street's Jack P Shepherd, Olympic athlete Daley Thompson, and singer JoJo Siwa. As of now, Chesney, Chris, Danny, Donna, Jack, and JoJo are the six finalists competing for the top prize. The house has moved to a new location, and viewers can connect with the show through behind-the-scenes content and late-night coverage.
**Celebrity Traitors UK Set to Premiere with Star-Studded Cast**
Celebrity Traitors UK is set to premiere on BBC1 later in 2025, likely in late summer or early autumn, following the success of The Traitors UK season 3. Hosted once again by Claudia Winkleman, this celebrity edition will see well-known faces competing in the popular murder-mystery format. Confirmed participants include Tom Daley, Bob Mortimer, Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, and Clare Balding, among others. The show, filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, will follow the usual format: celebrities will start as Faithfuls, with a few secretly selected as Traitors aiming to deceive the rest.
**UK Considers 'Right to Personality' Amid AI Concerns**
The UK government is proposing a new "right to personality" to protect artists and celebrities from AI companies creating products that mimic their distinctive features. Ministers will consult on updating copyright rules to regulate how AI technologies use artists' content for training models. This consultation will introduce new protections for creators, aiming to block AI products that closely resemble famous voices, images, or other features. A key part of the consultation is establishing a rights reservation mechanism, balancing content licensing opportunities with protection for creators who do not want their material used.
**Former Arsenal Player Partey Faces Serious Charges**
Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, charged with multiple sexual offences. The 32-year-old Ghanaian international faces five counts of rape involving two women and an additional charge of sexual assault against a third woman, occurring between April 2021 and June 2022. During the brief court appearance, Partey only confirmed his personal details and was granted bail ahead of a next hearing at the Old Bailey on September 2. The charges include allegations of anal rape during consensual sex and repeated rape incidents in both Britain and Spain.
**Disney Set to Stream La Liga Matches in UK and Ireland**
Disney is in advanced negotiations to stream one La Liga football match per week in the UK and Ireland via Disney+, extending its stake in live sports content. This complements its existing broadcasting of La Liga in the U.S. through ESPN. Premier Sports will remain La Liga’s primary broadcaster in these territories, airing over 300 matches annually. The potential deal, valued at under £20 million per year, aims to grow La Liga's appeal among younger viewers, especially as the league shifts focus following the Messi-Ronaldo era.
