Celebrity Traitors Series 2: Start Date, Full Cast & Everything We Know
The Celebrity Traitors is coming back to Ardross Castle, and it's the single biggest thing UK viewers are searching for on TV right now. The full 21-person cast has been confirmed since May, but the BBC still hasn't nailed down an exact air date - here's everything that's actually confirmed, plus what's just a good guess.
The BBC has only confirmed "Autumn 2026." Filming wrapped in May at Ardross Castle, and based on Series 1's schedule (which aired 8 October - 6 November 2025), most outlets are pencilling in an early-to-mid October 2026 launch, though this is not yet officially confirmed.
Celebrity Traitors series 2 doesn't have a confirmed start date yet - the BBC has only said "Autumn 2026," with October the most likely month going by last year's pattern. The full 21-celebrity cast was announced on 2 May 2026 and includes Bella Ramsey, Maya Jama, Michael Sheen, Richard E. Grant, James Blunt and Ross Kemp. Claudia Winkleman returns to host, with Ed Gamble again fronting the companion show Uncloaked. Filming took place in May 2026 at Ardross Castle, the same Scottish Highlands location as Series 1, which was won by Alan Carr.
When Does Celebrity Traitors Series 2 Start?
This is the most-searched question right now, and the honest answer is: nobody outside the BBC knows for certain yet. What is confirmed is that it'll land on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in "Autumn 2026." Filming wrapped at Ardross Castle back in May, and Series 1 followed a similar gap between filming and broadcast before premiering on 8 October 2025. Going by that timeline, an early-to-mid October 2026 start is the most widely expected date, but treat any specific date you see online as an educated guess until the BBC confirms the schedule.
The Full Cast: All 21 Celebrities
The line-up was officially announced on 2 May 2026, and it leans heavily on comedy, acting and broadcasting rather than sport - a notable shift from Series 1, which included athletes like Tom Daley and Clare Balding.
- Amol Rajan — Journalist & Broadcaster
- Bella Ramsey — Actor
- Professor Hannah Fry — Mathematician & Broadcaster
- James Acaster — Comedian
- James Blunt — Singer-Songwriter
- Jerry Hall — Model & Actress
- Joanne McNally — Comedian
- Joe Lycett — Comedian
- Julie Hesmondhalgh — Actress
- King Kenny — Social Media Personality
- Leigh-Anne Pinnock — Singer-Songwriter
- Maya Jama — Broadcaster
- Michael Sheen — Actor
- Miranda Hart — Actress & Comedian
- Myha'la — Actress
- Richard E. Grant — Actor
- Rob Beckett — Comedian
- Romesh Ranganathan — Comedian
- Ross Kemp — Actor
- Sebastian Croft — Actor
- Sharon Rooney — Actress
Worth noting: real-life friends Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan - co-hosts of Rob & Romesh Vs - both went in, which could make for one of the season's more interesting dynamics if one turns Traitor on the other.
Who's Presenting?
Claudia Winkleman returns as host, having fronted every UK series of The Traitors so far. Ed Gamble is also back presenting the companion aftershow, The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, which interviews murdered and banished celebrities and shows unaired footage.
Early Betting Favourites
Bookmakers opened betting shortly after the cast reveal. As of William Hill's initial odds, Irish comedian Joanne McNally was installed as an early favourite to win, on the theory that comedians have thrived in the format before (Alan Carr won Series 1). James Blunt, Bella Ramsey and Michael Sheen followed close behind in the betting, with Maya Jama, James Acaster and Joe Lycett also fancied. Odds will move heavily once the series actually starts airing, so treat these as very early markers rather than predictions.
How Does the Format Work?
The format is unchanged from previous series: a small group of the 21 celebrities are secretly selected as "Traitors" by the production, and are tasked with "murdering" fellow contestants (the "Faithfuls") each night without being caught. The Faithfuls try to identify and banish suspected Traitors at the Round Table, all while trying to build a prize pot worth up to £100,000, which goes to the winner's chosen charity if a Faithful (or the last surviving Traitor) wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Celebrity Traitors series 2 start?
No official date yet - the BBC has confirmed "Autumn 2026," and most expect an October launch based on Series 1's timing.
Who is in the Celebrity Traitors 2026 cast?
21 celebrities including Bella Ramsey, Maya Jama, Michael Sheen, Richard E. Grant, James Blunt, Ross Kemp, Miranda Hart and Leigh-Anne Pinnock. See the full line-up above.
Who won Celebrity Traitors series 1?
Comedian Alan Carr, who won as the last surviving Traitor, taking home £87,500 for his chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK.
Who is hosting series 2?
Claudia Winkleman hosts the main series again, with Ed Gamble presenting the companion show, Uncloaked.
Where is Celebrity Traitors filmed?
Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the same location used for every UK series of The Traitors so far.