Calling all Faithfuls and Traitors, the star-studded second series of The Celebrity Traitors is on its way - and we finally have the *real* start date! Following the huge success of series one, the show is returning with even bigger and (arguably) better stars and their arrival on our screens is just days away.
While Richard Osman had us all believing the new series would begin on 23rd September, he was wrong and the BBC has just confirmed it. The truth is, we actually have to wait until October and the show will be starting on a Thursday. With the launch show imminent, here's everything you need to know about The Celebrity Traitors series 2, including the line-up, start date and new theories.
Who are The Celebrity Traitors series 2 contestants?
The full line-up of celebrity contestants has been announced by the BBC, following a lot of speculation about which rumoured stars could be heading to the Scottish Highlands. The full list of celebrity contestants includes:
- Michael Sheen
- Richard E. Grant
- Maya Jama
- Miranda Hart
- Jerry Hall
- Joe Lycett
- Ross Kemp
- Amol Rajan
- Sharon Rooney
- Joanne McNally
- Leigh-Anne Pinnock
- Professor Hannah Fry
- James Blunt
- Rob Beckett
- Bella Ramsey
- Romesh Ranganathan
- James Acaster
- King Kenny
- Myha'la
- Sebastian Croft
- Julie Hesmondhalgh
What does the new Celebrity Traitors line-up mean?
Since The Traitors first aired in 2022, the line-up always included at least 22 contestants. With only 21 celebrities entering the castle this year, eagle-eyed fans have been sharing their theories about what twists could possibly show up in the celebrity series. What does host Claudia Winkleman have up her sleeve this time? This is what we think might be going on...
The "last-minute announcement" theory
Before the official line-up was announced, rumours swirled around which celebrities would be entering the castle. Michael Sheen and Richard E. Grant were mentioned in many reports, and fans were delighted to find out the rumours were true. But is it possible some more names might make an appearance later in the show? There had been hopes that Rivals star Danny Dyer and ITV icon Alison Hammond would be joining the cast - could it be that they'll still get their moment in the castle? Possibly...
The “Celebrity Traitors series one” theory
The first series of The Celebrity Traitors aired to rave reviews last year, but many stars didn’t get the chance to shine after getting murdered early in the series. Alan Carr previously admitted that pal Paloma Faith was still mad at him after he chose her as the series’ first murder. With one name missing from series two line-up, there could be a chance that a star from series one will makes an epic comeback. See you soon, Paloma?
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The "Secret Traitor" theory
In series four of the main series, host Claudia Winkleman picked out a Secret Traitor that no one - not even the viewers at home - knew about. They were operating in plain sight until their identity was finally revealed in episode four. If that's anything to go by, Claudia may well be planning to bring back the twist for this instalment, this time, with a mystery celebrity. It's a compelling theory, isn't it?
The "non-celebrity" theory
Claudia is known for having a few unexpected tricks up her sleeve and we're expecting no different this series. What better way to shake things up in the castle than to introduce a non-celebrity - just your average person - to surprise the famous stars in this year's line-up? Genius, right?
When does The Celebrity Traitors series 2 start?
Good news - the BBC has confirmed that The Celebrity Traitors series 2 will start on Thursday 1st October at 8pm BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The series will air two nights a week on Thursday and Friday evenings at 8pm.
Is there a trailer for The Celebrity Traitors series 2?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for The Celebrity Traitors series 2 below.
