Good news if you need something to take your mind off the trials and tribulations of everyday life: we can confirm that a celebrity spin-off of The Traitors is in the works, and that a fourth series of the main show has already been commissioned. And you can apply to be part of it.
With three series of the competitive, psychological gameshow so far, it has quickly become one of the nation's favourites. For the entirety of January, audiences are glued to their sofas, googling how to get Claudia Winkleman's 'haute country' look and eagerly anticipating the Traitors' every move.
The series two final had an astonishing eight million people tune in. Even the filmed podcast spin-off, The Traitors: Uncloaked, started to garner more viewers than Love Island, so it's no wonder the BBC and Studio Lambert found themselves looking at new ways to expand the Traitors universe – or that they've confirmed the show will continue until 2030.
With the third series currently our weekly must-watch, we can't wait for the celebrity edition.
Celebrity Traitors UK is in the works...
Mike Cotton, creative director unscripted at Studio Lambert and executive producer for The Traitors says: 'We are thrilled to be inviting some celebrities into our castle to come and play the game. Seeing famous faces navigate the round table or don the infamous green cloaks will be unmissable TV, and what a double treat for the fans with Series 4 also confirmed too. There's a whole lot of exciting treachery and deception yet to come from the Highlands… Claudia’s going to have to pack some extra knitwear.'
It's still early days, with the release date to be confirmed 'in due course'.
If manifestation works, we'd love to see stars like Gemma Collins, David Beckham, Jodie Comer, Rylan Clark and Sharon Horgan battle it out at the round table. There have also been whispers that Courteney Cox might join the cast, given that she has been spotted out for lunch with her friend Claudia Winkleman quite a few times...
What are the Celebrity Traitors cast rumours?
There are already quite a few names flying around when it comes to the line-up. A source said, ‘Behind the scenes, big names have already expressed their interest in taking part from the moment it was revealed the new version of The Traitors was being made.'
However, the BBC have not commented on all the ‘speculation’. ‘The Traitors is a game that includes lies and deception, thus it would be foolhardy for any Faithful to speculate before the game has begun,’ a BBC spokesperson said.
Here are some of the rumoured names so far.
Courteney Cox
She’s Claudia’s pal after striking up a friendship through their shared love of The Traitors but could their bond be tested for real? Friends star Courteney, who has appeared in a sketch together with Claudia, is in the rumoured line-up. An insider said, ‘Getting Courteney on board would be a real coup.’
Daisy May and Charlie Cooper
Daisy May and her brother Charlie are on the list of potential contestants. ‘Bosses are convinced Daisy and Charlie will be great players. They’re hilarious, witty and have award-winning acting skills,’ a source said.
Jennifer Saunders
She previously starred in The Traitors Comic Relief parody alongside her comedy sidekick Dawn French in 2023, where she said that she’s not a Traitor, but Jennifer is rumoured to appear in the show for good.
Alan Carr
Funnyman Alan is said to be in final talks to make his reality show debut in the Scottish castle. ‘Alan is an absolute national treasure and will be an incredible contestant – he’ll make great telly as well as being a top player. He has been one of viewers’ dream signings since the idea of a celebrity version was first floated so everyone is thrilled talks are in final stages,’ an insider revealed.
Richard Osman
The game show host and Thursday Murder Club author is thought to be a ‘terrific signing’ for the star-studded version of the show. A source said, ‘He reckons he knows how to commit the perfect murder, so could surely spot a Traitor from 100 paces or outsmart the others if he needs to? He also knows exactly how TV works.’ They added, ‘Anyone who’s seen him on Pointless or House of Games will know how clever he is. And his claim that he’s no good at lying seems unlikely.’
Tom Daley
Having retired from diving, Olympian Tom is taking the plunge into reality TV, according to reports, and is said to be in ‘final talks’ to join the celeb edition of The Traitors. ‘He’s always been a top target for reality show bookers, but his team knew he had the pick of the crop. The first series of the celebrity edition blows I’m A Celebrity and Strictly out the water really, and Tom knows it will be hugely fun to film,’ an insider said. ‘He’ll make a great player too, as no one would suspect misdeeds from such a baby-faced lad.’
Bob Mortimer
Funnyman Bob – one half of comic duo Reeves and Mortimer – is already a fan of the show. ‘I watch the American, UK and Australian versions of The Traitors. I think they’re all great, it’s a brilliant format. And Claudia is the best of the presenters,’ he has said.
