The BBC show is back for a second series with 21 new celebrities taking part- but why do they look so familiar?
The Celebrity Traitors is finally making its return to television for a fresh series with all new celebs(Image: BBC)
The Celebrity Traitors is finally making its return to television for a fresh series with all new celebs. The popular BBC programme is returning to our screens on Thursday, October 1, and will showcase 21 new famous faces who will be assigned the role of either a Traitor or Faithful.
Claudia Winkleman will once again be guiding the stars as they take on the ultimate game of deceit in Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. The celebs will be competing in the hopes of winning a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.
Audiences are eager to discover how the diverse celebrity line-up performs following Alan Carr’s unforgettable victory last year. The BBC has already released an initial glimpse, with clips revealing their first encounter in a church, where tension rapidly escalates. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
So, who exactly are the famous faces taking part in this year’s series and why might you recognise them? Here’s everything you need to know.
Amol Rajan
Occupation: Journalist and broadcaster
Amol previously served as editor for The Independent newspaper and Media Editor for the BBC.
He has authored a book about one of his interests, cricket, and is recognised for presenting University Challenge. He assumed hosting duties for the quiz programme in 2023.
The journalist is also in the process of launching a YouTube show called the Amol Rajan Connection.
Speaking of launching his new YouTube show and appearing on Celebrity Traitors, Amol said: “I’ve got these two once-in-a-lifetime things both happening at exactly the same time, which is part coincidence, but part planned. I’m basically launching a YouTube show called the Amol Rajan Connection.
“You might think of it as a souped-up, even better version of the podcast I do called Radical. I’m doing that, which is going to be a huge new moment for me, and I’m launching a business to go with it.
“Also, it’s only once in a lifetime you’re on the biggest show in the world. These two things are happening. It’s kind of a cliché that you only live once, but it’s more this kind of feeling that life is short.
“You really want to make the most of it, enjoy every day and there’s no such thing as tomorrow. I really, really, really want to live life to the full. And as I look at the Scottish castle, I think I am.”
Bella Ramsey
Occupation: Actor
Bella Ramsey shot to fame with their memorable portrayal of Lyanna Mormont during the closing seasons of Game of Thrones, a role that ran alongside their performance as Mildred Hubble in the CBBC reboot of The Worst Witch.
They have since gone on to appear in His Dark Materials, Time, and taken on the role of Ellie in the highly praised adaptation of the video game The Last of Us.
Speaking about using their acting skills in the castle, Bella said: “I do think they can give you a bit of an edge. For me, anyway, because again, if I was telling a lie people would spot me instantly. Playing a character, it’s like that’s what I do!”
James Acaster
Occupation: Comedian and podcaster
The comic will be familiar to audiences from numerous panel shows, amongst them Mock the Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.
He featured in series 7 of Taskmaster and co-hosts the podcast Off Menu alongside Ed Gamble (the host of The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked).
Speaking on why he signed up for the show, James said: “I just love it. I’m a huge fan and have been since series one. I instantly got addicted to it when I started watching. I think I started watching it halfway through the first series, so I was catching up on iPlayer.
“I did all of it in one night and then got really frustrated that I had to wait for all the other episodes. And then I really loved the first Celebrity series and instantly became jealous that I wasn’t doing it. I had to get in here!”
James Blunt
Occupation: Singer/songwriter
Fans of the singer may not realise that he is a former British army Captain who served between 1996 and 2002.
Following his time in the army, he rose to prominence as a musician in 2004 with the launch of his debut album Back to Bedlam.
His singles You’re Beautiful and Goodbye, My Lover were enormous hits on both sides of the Atlantic.
The singer joked that the reason he is taking part in Celebrity Traitors is for the holiday. He said: “I was promised a holiday in Scotland! I’m just here for a lovely walking holiday in The Highlands. Seriously, I’d love to have a go at the game. It’s something that we’ve watched at home and loved.”
Jerry Hall
Occupation: Model and actress
Jerry made her name as a model throughout the 1970s before transitioning into acting and appearing in 1989’s Batman.
Her personal life has also attracted considerable public attention, notably her relationship with Mick Jagger and her marriage to Rupert Murdoch, which ended in divorce in 2022.
Jerry shared her reason for joining Celebrity Traitors, saying: “Well, I love the show. I have been completely obsessed. I just thought it was the best show when I first saw it, and I love playing games. I felt thrilled to be asked to be involved as I just think it’s wonderful. Saying yes in life has sometimes got me in trouble, but a lot of times it’s led to wonderful adventures, and I am excited to embark on this adventure.”
Joanne McNally
Occupation: Comedian, writer and actress
The Irish stand-up previously worked as a publicist before a comedy show launched her into her current career.
She also co-hosts the podcast My Therapist Ghosted Me with Vogue Williams.
Joanne was a contesant on the seventeenth series of Channel 4’s Taskmaster which premiered in March 2024. More recently she has appeared as a team captain on Ed Gamble’s comedy panel show, Unacceptable.
Joe Lycett
Occupation: Comedian
Joe Lycett, or Hugo Boss to some, is known for his quick wit and mischeivious anecdotes. In fact, he hosted his own series Channel 4 series, Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back where he challenged people in power on behalf of his audience.
