Celebrity Traitors 2026: Who is favourite to win after blockbuster launch show?

Celebrity Traitors is back, and the first episode has already delivered plenty of chaos, with 21 famous faces entering the Scottish Highlands for a new series of secret missions, deception and betrayal.

The BBC reality hit returned on Thursday night (October 1), with Claudia Winkleman back in charge as a new group of actors, comedians, musicians, broadcasters and TV presenters entered the castle.

And viewers didn't have to wait long for the first major twist, with Winkleman choosing just two Traitors at the beginning of the game rather than the usual three.

Who are the Traitors?

Love Island host Jama was the first celebrity chosen by Winkleman

BBC

Love Island host Jama was the first celebrity chosen by Winkleman, before Oscar-nominated actor Grant was selected to join her.

Jama appeared delighted with her new role, while Grant was equally enthusiastic about being given the chance to play the game from the dark side.

The decision to start with just two Traitors is a major change from the usual format of the show.

Viewers were left with a huge twist at the end of the episode

BBC

However, viewers were left with another huge twist at the end of the first episode, with the identity of a potential third Traitor still hanging in the balance.

No murder or banishment in episode one

The first episode ended without a murder or banishment, with the celebrities instead facing a series of challenges as they began to work out who they could trust.

Julie Hesmondhalgh and Joe Lycett were also shielded from the first murder.

Later, Grant and Jama agreed to “lock in” their plans as Traitors.

The second series features a star-studded line-up

BBC

But the biggest twist came towards the end of the episode, when Amol Rajan and James Acaster were summoned to the chapel.

The pair had been invited there by the Traitors, with the episode ending on a major cliffhanger.

One of the two celebrities is set to be recruited by the Traitors, while the other faces being murdered.

Viewers will have to tune into the next episode to discover which fate awaits Rajan and Acaster.

Acaster could be recruited by the traitors

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While the Traitors attempt to remain undetected as they "murder" contestants from the game each night, the Faithfuls must work out who is lying before they are picked off.

There is also a cash prize of up to £100,000 for the winner's chosen charity.

Who is taking part in Celebrity Traitors 2026?

The second series features a star-studded line-up, including actors, comedians, musicians and some of Britain's best-known TV personalities.

Joanne McNally

Irish comedian and podcaster Joanne McNally has entered the castle after making a name for herself with her stand-up shows, podcasts and TV appearances.

Joanne McNally is among several comedians taking part in The Celebrity Traitors

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She is one of the most recognisable comedians in the cast and has been priced among the early favourites to win.

Michael Sheen

Welsh actor Michael Sheen is best known for roles in films and TV shows including Frost/Nixon, Good Omens and The Queen.

Actor Michael Sheen is swapping the screen for the Scottish Highlands

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The acclaimed actor is another of the celebrities bookmakers have placed towards the front of the market.

James Blunt

Singer-songwriter James Blunt has swapped the stage for the castle after finding fame with hits including You're Beautiful and Goodbye My Lover.

Singer James Blunt is hoping his humour can help him survive the game

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Known for his outspoken sense of humour and social media presence, Blunt is hoping his personality does not make him too obvious a target.

Bella Ramsey

Actor Bella Ramsey rose to international fame playing Ellie in HBO's The Last of Us, having previously appeared as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones.

Ramsey will appear in the upcoming series

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The actor joins a cast featuring several other major names from the worlds of film and television.

Maya Jama

TV presenter, broadcaster and now Traitor Maya Jama is one of the biggest names taking part this year.

Presenter Maya Jama is taking on the ultimate game of deception

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The Love Island host has also presented shows including Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star and BBC Radio 1 programmes.

James Acaster

Comedian James Acaster is known for his stand-up career, Taskmaster appearances and distinctive deadpan style.

Comedian James Acaster is heading into the castle

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He is now putting his ability to read a room to the test as he attempts to work out who he can trust.

Joe Lycett

Comedian and presenter Joe Lycett is another familiar face who has joined the castle.

Joe Lycett is known for his comedy, television work and public stunts

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Known for his comedy, television work and elaborate public stunts, Lycett is attempting to navigate the game's alliances and betrayals.

Julie Hesmondhalgh

Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh is best known for playing Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street.