Paloma Faith
Singer Paloma is thought to be a great addition to the game of deception. ‘Paloma is great fun and has a great personality for TV, as viewers saw on The Voice. She will relish the opportunity whatever side she is on – she should be able to spot people bluffing a mile off – and she will be great at playing innocent if she is a Traitor,’ a source said.
Another insider added, ‘Paloma is a fascinating character with plenty of stories to tell of life in the public eye, and great fun to be around. She’ll be an incredible player and will bring some glam to the castle – Claudia will have competition.’
Clare Balding
A favourite on Celebrity Gogglebox, the broadcasting legend is set to make her first reality appearance on the murder mystery game show.
‘Clare is an absolutely brilliant signing because she’s always turned down reality offers flat. As such, this will offer the first real glimpse into what she’s like as a person,’ a source said. ‘She’s known to generations of TV viewers from fronting everything from racing and the Olympics through to Crufts and occasionally Countryfile. And could anyone really believe that the Beeb’s dependable, sensible face of sport could be a treacherous liar?’
Danny Dyer
He’s ducked and dived his way into the nation’s hearts as pub landlord Mick Carter in EastEnders, but TV bosses are hoping soap star Danny will be a hit in the castle. ‘Danny is a reality TV booker’s dream signing but for years has turned down every offer. He’s a huge character who effortlessly creates telly magic without even trying, so Traitors bosses have been pursuing Danny hard. They’re doing everything they can to get the deal over the line,’ a source said.
Ricky Gervais
Ricky is on the Traitors producers’ wishlist because they think he’ll be a huge hit. ‘The Beeb want the crème de la crème of stars for the celeb spin-off, and they ideally have to be incredibly smart, funny and mischievous – and that’s Ricky in three words,’ an insider revealed. ‘Ricky will be in good company around the Traitors table, but whether he takes part will probably depend on his hugely busy diary.’
Robert Peston
As someone who already knows the ins and outs of Britain’s political scene, ITV’s political reporter could turn out to be a top player. ‘Poaching Peston for Traitors shows real ingenuity on the BBC’s part. And it’s a huge insight into the kind of show Celebrity Traitors will be,’ an insider said. ‘Peston will be relying on his knowledge of Westminster back-stabbing to bring his A game to Celebrity Traitors.’
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay
It wouldn't be Claudia Winkleman's show if she didn't sneak a few friends into the cast. Her Strictly co-host Tess Daly is rumoured to be taking part with her husband Vernon Kay. There's only been one couple on the show before, in the first series, and it didn't go as well as they'd hoped. If the rumours are true, let's see what Tess and Vernon are made of.
Stephen Fry
According to The Sun, Stephen Fry is top of Claudia's list. An insider said, 'Claudia put Stephen right at the top of celebs she’d want on The Traitors and Stephen has made it clear he’d be game.
'Stephen is a fan of the show and Claudia was desperate for him to be in it. No contracts have been signed yet — but he told the show’s bosses to name a time and date and he’ll be there.'
Jonathan Ross
TV legend Jonathan Ross has apparently been asked too. A source told The Sun, 'Jonathan is the ideal target for The Traitors' producers because he’s a high-profile celebrity who doesn’t regularly appear on the reality TV circuit. He’s also one of a small army of stars who are self-confessed fans of the show.' Oh, and he's another friend of Claudia.
When does Celebrity Traitors UK come out?
The celebrity special of The Traitors UK doesn't have a release date yet, but we know it will arrive after the third series has aired, which means we might have to wait until the second half of 2025.
Will it be the same as the normal version?
To all intents and purposes, yes. Celebrity Traitors will follow the same format and will be filmed in the same castle. And, of course, Claudia Winkleman will return to host the show. Perhaps she'll recognise some of her friends at the round table...
For those who aren't aware of how the game works, a team of players take part in physical challenges in order to grow a prize pot of up to £120,000. Meanwhile, a group of unknown 'Traitors' in their midst secretly collude to murder 'Faithful' players and keep the prize for themselves. It's the job of the Faithfuls to try to identify and vote them out of the game.
Can I apply to go on The Traitors?
Yes! You can apply to be on series four (out in 2026) now. Casting is also underway for the celebrity version so, Rylan, if you're reading this, get in touch with your agent.
Filming for series four and the star-studded spin-off will commence in 2025.
Nikki Peach is a writer at Grazia UK, covering TV, celebrity interviews, news and features.