BBC launches Celebrity Traitors 2026 with new cast and extended opening episode

Claudia Winkleman hosts the second series, featuring actors, musicians and comedians competing for charity.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:09:24 GMT

The BBC confirmed that the second series of Celebrity Traitors begins on Thursday, 1 October, with an extra‑long opening episode at 8 pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

What happened

The reality‑game show returns to a Scottish castle for its 2026 season. Host Claudia Winkleman will guide 21 celebrities – a mix of award‑winning actors, chart‑topping musicians and five comedians – as they are divided into "Faithfuls" and "Traitors". The prize for the winning team is up to £100,000, which will be donated to a charity chosen by the victors. The series will run for ten episodes, airing twice weekly on Thursday and Friday evenings at 8 pm.

What the reports add

Independent.co.uk highlighted individual contestants, noting Michael Sheen’s Olivier‑nominated theatre work, his TV roles such as Tony Blair in The Crown, and his recent activism documentaries; Maya Jama’s transition from Love Island presenter to BBC host; and Ross Kemp’s long‑running role as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders.
Standard.co.uk listed the full celebrity line‑up, including Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, James Blunt, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, King Kenny, Leigh‑Anne Pinnock, Miranda Hart, Myha'la, Professor Hannah Fry, Richard E Grant, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Ross Kemp, Sebastian Croft and Sharon Rooney.
Both outlets confirmed the show will air two nights a week (Thursday and Friday) at 8 pm, expanding from nine episodes last series to ten this year.

What was said

The BBC has confirmed the reality gameshow will return tonight, on Thursday, October 1 with an extra‑long opening episode at 8 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

— Standard.co.uk, citing the BBC.

How it came about

Standard.co.uk noted that the BBC only revealed the launch date a fortnight ago after widespread speculation about when the series would return. It also explained that the sister programme “Traitors: Uncloaked” will follow each main episode on BBC One, iPlayer and BBC Sounds, hosted by comedian Ed Gamble and featuring debriefs with eliminated players. Bonus episodes with extended celebrity interviews will be released immediately after the main show on BBC Sounds.

Key facts

Celebrity Traitors 2026 premieres on 1 October with an 8 pm opening episode on BBC One and iPlayer. (standard.co.uk)
Claudia Winkleman returns as host for the second series. (independent.co.uk)
The prize for the winning team is up to £100,000 for charity. (standard.co.uk)
The series will consist of ten episodes, broadcast Thursday and Friday evenings. (standard.co.uk)
A sister show, Traitors: Uncloaked, will air after each episode, hosted by Ed Gamble. (standard.co.uk)