Graham Norton says 'let the games begin' in first look at ITV's The Neighbourhood

Graham Norton sparked excitement with the phrase 'let the games begin' as a sneak peek of his new ITV series was unveiled on Thursday evening (December 4).

The Irish television host is renowned for his eponymous chat show, which broadcasts on BBC One every Friday. The programme, famous for its oversized red chair, has gained popularity both in the UK and globally since its debut in 2007.

Now in its 33rd series, Graham has recently welcomed a star-studded line-up from various fields, including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Hugh Jackman and even Kim Kardashian. A unique aspect of the show that fans adore is its ability to bring together global celebrities with individuals they would never ordinarily meet, such as when Lady Gaga encountered the late EastEnders legend June Brown.

Despite being one of the BBC's most prominent figures, even serving as the broadcaster's Eurovision commentator, Graham has collaborated with several different channels in recent years. Before Jimmy Carr launched an English version, Graham presented LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland for Prime Video last year.

Last year also saw Graham collaborating with the BBC's competitor ITV, reviving the UK version of the American game-show Wheel of Fortune. The show involves contestants vying to solve word puzzles to win cash and prizes, spinning a giant wheel to determine their winnings, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Graham's upcoming ITV venture is the eagerly awaited reality competition The Neighbourhood. Created by Lifted Entertainment and The Garden, both under the ITV Studios umbrella, the programme features families and households going head-to-head in a street-wide reality challenge.

With participants vying for an incredible £250,000 jackpot, a fresh teaser unveiled before its 2026 launch offers viewers their initial glimpse of 'The Neighbourhood' setting.

The vibrant estate is located on 'Keepyourenemies Close', where genuine households from diverse backgrounds settle in as next-door neighbours. Resembling a real-world version of The Game of Life, participants discover themselves simultaneously living alongside and competing against one another.

In the 20-second preview, Graham declares: "Welcome to The Neighbourhood, where you don't just have to get on with the people next door, you have to beat them... let the games begin."

Revealed by ITV last February, The Neighbourhood will comprise 12 episodes when it launches next year. The official description states: "This is a game the households will live as well as play. They'll be with each other 24/7, sleeping and eating in their houses, socialising between them - and then voting each other out.

"The challenges they face in public will change the dynamics behind closed doors. And to win, they'll need to defeat their neighbours, while still staying popular on the street."

Previously discussing the show, Graham expressed: "Like everyone, I'm always intrigued by what goes on behind closed doors. Add to that some dastardly challenges and a life changing prize and I'm hooked. Both Lifted and The Garden are masters at what they do, so I feel confident The Neighbourhood will be the nation's favourite destination!".

Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment and Daytime ITV, chimed in: "The Neighbourhood offers audiences the perfect blend of high-stakes competition and reality drama, with a very relatable cast. With the beloved Graham Norton at the helm, it's going to make for an unmissable entertainment experience."

The Neighbourhood will air on ITV1 and ITVX in 2026