The popular comic has also featured on Live at the Apollo, Taskmaster, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Last One Laughing and QI.
He’s also a self-taught painter and artist. One of his sculptures was valued at £12.5m by the Royal Academy.
Joe was asked how he though people would portray him. He said: “So, when I started doing stand-up, my on and off-stage persona were quite similar. I showed off at parties because I wanted attention and then, gradually, as I got that attention through doing stand-up, I could calm down in real life.
“When I’m not out on stage I’m very calm, thoughtful and peaceful. I think the comics know what I’m like on and off stage, but I think the others who, for the first time, will spend time with me not in ‘show mode’ might see that as suspicious.
“I definitely come across assumptions of ‘oh, he’s the gay comedian off the telly’ and I explain I’ve got a female partner and a son with said female partner. I’m really quite a tranquil individual when not in performance mode which may surprise some.”
Julie Hesmondhalgh
Occupation: Actor
Julie is a Coronation Street icon who portrayed Hayley Cropper on the ITV soap from 1998 to 2014.
After departing the cobbles, she has featured in Happy Valley, Broadchurch, The A Word and played the wife of Mr Bates in Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
Speaking about if her public persona will affect how others peceive her on Celebrity Traitors, Julie said: “Well, I mean, it would be very helpful, I think, if I was a Traitor, because I think that people would assume I’m the same as Hayley from Coronation Street. Then again, I think that people may think the opposite or she’s not all she seems. She’s not this sweet lady. There’s more to her, so I think that there might be some suspicion on me to be a Traitor.
“That said, that’s quite helpful in the game if you’re a Faithful. You don’t want to be the most faithful of Faithfuls. You need just the right amount of suspicion on you to be useful to the Traitors, so they keep you around as a distraction. If you’re too faithful, you’re of no use to anyone.”
King Kenny
Occupation: Content creator
King Kenny is a former boxer who retired from the sport earlier this year following one professional fight.
He is better recognised as a social media influencer, having launched his YouTube channel in 2014 and accumulated more than 2 million followers on the platform.
Read more about King Kenny here.
Leigh-Anne Pinnock
Occupation: Singer/songwriter
Leigh-Anne is best known as being one of the previous members of girl group Little Mix, which formed on and triumphed in the eighth series of The X Factor.
She has subsequently pursued a solo career in 2023, with singles called Don’t Say Love and My Love.
The singer believes that people will only know her from being in Little Mix, and that will work in her favour. She said: “I think I’m at a slight advantage because people just know me as Leigh-Anne from Little Mix, and they don’t really know my personality that well. It will be really amazing for me to show who I am, so people get to know me as an individual and hopefully make their judgement on that rather than what they know of me as a performer.”
Maya Jama
Occupation: Presenter and actress
Maya Jama is best recognised for fronting reality programme Love Island since 2022.
She has recently embarked on her acting career, appearing in Netflix productions The Duchess and The Gentlemen.
The presenter shared her reason for joining Celebrity Traitors and how former contestant Jonathon Ross gave her some advice for the show. Maya said: “I love the show. I watched the last celebrity series and I’ve always wanted to do some kind of challenge game show, but there’s never really been the right one.
“I spoke to Jonathan Ross because we do The Masked Singer together, and he told me I’d love it. The only thing he warned me about was not having my phone! I’m actually looking at it as a chance to have a little digital detox.
“I also wanted to do something where people get to see more of my personality. I watched all the Missions last year and thought, OK… they’re not too bad. I reckon I could give those a go.”
Michael Sheen
Occupation: Actor and presenter
The cherished Welsh performer has an extensive and diverse portfolio, having featured in Twilight, Staged, The Damned United, Frost/Nixon, Good Omens and Quiz amongst others.
In 2025, he launched the Welsh National Theatre which kicked off with a tour of the production Our Town. Later this year, he will be starring as Owain Glyndwr in Owain & Henry at the Wales Millennium Centre.
Michael is also taking over from Richard Osman to front the BBC quiz show, House of Games.
He recently fronted a documentary called Buried for the BBC, where he looked at claims of chemical contamination throughout Wales, exposing a scandal with potentially devastating consequences across the whole of the UK.
Speaking of representing Wales on Celebrity Traitors, Michael said: “Yes, am I the only Welsh person in it? I was looking and I think I am. And I’m an actual Welsh person, as opposed to someone pretending to be Welsh.”
Miranda Hart
Occupation: Actor and author
The actress is best known as the creator and star of her self-titled sitcom Miranda which ran on BBC from 2009 to 2015.
She subsequently appeared in the first four series of Call The Midwife and Celebrity Traitors marks her first television appearance in six years.
Speaking about why she decided to take part, Miranda said: “My decision making in life generally, and certainly work, is follow the joy. I haven’t done much TV work for a long time, having only recently come out of long-term ill health issues and when I was offered this, my whole body sort of relaxed, I smiled, and I just wanted to jump about like a schoolgirl with joy.
“It’s just fun. It’s outdoors, it’s games. All the stuff I love. It’s play basically. And I’m passionate about encouraging people to play more generally, and this game is that in spades. It’s a brilliant television show – the only flaw in taking part is that as a fan of the show it will be less fun to watch it with myself in it!”
