The next series of The Celebrity Traitors is confirmed to start in late 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. While an exact day has not yet been finalized by the BBC, the second series is expected to follow the broadcast pattern of the record-breaking first series, which premiered in October. Viewers can anticipate a launch in the autumn of 2026, likely occupying a prime-time slot on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. This follows the massive success of the inaugural celebrity season in late 2025, where comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner. Host Claudia Winkleman will return to Ardross Castle to oversee a new group of famous faces as they attempt to unmask the Traitors among them for a charity prize fund.
2026 Broadcast and Release Window
As of January 2026, the BBC has officially greenlit The Celebrity Traitors Series 2. Based on production cycles and the scheduling of the civilian version (which aired in January 2026), the celebrity spin-off is the network’s flagship autumn reality offering.
Estimated Schedule Details:
- Expected Launch: October 2026.
- Days of Airing: Typically Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 PM.
- Channel: BBC One and BBC iPlayer (UK); Peacock (US).
- Episode Count: Expected to consist of 9 to 12 episodes.
Filming is rumored to take place in late spring or early summer 2026 to allow for a comprehensive post-production phase before the autumn debut.
Cast Rumors and Predictions
While the official line-up for the 2026 celebrity series is traditionally kept under lock and key until shortly before the premiere, speculation is already mounting following the star-studded 2025 cast.
Potential 2026 Contestants:
- Reality Royalty: Names like Gemma Collins and Maura Higgins are frequently mentioned by insiders as top targets for the castle.
- Sports Icons: Following Tom Daley’s stint, rumors suggest retired football legends or Olympic stars may join the 2026 roster.
- Comedic Talent: The show thrives on wit, leading fans to hope for appearances from stars like Bob Mortimer or Diane Morgan.
The BBC aims for a “diverse mix of notability,” ensuring that the 2026 cast features a blend of generational icons and current social media influencers.
The Ardross Castle Experience
The Celebrity Traitors will once again be filmed at the atmospheric Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. The location is as much a character in the show as the players themselves.
What to Expect at the Castle:
- The Round Table: The iconic setting for the nightly banishments where celebrities must defend their “Faithful” status.
- The Missions: High-octane physical and mental challenges set in the rugged Highland terrain to build the prize pot.
- The Traitors’ Turret: The secret midnight meeting spot where the chosen Traitors decide who to “murder” next.
The 2026 series is expected to introduce new “twists” to the castle’s mechanics to prevent the celebrities—who are often savvy to the show’s format—from gaming the system.
Practical Information and Viewing
How to Watch
- United Kingdom: BBC One airs episodes live, with the full box set available on BBC iPlayer immediately after the first episode launches.9
- United States: Peacock remains the exclusive home for the UK version of The Traitors, usually dropping the celebrity series a few weeks after the UK broadcast.
- Companion Show: The Traitors: Uncloaked, hosted by Ed Gamble, will return to provide exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and exit interviews.10
2026 Release Date and Production Timeline
The BBC has established a clear rhythm for The Traitors franchise, alternating between civilian and celebrity versions to maintain high audience engagement without causing “viewer fatigue.”
Key 2026 Dates:
- Filming Window: Production is set to return to the Scottish Highlands in May 2026. This timeframe offers the best balance of daylight and atmospheric Highland weather for the grueling outdoor missions.
- Official Premiere: Expect the first episode to drop in early October 2026. This aligns with the “spooky season” aesthetic that suits the show’s treacherous theme.
- Weekly Schedule: Similar to the first series, episodes will likely air on Wednesday and Thursday nights at 9:00 PM, with the companion show Uncloaked following immediately after.
The 2026 series will play for a charity prize pot, following Alan Carr’s 2025 win where he secured £87,500 for Neuroblastoma UK.
Rumored Celebrity Cast for Series 2
Following a debut cast that included heavyweights like Sir Stephen Fry and Jonathan Ross, the “pot of talent” for 2026 is reportedly overflowing. Producers are seeking “A-list” names who are genuine fans of the game.
High-Profile Rumors:
- Danny Dyer: The former EastEnders star reportedly turned down Series 1 but has signaled he is “signed up” and ready for Series 2 in 2026.
- Alison Hammond: The This Morning favorite is at the top of the BBC’s wishlist, with insiders suggesting she could provide the same “comedy gold” as previous winner Alan Carr.
- Ruth Jones: The Gavin & Stacey creator has been linked to the show, though rumors suggest she has one condition: she must be a “Faithful.”
