The Celebrity Traitors series 2: Claudia Winkleman reveals secrets about the new celebrity cast

A fresh group of famous faces are stepping into the castle for a high-stakes game of deception, trust and betrayal, with the chance to win up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice in the second series of The Celebrity Traitors.

Among them are the secret Traitors, whose mission is to eliminate their fellow contestants one by one without being discovered. Meanwhile, the Faithful must work out who they can trust, identify the Traitors and banish them from the game before they become their next target.

Those who make it through to the final stages will have the opportunity to take home the prize money for their chosen charity. But if a Traitor manages to remain hidden until the end, they could walk away with the entire sum instead.

The Celebrity Traitors series two begins on Thursday 1 October 2026, with an extended opening episode airing at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The series will then continue twice a week, with new episodes airing on Thursday and Friday nights at 8pm.

Claudia Winkleman is back to oversee the deception, as the celebrity contestants reveal whether they’re hoping to take the oath and slip into a Traitor’s cloak — or remain firmly on the side of the Faithful.

The Celebrity Traitors is back! What did you think when you first heard who was taking part?

I couldn’t get over it. My bosses had to repeat the names at least three times. We’re so lucky they said yes.

Did any of the names surprise you?

Everyone taking part is fantastic. We are honoured they wanted to play the game.

How did you keep the celebrity cast a secret?

I say absolutely nothing about everything. I still won’t reveal who won series one. People say “it’s okay, it’s been on TV” but still, nothing from me.

Did you come across any of the players elsewhere in the lead up to filming and did any of them let slip they were taking part?

Nobody said a thing. It’s always better that way.

You seem to enjoy watching the drama unfold, is it ever difficult not to give away your reactions?

An overly long fringe helps. It’s a privilege to be able to watch people play the game. I try and disappear into the walls at the Round Table. I feel extremely lucky I’m part of this show.

Speaking of your facial expressions, with a number of comedians in the lineup this year, did any of them try and break you by making you laugh?

They all made me laugh. They are all utterly brilliant and the funniest people on earth. Rob Beckett said something that made me hide in a bush until I composed myself.

How much fun is it watching the celebrities take on the missions?

They excelled at the missions. Amazing teamwork and they just really wanted to build the prize pot.

Your outfits have become quite the talking point since the series began. In the past you’ve named various celebrity inspirations for your looks from Princess Anne to Ronnie Corbett, has anyone inspired the outfits this series?

It went a little Artful Dodger for this series. I borrow a lot of the clothes and the shops / designers were horrified when I asked if we could dip the clothes in tea.

Some of this year’s players are also known for their love of fashion, who would you say is really bringing their own chic castle looks this year?

They’re all tremendous.

You had a lovely reunion with the series one celebrities at the BAFTAs earlier this year, did any of them try to find out about this year’s game from you?

I love them so much. They didn’t ask, we were too busy cuddling each other.

The Celebrity Traitors series two begins on Thursday 1 October 2026.

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