Maya Jama and Richard E Grant named first traitors on BBC's Celebrity Traitors

The BBC announced the first two traitors on its new reality competition, with Maya Jama and Richard E Grant sharing their reactions.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 23:02:25 GMT

The BBC confirmed that Love Island host Maya Jama and actor Richard E Grant were the first two celebrities chosen as traitors on the premiere of Celebrity Traitors series 2, which began airing on 1 October 2026.

What happened

During the opening episode, host Claudia Winkleman introduced the 21‑person cast and then revealed the first two traitors. Jama, 32, and Grant, 69, were each asked to speak to Winkleman before their selections were made public.

What the reports add

Standard.co.uk reported that Jama described herself as having a “welcoming energy” and hoped contestants would trust her, adding she wanted to be an “unassuming warm and misleading traitor”. The outlet also quoted Grant saying he would be “utterly ruthless” and felt “no guilt as it’s a game”. Independent.co.uk noted that Jama called the revelation her “villain era” and that Grant appeared “ecstatic”, later attempting to persuade other contestants about his new role. The Independent added that the show’s format allows the two traitors to select a third traitor after the first murder, with a cliff‑hanger ending featuring potential picks James Acaster and Amol Rajan.

What was said

Claudia Winkleman, the series host, asked Jama about her strategy; Jama replied, “As a host I have a welcoming energy and hopefully people will trust me,” as reported by Standard.co.uk. Grant told the same outlet, “If I was lucky enough to be a traitor, it would be a dream come true. In this game the only power you have is being a traitor.”

How it came about

The series launch follows weeks of publicity, including betting odds released on 28 September (Felo News) that listed Maya Jama at 8/1. Earlier coverage also highlighted controversies over promotional headshots (Felo News) and the choice of Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands as the filming location (Felo News). The reveal of the first traitors marks the start of the competition’s “traitor‑hunt” mechanic.

Key facts

Maya Jama and Richard E Grant were named the first traitors on Celebrity Traitors series 2 (standard.co.uk)
The premiere episode aired on 1 October 2026 on BBC One (independent.co.uk)
Claudia Winkleman hosts the series (standard.co.uk)