- Gareth Southgate: The former England manager, a self-confessed superfan, has teased a potential appearance, though he admitted he might be a “hopeless Traitor” due to his honest nature.
Other names frequently appearing in the 2026 rumor mill include Tom Hiddleston, Daisy May Cooper, and Mike Tindall.
The Strategic Shift: New Rules for 2026
To keep the celebrities on their toes, the 2026 series is expected to introduce tactical “twists” that differ from the civilian Series 4 (which featured a “Secret Traitor”).
Potential Gameplay Changes:
- The Murder Witness: A rumored mechanic where one Faithful might unknowingly witness a murder but cannot reveal their identity without losing their spot in the game.
- Double Banishment: To accelerate the drama in a shorter 9-episode run, producers may implement “surprise” double banishments at the Round Table.
- Charity Stakes: In 2026, the missions are expected to be “high-risk, high-reward,” with celebrities able to “steal” from the charity pot to gain individual immunity—a move that would surely create friction in the castle.
Practical Information and Planning
How to Watch in 2026
- Live Broadcast: Tune in to BBC One at 9:00 PM on designated weeknights.
- On-Demand: All episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer shortly after the live broadcast ends.
- US Viewers: The UK Celebrity series is typically licensed to Peacock in the United States, usually arriving in late 2026 or early 2027.
Visiting the Area
While you cannot stay at Ardross Castle during filming, the surrounding Ross-shire area is a popular tourist destination.
- Transport: The nearest major airport is Inverness (INV), roughly a 45-minute drive from the castle vicinity.
- What to Expect: Be prepared for unpredictable weather; even in May (filming) or October (broadcast), the Highlands require waterproof gear and sturdy boots.
- Tips: If you’re a fan of the show, many local tour operators now offer “Traitors-themed” walking tours of the Highlands that avoid the private estate of Ardross but capture the scenery.
FAQs
When does the next Celebrity Traitors start?
The second series is expected to begin in October 2026, following a similar autumn launch window to the previous year.
Who won the last Celebrity Traitors?
Alan Carr won the 2025 series after successfully playing as a Traitor and outlasting Faithfuls Nick Mohammed and David Olusoga.
Will Claudia Winkleman be back?
Yes, Claudia Winkleman is confirmed to return as the host for the 2026 celebrity series.
Is Celebrity Traitors longer than the normal version?
No, it is actually shorter. The celebrity version typically runs for 9 episodes, whereas the civilian version runs for 12.
Is Danny Dyer going to be in Celebrity Traitors 2026?
Recent reports from January 2026 suggest that Danny Dyer has signed up after declining the first series due to scheduling conflicts.
Can celebrities keep the money?
No, the celebrities play for charity. The prize money (up to £100,000) is donated to a cause of the winner’s choosing.
What is ‘The Traitors: Uncloaked’?
It is the visualized companion podcast hosted by Ed Gamble that features exit interviews with banished and murdered celebrities.
Where is the show filmed?
It is filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, north of Inverness.
How many celebrities are in the cast?
The 2026 series is expected to feature between 20 and 22 celebrities.
Can I apply for the celebrity version?
No, the celebrity version is invite-only. Applications are only open for the civilian version of the show.
When is Celebrity Traitors back on TV?
The show is confirmed to return in late 2026, with most industry experts pointing toward an October start date on BBC One.
Who is hosting Celebrity Traitors 2026?
Claudia Winkleman will return as the host, bringing her signature wit and iconic fringe back to the Highlands.
How many episodes will there be?
While the civilian version has 12, the celebrity series is expected to run for 9 to 10 episodes over a four-week period.
Who won the first Celebrity Traitors?
Alan Carr won the first series in 2025, successfully playing as a Traitor to secure the jackpot for his chosen charity.
Can I visit Ardross Castle?
Ardross Castle is a private estate and is not generally open to the public for walk-in tours, though it can be booked for private weddings and corporate events.
Is there a US version of Celebrity Traitors?
Yes, the US version of Peacock exclusively features celebrities (and some “all-stars” from other reality shows), whereas the UK has both civilian and celebrity formats.
What is the prize for Celebrity Traitors?
Unlike the civilian show where players keep the money, celebrities play for a prize pot of up to £100,000 which is donated to their chosen charities.
Where are Celebrity Traitors filmed?
It is filmed at Ardross Castle, located north of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.
How do they choose the Traitors?
Claudia Winkleman chooses the Traitors during the first day at the Round Table while all contestants are blindfolded.
Will there be a Series 3?
Yes, the BBC has already committed to the franchise’s long-term future, with Series 3 likely to follow in 2027.
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