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.
There may have only been two series of the show so far, but it has quickly become one of the nation's favourites. For the entirety of January, audiences were glued to their sofas, googling where to buy Claudia Winkleman's tartan kilts 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.
If all this talk of knitwear and murder in the Scottish Highlands feels like a lifetime ago, fear not. There will be two different versions on TV next year – the normal one (phew), and the new celebrity version.
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 – they are casting the celebrity version as we speak and the release date will 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 Courtney 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?
Wishful thinking aside, there are already quite a few names flying around when it comes to the line-up. Here are some of the most popular suggestions so far.
Andy Murray and Judy Murray
Apparently retired tennis star Andy and his mum Judy are on the list. They are immediately giving Ross and Diane vibes, and we love it. As long as Judy doesn't get carried away at the round table, this could be a stealthy pairing for the first all-star spin-off.
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.'
Liz Truss
Apparently former PM Liz Truss' name was thrown into the ring. However, a spokesperson for her swiftly shut the rumours down and said, 'Liz is a massive fan of The Traitors, but nothing the contestants do comes close to the scheming and deceit in Parliament. She will instead be focusing on delivering for her South West Norfolk constituents.'
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.
Rumour has it filming won't take place until next year either, 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.