Myha’la
Occupation: Actor
The actress’ full name is Myha’la Herrold, and the American performer portrays Harper Stern in the Welsh-filmed drama series Industry.
She has also featured in the films Bodies Bodies Bodies and Leave the World Behind.
Myha’la spoke of her excitement to be joining Celebrity Traitors, saying: “This is like my dream. When the announcement came out with the lineup, friends were messaging, “You literally said you wanted to be on this show. That’s so good” because everyone knows I’m obsessed! I love this game.”
Professor Hannah Fry
Occupation: Presenter and mathematician
The academic has built a substantial social media following through her videos demystifying complex topics, particularly in her field of expertise, mathematics.
She also has a background in stand-up comedy and has fronted programmes for BBC radio.
Speaking of using her mathematician skills on the series, the Professor said: “I’m here to fulfil the nerd quota for the year, and I’m taking my responsibility extremely seriously. Have I gone back through the data of all the previous games and tried to find statistically significant patterns? Yes!
“Are any of these going to help me? Honestly, who knows?! There is a pattern in the way that Traitors behave. For example, Traitors often do a burn vote in the first few episodes when they’re settling in.
“By that I mean they just vote for somebody that nobody else has voted for. Cat last year was a really good example of this, but across the board, the only problem with picking up on those signals is that the Faithfuls are such an absolute mess. They are so all over the place that it’s really hard to pick out what the signal is. That’s just one example of a little bit of maths that I’ve got in my back pocket.”
Richard E Grant
Occupation: Actor and author
Richard made his cinematic debut in the cult favourite Withnail and I, and since then he has starred in a variety of screen and stage productions which has earned him National Treasure status.
He is also recognised for his roles in The Other Bennet Sister, Downton Abbey alongside films Logan and Saltburn.
Speaking of why he decided to take part, Richard said: “Because I think it’s a most brilliant game, where even Stephen Fry’s encyclopaedic knowledge of Sherlock Holmes couldn’t solve the mystery. You can’t have any clue. The Traitors are decided by a team of people and Claudia Winkleman, so there’s nothing to go on. Pack mentality prevails, where suspicion turns into accusation.”
You can read more about Richard and his life here.
Rob Beckett
Occupation: Comedian
Rob is another comic with extensive experience across panel shows and podcasts. From 8 Out of 10 Cats, Taskmaster and Last One Laughing.
He has also previously hosted the Parenting Hell podcast with Josh Widdecombe.
Romesh Ranganathan
Occupation: Comedian
Romesh is recognised for past collaborations with fellow Traitors contestant Rob Beckett in their Sky programme Rob and Romesh vs.
Like many of his fellow contestants Romesh has featured on several different comedy panel shows.
He also runs his own podcast and fronts several programmes with his mum including Romesh Ranganathan’s Parents’ Evening.
Romesh spoke about people’s reactions to him being cast on Celebrity Traitors, saying: “I think everyone’s surprised because a lot of my friends and family didn’t think I’d ever come on a show like this. The truth is I didn’t think I would do this show because I really enjoy it.
“It’s one of those shows that’s a family event in our house, so we all sit down to watch it, and those things are few and far between now. Contrary to popular belief, I do watch things and not ask to go on them! So, I was watching it, and we’re having a good time, and I’d never had any aspirations of being on the show, and then my youngest son was desperate for me to come on, so it’s kind of his fault.”
Ross Kemp
Occupation: Actor and presenter
The former EastEnders star is best known for portraying Grant Mitchell on the soap for an initial nine-year stint.
He has made several returns to the role, most recently earlier this year.
Ross has also carved out a successful career as a documentary maker, with notable titles including Ross Kemp on Gangs, Ross Kemp in Afghanistan and Ross Kemp In Search of Pirates among his credits.
Speaking about how his public persona could influence people’s view of him on Celebrity Traitors, Ross said: “I think obviously there will be people that will only know me as Grant, and then people may have seen the documentaries, which are often quite brutal.
“I think people probably think that I don’t have any kind of sense of humour whatsoever, which hopefully will come out. I enjoy people. I don’t think I could do my job, whether it be actor or whether it be documentary maker, if I didn’t enjoy the company of human beings.”
Sebastian Croft
Occupation: Musician and actor
Sebastian is best known for his portrayal of a young Ned Stark in Game Of Thrones.
He has also appeared in Horrible Histories: The Movies – Rotten Romans, and in more recent years he has featured in both Heartstopper and Dope Girls.
Sharon Rooney
Occupation: Actor
The Scottish actress shot to prominence in the role of Rae Earl in My Mad Fat Diary in 2013, earning herself a Scottish BAFTA nomination in the process.
She has subsequently starred in Two Doors Down, Daddy Issues and The Revenge Club.
Speaking of filming Celebrity Traitors in her homeland of Scotland, Sharon said: “It’s absolutely beautiful here. I still live in Scotland, I love home and I’ve probably had the shortest journey to the castle.”
You can watch Celebrity Traitors on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm on Thursday, October 1.
