The whispers are getting louder, and the castle gates are preparing to swing open once more for a fresh instalment of Celebrity Traitors. It feels like only yesterday we were watching Alan Carr in his clandestine turret, orchestrating the downfall of fellow contestants. Now, with a new series on the horizon later this year, host Claudia Winkleman is gearing up to welcome a brand-new cohort of famous faces into the iconic Scottish fortress. The rumour mill has been churning, and while an official announcement from the BBC is still some way off, the word on the street is that the cast for the 2026 season is already locked in.
Claudia Winkleman herself dropped a tantalising hint on The One Show, revealing that the production team had to double-check the names with her, such was her astonishment. “The people who make it are extraordinary,” she confessed, “and they had to repeat the people twice to me because I was like, ‘Huh, are you joking? Come again.’ We’re incredibly lucky.” She also promised fans can expect some genuine “big dogs” this season, a term coined by last year’s contestant Joe Marler to describe influential figures like Stephen Fry and Jonathan Ross.
The allure of the game is clearly potent, with Winkleman expressing her gratitude that so many high-profile individuals are willing to participate. “We’re so grateful that people want to come and play the game,” she stated. “And the people who said yes for series one, I still can’t believe it. I was shaking when you see Stephen Fry walking around the castle and Alan Carr, Ruth Codd, all of these people I was obsessed by. I’m very excited.”
While we await the official lineup, speculation is running wild. Among the names being bandied about are esteemed actors Hugh Bonneville, known for his role in Downton Abbey, and Oscar nominee Richard E. Grant. A source suggested to The Sun in February that both these “national treasures” are firmly on the producers’ radar, with the belief that they would be “hugely entertaining at the roundtable and in the turret, if made Traitors.”
The Rumoured Line-Up: Who’s Set to Enter the Castle?
As the excitement builds, here’s a closer look at some of the prominent figures rumoured to be donning the infamous Traitor cloak:
Michael Sheen
Fresh off the news of his new role as host of House of Games, the Welsh actor Michael Sheen is reportedly being eyed up for a stint in the Celebrity Traitors castle. Known for his compelling performances in The Queen, Frost/Nixon, and Good Omens, Sheen has also made his mark in recent years with his BBC documentary presenting. A source indicated to The Sun that Sheen is considered a “big dog signing” by the BBC, with immense excitement behind the scenes. They even quipped that his history of playing “lying, duplicitous and scheming men” in roles like those in Prodigal Son and Twilight: New Moon would make him a natural Traitor. However, a BBC spokesperson remained tight-lipped, stating, “We aren’t commenting on speculation and details for The Celebrity Traitors series two will be announced in due course.”Hugh Bonneville
Could Robert Crawley from Downton Abbey be swapping one grand estate for another? Hugh Bonneville, the beloved 62-year-old actor, is reportedly in discussions with producers. A source told The Sun that his “charming and funny” demeanour makes him an ideal candidate. After his heartwarming portrayal in Paddington and his endearing performances in W1A and Notting Hill, it seems the time might be ripe for Bonneville to explore his more mischievous side.Richard E. Grant
The critically acclaimed actor Richard E. Grant, a true “national treasure” with a career spanning films like Withnail and I and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, is reportedly in talks to join the show. The 68-year-old Oscar nominee is believed by producers to be a perfect fit due to his “clever, witty and endearing” personality. Grant himself has confessed to being “obsessed” with Celebrity Traitors, admitting, “I’d love to go on it. My daughter said I’d be thrown out after half an hour because you’re incapable of hiding what you feel about somebody in any way shape or form.” His potential inclusion would see him follow in the footsteps of his Gosford Park co-star Stephen Fry, potentially becoming another formidable “big dog” in the castle.Hugh Grant
Another prominent ‘Hugh’ might be gracing the Celebrity Traitors castle this year. The romcom icon is rumoured to be taking part, with bosses reportedly viewing his participation as a “huge coup.” Having transitioned from his iconic floppy-haired leading man roles to more complex characters in The Undoing and Heretic, the 65-year-old could certainly make for a compelling Traitor. One can only hope he manages to stay alert during those crucial roundtable discussions.Danny Dyer
The inimitable Danny Dyer is another name being floated for a spot in the castle, having reportedly turned down the opportunity last year. A source revealed in January that the former EastEnders star has “always been top” of the producers’ wish list. His initial reluctance apparently waned after watching the show last year, prompting a swift change of heart. Given his recent captivating performance as a charming cheat in Rivals, it wouldn’t be surprising if he’s pegged as a Faithful, despite his character’s less-than-virtuous actions.Alison Hammond
Producers are reportedly keen to secure the energy and humour of Alison Hammond, the popular presenter and former reality star. She’s been approached by the BBC, who believe she could deliver “comedy gold,” much like series one winner Alan Carr. However, Hammond herself revealed in March that filming commitments would likely prevent her from participating. “I can’t do it because I’m doing Bake Off,” she explained on The Jonathan Ross Show, citing scheduling conflicts. “I think it’s the same time when I’m doing Bake Off, so that’s a definite no.”Jason Manford
The comedian Jason Manford inadvertently let slip in February that he’s been in discussions about joining the next series. Speaking to The Sun, Manford admitted there had been “conversations and stuff about it behind the scenes,” though he’s waiting for producers to “come down the ladder of show business,” suggesting some bigger names are also in contention. With four comedians featuring in the previous series, Manford’s inclusion would be a logical step.Liam Gallagher
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, no stranger to public spats, could prove to be a formidable presence at the roundtable. He hinted at his involvement on X in February, replying to a fan’s query with a simple, “I’ve been asked.” Given his well-documented, often fiery, public exchanges, Gallagher’s participation would undoubtedly inject a dose of opinionated energy into the castle.Cheryl
Former Girls Aloud singer and X Factor judge Cheryl Tweedy might be making a television comeback with Celebrity Traitors. According to The Sun, BBC bosses are keen to have her on board, believing she’d be “brilliant at playing the game.” However, her role as a mother to her eight-year-old son, Bear, could present a conflict, as filming would require her to be away for several weeks. Bookers are reportedly prioritising “the best stars” rather than those perceived as “reality-TV has-beens.”Daisy May Cooper
The creator and star of This Country, Daisy May Cooper, is a strong contender for the upcoming series. It’s reported that producers are “pulling out all the stops” to secure her participation, especially after she reportedly dropped out of the first series last April shortly after the birth of her son, Benji. There were also rumours last year that she might be joined by her brother and co-star, Charlie Cooper, which would make them the show’s first sibling duo if he were to return.
