The Celebrity Traitors return for second series with star lineup

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, September 26, 2026

BBC’s Celebrity Traitors is returning for a second season with an expanded cast of 21 celebrities, including Richard E Grant, James Blunt, and Miranda Hart, competing in the Scottish Highlands starting October 1. The show will feature new twists and a companion commentary series, aiming to build on its previous success by deepening the strategic gameplay and social intrigue.

The BBC’s reality competition series, Celebrity Traitors, is set to return for a second season, bringing together an expanded and high-profile cast to compete in the Scottish Highlands. Filming took place earlier this year at Ardross Castle, with contestants housed nearby in Inverness.

The show, which first gained acclaim with its inaugural celebrity edition featuring comedian Alan Carr’s unexpected victory, challenges participating celebrities to navigate a game of deception, alliances and intrigue. The format blends elements of strategy and social gameplay, as participants vie to avoid elimination while identifying “Traitors” working covertly to sabotage the faithful group.

The 2026 cast includes a diverse mix of actors, musicians, comedians, broadcasters and other public figures. Notable participants include actors Richard E Grant, Michael Sheen, Ross Kemp, Sharon Rooney, Bella Ramsey, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Myha’la; musicians James Blunt and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, formerly of Little Mix; comedian Miranda Hart, returning after a long absence from television; model Jerry Hall; broadcaster Professor Hannah Fry; comedian James Acaster; content creator King Kenny; and presenters Maya Jama and Amol Rajan. The lineup totals 21 contestants, up from 19 in the previous celebrity series.

Fans and commentators have noted the strong presence of comedians within the group, including Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan, who are among those stirring speculation over potential rivalries due to their close professional relationship. The host, Claudia Winkleman, who returns after last year’s successful run, will oversee the game’s developments and the selection of Traitors. A special companion episode, "Traitor or Faithful? Claudia Decides," will be available on BBC iPlayer, offering insights into her decision-making process.

The second series promises an extended run, with ten episodes scheduled to air twice weekly on Thursdays and Fridays beginning 1 October at 8 p.m. The show will be followed by "The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked," hosted by Ed Gamble, which features commentary and interviews with eliminated contestants. This year’s installment includes new twists and surprises, with the production team suggesting unexpected gameplay moments and heightened levels of paranoia and strategy.

Since its debut, Celebrity Traitors has achieved significant viewership and critical success, with the original celebrity series setting records for entertainment programming in the UK. The upcoming season aims to build on this momentum with a blend of star power, complex social dynamics, and the scenic backdrop of the Highlands.

As anticipation mounts, fans have also been closely analyzing trailers and promotional material, generating theories about potential winners and Traitors. Betting markets have highlighted favorites such as Bella Ramsey, Joanne McNally, James Blunt, and Michael Sheen, though insider hints suggest that only those reaching the late stages are privy to the ultimate outcome.

With a blend of suspense, celebrity intrigue and strategic gameplay, the new series of Celebrity Traitors is poised to capture viewers’ attention once again this autumn.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.