The second series of Celebrity Traitors has been confirmed, with filming underway at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, according to multiple reports. The prize fund is up to £100,000 for the celebrity's chosen charity. The cast includes Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, James Blunt, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, King Kenny, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Maya Jama, Michael Sheen, Miranda Hart, Myha'la, Professor Hannah Fry, Richard E Grant, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Ross Kemp, Sebastian Croft, and Sharon Rooney.
Claudia Winkleman said the cast is so extraordinary she had to have the names repeated to her. Rob Beckett and Julie Hesmondhalgh were spotted running near the castle during filming, according to multiple reports. Some celebrities are reportedly 'terrified' of how they will be portrayed in the final edit and are pressuring the BBC for a positive portrayal, a show insider told the Daily Mail.
While some of them are just in there to have fun, there are others who are very much in there for themselves as a strategic career move so they are terrified of how they will come across.
According to the same source, the stakes are higher this series as celebrities have seen the show's potential to boost their personal brand, but one wrong move could become a PR nightmare. Maya Jama reportedly took a pay cut from her Love Island fee to appear on the show, earning £40,000, according to a source told The Sun. Amol Rajan's participation has caused disruption at BBC Radio 4's Today programme, an employee told the Daily Mirror, adding that there was anger when staff found out and that there will be repercussions about who replaces him.
Peter Capaldi turned down the opportunity to appear due to the 'level of exposure', he said. The first series of Celebrity Traitors was won by Alan Carr as a Traitor, according to multiple reports. 1 million for the finale.
As it's the second time round, they've seen just how big a boost it can give to a personal brand but it needs to be orchestrated carefully.
The BBC has renewed both The Traitors and Celebrity Traitors until at least 2030, according to a report. Fans on Reddit speculate there may be a secret 22nd contestant or a twist involving a returning contestant. Miranda Hart is the early favourite to win according to Ladbrokes, with odds of 3/1.
Ladbrokes spokesperson Nicola McGeady said Hart makes perfect Traitors material, being quick-witted, likeable, and smart enough to stay under the radar. Liam Gallagher confirmed on X that he has been asked to appear, saying he has been approached.
One foot wrong, and it could become a PR nightmare.
The stakes are very different for this year's celebrities from what they were in the first series. You can't buy this kind of exposure now but it has to be the right kind.
It's fair to say that there was some anger when we found out about it.
No one begrudges him the opportunity but there will be repercussions about who replaces him.
Gassed to be involved!!! Wish me luck!!!!