The Celebrity Traitors is returning in 2026. Here’s the latest on the expected BBC launch date, full cast and how the celebrity version works.
When Does Celebrity Traitors 2026 Start? Predicted Launch Date and Full Cast
The Celebrity Traitors is set to return to BBC One in 2026, with a brand-new group of famous faces preparing to enter the dramatic Scottish castle.
Fans of The Traitors have another reason to get excited, with the celebrity spin-off preparing to return for its second series.
The BBC has already offered viewers a first glimpse of the upcoming season, while a star-studded cast has been assembled for another round of deception, secret alliances and dramatic eliminations.
However, there is still one major question surrounding the show: when exactly will Celebrity Traitors 2026 begin?
While the BBC has confirmed that the second celebrity series is scheduled to air in autumn 2026, an exact premiere date has not yet been officially announced.
That has not stopped fans from speculating about when they will be able to watch the new episodes.
The first celebrity edition launched on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and aired twice a week throughout October and November.
If the BBC follows a similar schedule for the second series, viewers could potentially see Celebrity Traitors return in early October 2026, with episodes again potentially occupying prime-time midweek slots.
When could Celebrity Traitors 2026 start?
The BBC has not officially confirmed the launch date, meaning any date currently circulating should be treated as speculation rather than a confirmed premiere.
One previously reported date of September 23 was specifically dismissed by those involved with the show.
The confusion reportedly began after Richard Osman appeared to reveal the date during a live podcast conversation with former Traitors contestant Joe Marler.
However, the date was subsequently described as incorrect.
An insider said there had been frustration behind the scenes after Osman mentioned the date, with those working on the production reportedly surprised by where the information had come from.
As a result, fans will need to wait for the BBC to make an official announcement before knowing exactly when the first episode will air.
Given that the series is scheduled for autumn, however, an October launch would be consistent with the timing of the first celebrity season.
Who is in Celebrity Traitors 2026?
The second celebrity edition has assembled an impressive collection of actors, comedians, broadcasters, musicians and online stars.
A total of 21 celebrities are expected to enter the Scottish Highlands and compete in the game.
Among the biggest names in the cast is Love Island presenter Maya Jama, who will be swapping her usual television role for the very different challenge of identifying secret Traitors.
Singer-songwriter James Blunt is also taking part, as is comedian and actress Miranda Hart.
The cast includes:
- Amol Rajan – Today presenter and University Challenge host
- Bella Ramsey – The Last of Us and Game of Thrones star
- Dr Hannah Fry – mathematician, professor and BBC science presenter
- James Acaster – comedian and Off Menu podcast co-host
- James Blunt – singer-songwriter
- Jerry Hall – model and actress
- Joanne McNally – comedian and My Therapist Ghosted Me co-host
- Joe Lycett – comedian and television presenter
- Julie Hesmondhalgh – actress known for Coronation Street
- King Kenny – YouTuber and Beta Squad member
- Leigh-Anne Pinnock – singer and former Little Mix member
- Maya Jama – television presenter and Love Island host
- Michael Sheen – award-winning actor
- Miranda Hart – comedian and actress
- Myha’la – actress known for Industry and Black Mirror
- Richard E. Grant – Oscar-nominated actor
- Rob Beckett – comedian and podcast host
- Romesh Ranganathan – comedian and television presenter
- Ross Kemp – actor and documentary presenter
- Sebastian Croft – actor known for Heartstopper and Game of Thrones
- Sharon Rooney – actress known for My Mad Fat Diary and Barbie
With such a varied group, the new series could produce plenty of unexpected alliances and clashes.
How does Celebrity Traitors work?
The celebrity version follows the same basic format that made the original The Traitors such a success.
Contestants head to the Scottish Highlands, where they take part in challenges while attempting to work out which members of the group have secretly been selected as Traitors.
The contestants are divided into two groups: Faithfuls and Traitors.
The crucial difference is that the Traitors know who the other Traitors are, while the Faithfuls must try to identify them without knowing who they can trust.
The game revolves around deception and deduction, with the Traitors attempting to remain undetected while eliminating their opponents.
The contestants regularly gather around the famous Round Table, where they discuss their suspicions before voting for the person they believe could be a Traitor.
The contestant receiving the most votes is banished from the game.
However, the Traitors have another major advantage.
They can secretly select players to be “murdered,” removing them from the competition without giving the rest of the group a chance to vote.
That means the Faithfuls must constantly analyze the behavior of their fellow contestants while trying to determine who may be manipulating the game.
Claudia Winkleman returns
One familiar face will once again be at the center of the action.
Claudia Winkleman is returning as the host of The Celebrity Traitors, continuing the role she has performed throughout the wider franchise.
Her distinctive presentation style has become an important part of the show’s identity, from the dramatic Round Table sessions to the tense moments surrounding eliminations.
The celebrity edition also differs from the regular series in one important respect.
Instead of contestants simply competing for a personal cash prize, the celebrity version involves the eventual winner choosing a charity to receive the prize money.
That adds another element to the competition, as the celebrities will be playing not only for the satisfaction of winning but also for a cause of their choice.
What can fans expect from Celebrity Traitors 2026?
With 21 recognizable personalities from completely different areas of entertainment, the second series has plenty of potential for unpredictable moments.
Comedians such as James Acaster, Joe Lycett, Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan could bring humor to the castle, while actors including Michael Sheen, Bella Ramsey, Richard E. Grant and Sebastian Croft may prove difficult for the other contestants to read.
Broadcasters such as Amol Rajan, Maya Jama and Dr Hannah Fry will also have to rely on their ability to analyze their fellow contestants.
Meanwhile, the presence of musicians, social media personalities and reality television stars creates an even wider mix of personalities.
For now, though, fans are still waiting for one key piece of information.
The exact Celebrity Traitors 2026 launch date remains unconfirmed.
With the BBC confirming an autumn return and the first celebrity series beginning in October, early October 2026 could be a reasonable expectation if the broadcaster follows a similar scheduling pattern.
Until the BBC officially announces the date, viewers will have to remain patient.
One thing is already certain: when The Celebrity Traitors returns, the Scottish Highlands will once again become the setting for one of television’s biggest games of trust, suspicion and deception.