The latest season of Celebrity Traitors is set to premiere on October 1, the BBC announced Tuesday. A newly released trailer offers a glimpse of the celebrities arriving at the iconic castle, with host Claudia Winkleman declaring, "The game is ON!"
The season will kick off with an extended premiere episode. Additionally, a new bonus special titled "Traitor or Faithful? Claudia Decides" will be available on BBC iPlayer on October 1 at 9:15 p.m., offering viewers insight into how Winkleman selects the traitors. Regular episodes are scheduled to air on Thursday and Friday evenings at 8 p.m.
The cast joining Winkleman in the Scottish Highlands includes Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, James Blunt, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, King Kenny, and 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 round out the lineup.
These contestants will participate in a game of detection, trust, and betrayal, aiming to win up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.
The official video podcast, "The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked," will also return. Hosted by Ed Gamble, the podcast will feature banished and murdered contestants. The trailer depicts the celebrities arriving in luxury cars before gathering in a church for the first task. Maya Jama is heard remarking, "If this is the last time we are all friends, then good luck!"
The trailer then transitions to the first Round Table, where Winkleman announces, "I have chosen my Traitors. The game is on!" She further adds, "There are now killers among you. People are out there to deceive. Fame won't save them."
In related news, Richard Osman recently shared an anecdote about a previous season of "The Traitors" where filming was reportedly halted due to an unbroadcastable conversation. Speaking on a podcast, Osman mentioned that one series in a particular territory could not continue after extensive discussions took place within the castle.
Osman also commented on his preference for playing as a traitor, stating he would only participate in the show if cast as a traitor, citing the control and visibility it offers during filming. He also praised the first Australian series of "The Traitors" as the best to date, while also calling it the most frustrating due to the perceived obviousness of a traitor and the susceptibility of the other contestants to manipulation.