Mickel Clark
BBC is bringing back the intrigue and suspense of The Traitors in a brand new format. The Celebrity Traitors premieres in October 2025 and introduces well-known personalities into the mix.
Each contestant plays for charity, and the stakes are higher than ever. Here is everything you need to know about this exciting new edition.
What Is The Celebrity Traitors?
The Celebrity Traitors is a spin-off of the hit reality series The Traitors. This time, celebrities step into the castle for a game of trust, betrayal, and strategy. The series will debut on 8 October 2025 on BBC One, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer for UK audiences. Contestants will live and compete in Ardross Castle, located in the scenic Scottish Highlands.
The format stays true to the original. At the start of the game, host Claudia Winkleman secretly selects a few celebrities to be the Traitors. The rest become Faithfuls. The Faithfuls must identify and vote out the Traitors before being eliminated themselves. Meanwhile, the Traitors secretly “murder” contestants to stay hidden and win the game.
Unlike the original version, the celebrities are not competing for personal gain. Each player represents a charity of their choice, adding a sense of purpose and emotional weight to the drama.
How The Game Works
Every day, contestants take part in missions that add money to the prize fund. These challenges are designed to test teamwork while fueling suspicion. The Faithfuls have to decide whom to trust, while the Traitors aim to manipulate the group without being exposed.
Each night, the Traitors secretly remove one Faithful from the game. The next day, everyone meets at the Round Table to discuss suspicions and vote to banish someone. When a player is banished, they must reveal their true identity before leaving the castle.
As the game progresses, twists are introduced. A remaining Traitor may get the chance to recruit a Faithful to their side. This unexpected move changes alliances and forces everyone to rethink their strategies. The series runs for nine episodes, each filled with psychological tension and unpredictable outcomes.
Meet The Celebrity Cast
On 13 May 2025, the BBC unveiled the official cast of 19 famous faces. The lineup includes a mix of comedians, singers, presenters, and sports stars, making this one of the most diverse casts in British reality television.
Some of the confirmed celebrities are Stephen Fry, Alan Carr, Charlotte Church, Paloma Faith, Clare Balding, Tom Daley, Joe Marler, Celia Imrie, Nick Mohammed, Lucy Beaumont, Cat Burns, Jonathan Ross, Ruth Codd, and Niko Omilana.
Each contestant brings their own personality and fanbase to the table. With so many big names, viewers can expect alliances, rivalries, and dramatic twists from the very first episode. Here is the complete list of cast members joining Claudia.
- Alan Carr – Comedian
- Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter
- Celia Imrie – Actor
- Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist
- Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author
- David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker
- Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster
- Joe Wilkinson – Comedian
- Jonathan Ross – Presenter
- Kate Garraway – Broadcaster
- Lucy Beaumont – Comedian
- Mark Bonnar – Actor
- Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian
- Niko Omilana – Content Creator
- Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor
- Ruth Codd – Actor
- Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter
- Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian
- Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster, and Entrepreneur
Claudia Winkleman Returns as Host
Claudia Winkleman once again takes charge as host of the series. Her calm yet mysterious presence adds depth to every moment. Claudia has admitted that filming this celebrity version came with added pressure. In interviews, she revealed that she sometimes worried her expressions or tone might accidentally give away secrets to the players.
Despite her nerves, Claudia’s unique style remains central to the show’s identity. Her interactions with the celebrities often lead to moments of humor amid the tension. She balances authority and empathy, creating an atmosphere that keeps contestants guessing.
Inside Ardross Castle
Ardross Castle serves as the perfect setting for The Celebrity Traitors. With its candle-lit halls, hidden corridors, and secret rooms, the castle amplifies the tension of the game. According to production reports, even the smallest design details were planned to keep contestants on edge.
The mental pressure inside the castle is real. Singer Paloma Faith revealed that she spoke with an on-site psychologist during filming to manage the emotional intensity. Other contestants also admitted that the psychological strain was part of what made the experience unforgettable.
When and Where to Watch
The Celebrity Traitors premieres on 8 October 2025. Episodes will air twice a week on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 pm BST. The opening episode is extended to give fans a full introduction to the cast and setting.
UK viewers can stream every episode for free on BBC iPlayer. International audiences may need to wait for regional availability or use legal streaming services that acquire BBC content.
Why The Celebrity Traitors Stands Out
What makes The Celebrity Traitors special is the mix of fame, ego, and deception. These are not unknown contestants but household names with reputations to protect. Watching them lie, scheme, or break under pressure will be both thrilling and revealing.
The addition of a charity prize gives the series more depth. Every move, every betrayal, and every emotional outburst carries a sense of purpose. The combination of star power, high stakes, and psychological gameplay makes this one of the BBC’s most anticipated reality shows of 2025.
