Celebrity Traitors‘ start date has finally been confirmed, and fans will not have to wait much longer for Claudia Winkleman to return.
Series two of the hugely popular BBC show will launch with a bumper episode, giving viewers an extra dose of treachery from the famous contestants.
Fans will also get a bonus show fronted by Claudia on BBC iPlayer on the same night, giving them even more Traitors content to enjoy.
The news follows the release of a new trailer fronted by Claudia for the upcoming series, which features Ross Kemp, Michael Sheen and Miranda Hart.
All 21 famous contestants can be seen alongside host Claud in the footage, where they sit solemn faced as mourners at a funeral.
Claudia, acting as the celebrant, tells the future Traitors and Faithful: “A moment of silence for the celebrities gathered today.”
After a lengthy pause, she offers them her “thoughts and prayers” before dramatically walking out of the church.
The iconic Traitors theme tune then plays on the organ as Claudia tells viewers at home: “Who doesn’t love a dramatic exit?”
Scroll down to watch the full trailer
Celebrity Traitors series 2: The full cast line-up
The Celebrity Traitors series 2 cast was announced in May. But if you missed the big reveal, these are the famous faces heading to Ardross Castle.
The contestants will compete for a potential £100,000 prize pot for a charity of their choice. Last year’s winner Alan Carr secured £87,500 for Neuroblastoma UK after successfully bluffing his way to the end as a Traitor.
Singer James Blunt, model Jerry Hall and comedians Joanne McNally and Joe Lycett will all be hoping to make it to the end.
Coronation Street legend Julie Hesmondhalgh, content creator King Kenny and Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock are also taking part.
They will compete alongside Love Island host Maya Jama, actor Michael Sheen and comedy favourite Miranda Hart. American actress Myha’la, broadcaster and mathematician Professor Hannah Fry and actor Richard E Grant also join the cast.
Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan are heading into the castle too. Journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, actress Bella Ramsey and comedian and podcaster James Acaster complete another part of the line up.
EastEnders star Ross Kemp, musician and actor Sebastian Croft and actress Sharon Rooney make up the rest of the cast.
Fans wasted no time reacting to the line up when it was announced. One wrote online: “The Celebrity Traitors line-up is SO good!” Another fan added: “Can’t wait. There are some big names there that I think will be great game players.”
When does The Celebrity Traitors series 2 start?
The BBC has confirmed that Celebrity Traitors will launch with an extra long episode. It starts at 8pm on Thursday October 1, 2026. It will finish at 9.15pm rather than the usual 9pm.
Episode 2 will follow the next night, with episodes then airing every Thursday and Friday at 8pm for the rest of the series.
The companion show, The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, will also launch on October 1 immediately after the main programme at 9.15pm. It will air on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
There is another bonus for fans too, as Traitor or Faithful? Claudia Decides will drop onto BBC iPlayer at 9.15pm on launch night. Claudia will reveal exactly how she chooses her Traitors and Faithful.
The countdown to the return is officially on!
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