The BBC has officially announced that Celebrity Traitors will hit screens this autumn, bringing a star-studded twist to the much-loved psychological reality game show.
The spin-off, which will once again be hosted by Claudia Winkleman, was confirmed in the broadcaster’s annual plan. Set in the atmospheric Scottish Highlands, the celebrity edition will mirror the original format as contestants are secretly appointed as either “faithfuls” or “traitors”, competing to uncover the deceivers among them to win a large cash prize.
“The ultimate reality game of trust and treachery returns with the first ever Celebrity Traitors edition this autumn,” the BBC wrote, “alongside a new series in early 2026.”
Rumoured Line-Up: Who Could Be Entering the Castle?
While the BBC is staying tight-lipped about the official cast, speculation is already swirling around who might take part. Among the most talked-about names are:
- Robert Peston, ITV political talk show host
- Clare Balding, veteran BBC sports presenter
- Kate Garraway, Good Morning Britain anchor
- Sir Stephen Fry, actor, author, and national treasure
- Joe Marler, former England rugby star
- Paloma Faith, singer and The Voice coach
Social media has also seen a flurry of excitement, with fans sharing TikTok clips and memes, such as Capital FM’s viral “but Ross is” audio trend, fuelling anticipation about returning twists and betrayals.
Same Castle, New Intrigue
The show will once again take place in a remote castle in the Scottish Highlands, a moody and fitting setting for the game’s secret plots and dramatic betrayals.
Winkleman, whose outfits and deadpan delivery have become as iconic as the show’s format, will return to oversee the chaos as celebrities battle it out to uncover the traitors — or deceive everyone and steal the prize.
“The Traitors is a game that includes lies and deception,” said a BBC spokesperson, “thus it would be foolhardy for any faithful to speculate before the game has begun.”
High Stakes and Higher Drama
In the most recent civilian series, Jake Brown and Leanne Quigley took home £94,600 after successfully identifying and banishing the last traitor in a nail-biting finale.
As with previous seasons, contestants will face the possibility of going home empty-handed if traitors manage to remain undetected to the end — meaning deception and deduction are key to survival.
What’s Next?
A new civilian series of The Traitors is also set to air in early 2026, according to the BBC’s latest programming schedule.
Until then, fans can look forward to the Celebrity Traitors edition in the coming months, with official casting announcements expected later this summer.
Stay tuned for more updates on the cast and an exact air date as the traitorous drama edges closer to its celebrity debut.
