Joe Lycett Ready to Show 'Calm' Side on Celebrity Traitors

Joe Lycett is preparing to reveal a different facet of his personality on the upcoming series of Celebrity Traitors, aiming to move beyond his public persona as the 'gay comedian off the telly.' The 38-year-old comedian, who welcomed a son in 2024, stated his intention to show a calmer, more thoughtful side away from his usual on-stage performance mode.

Lycett, who describes himself as pansexual, acknowledged that his public image sometimes leads to assumptions. "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," he said. He added that his calm demeanor off-stage might surprise those who only see his performance persona.

"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," Lycett explained. "When I’m not out on stage, I’m very calm, thoughtful and peaceful."

Beyond his personal transformation, Lycett has also been focusing on his physical fitness, driven by a desire to be a "better father." "I've been trying to get fitter and stronger over the last few months, just for my own well-being and to be a better father and all of that," he shared. "I'm incredibly strong now. As strong as an ox. Fierce as well. As fierce as a tiger."

Lycett expressed his long-standing admiration for The Traitors, revealing he once contacted the production company Studio Lambert to request behind-the-scenes footage due to his intense fandom. "I just was so hit by it and wanted more. I am just thrilled to be part of the universe of The Traitors and to have been asked," he stated.

Fellow comedian James Acaster, also participating in the new season, noted the significant number of comedians in the cast and suggested this could lead to increased suspicion among contestants. He referenced Alan Carr's win in the previous season, suggesting it might have tainted comedians' chances.

The new series of Celebrity Traitors is set to premiere on October 1st at 8 p.m. on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The show features a diverse cast, including Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, James Blunt, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, King Kenny, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Maya Jama, Michael Sheen, Miranda Hart, Myha'la, Professor Hannah Fry, Richard E. Grant, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Ross Kemp, Sebastian Croft, and Sharon Rooney. Contestants will compete in a game of detection, trust, and betrayal for a chance to win up to £100,000 for their chosen charity.