Hesmondhalgh is best known for playing Hayley Cropper in Corrie

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She has since appeared in a number of acclaimed television dramas, including Broadchurch and Happy Valley.

Sharon Rooney

Scottish actress Sharon Rooney is known for roles in My Mad Fat Diary and Barbie, as well as her work across television and film.

Rooney is known for her leading role in My Mad Fat Diary

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She is representing the acting contingent as the celebrities attempt to spot the Traitors among them.

Jerry Hall

Model and actress Jerry Hall is one of the most internationally recognisable names in the cast.

Model and actress Jerry Hall is among the famous faces taking part

BBC/Studio Lambert/Cody Burridge/BBC Creative

She has enjoyed a long career in fashion, television and entertainment and is now be taking on one of reality TV's most deceptive games.

Professor Hannah Fry

Mathematician and broadcaster Professor Hannah Fry brings a very different skill set to the castle.

Fry is a mathematician and broadcaster known for making complex science accessible

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She is known for making mathematics and science accessible through television, books and podcasts.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock

Former Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock has joined the series after establishing herself as a solo artist and television personality.

Pinnock recently walked the DI PETSA LFW runway

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Pinnock has also made headlines with her acting work and documentary projects since Little Mix went on hiatus.

Miranda Hart

Comedian and actress Miranda Hart is best known for her hit BBC sitcom Miranda, as well as appearances in Call the Midwife and films including Spy.

Miranda Hart is one of 21 stars taking part in the new series

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Her comedic timing could prove useful around the round table, where contestants must decide who they believe is lying.

Romesh Ranganathan

Comedian, presenter and writer Romesh Ranganathan has become one of the most familiar faces on British television.

Ranganathan is a comedian and presenter known for The Romesh Ranhanathan Show podcast

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He hosts shows including The Romesh Ranhanathan Show podcast and The Weakest Link and is known for his dry style of humour.

Rob Beckett

Comedian and presenter Rob Beckett is another familiar face who has entered the castle.

Rob Beckett is a comedian and presenter who co-hosts the Parenting Hell podcast

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He has appeared on numerous comedy and entertainment shows and co-hosts the popular Parenting Hell podcast with Josh Widdicombe.

Ross Kemp

Actor and presenter Ross Kemp is best known for playing Grant Mitchell in EastEnders before moving into documentary-making and television presenting.

Kemp is best known for playing Grant Mitchell in EastEnders

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His experience interviewing people and uncovering stories could make him an interesting player in the castle.

Richard E Grant

Oscar-nominated actor and now Traitor Richard E Grant brings decades of film and television experience to the competition.

Grant is an Oscar-nominated actor known for Withnail & I and Can You Ever Forgive Me?

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His credits include Withnail & I, Can You Ever Forgive Me? and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Sebastian Croft

Actor Sebastian Croft is best known for playing Ben Hope in Netflix's Heartstopper.

Heartstopper star Sebastian Croft is among the 21 contestants

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He has also appeared in films and television projects including Horrible Histories: The Movie.

Amol Rajan

Broadcaster Amol Rajan is known for his work on BBC television and radio, including presenting the Today programme.

BBC broadcaster Amol Rajan is putting his interviewing skills to the test

BBC

The journalist and presenter is now in the hot seat as viewers wait to see whether he is banished or recruited as a Traitor in tomorrow’s episode.

Myha'la

American actor Myha'la is known for roles in Industry, Bodies Bodies Bodies and Leave the World Behind.

Myha'la joins the international contingent of the cast

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She has joined the international contingent of the cast for the second celebrity series.

King Kenny

YouTuber and boxer King Kenny, whose real name is Kenny Ojuederie, is one of the younger stars who has entered the castle.

YouTuber and boxer King Kenny is entering the castle

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He rose to fame through YouTube before moving into boxing and influencer entertainment.

Celebrity Traitors 2026 winner odds

With the series now underway, Oddschecker has published its latest prices for the Celebrity Traitors winner market.

Michael Sheen is currently priced at 5/1, followed by Bella Ramsey at 6/1 and Romesh Ranganathan at 7/1.

James Acaster, Joanne McNally and Rob Beckett are all priced at 8/1, while Maya Jama, Miranda Hart and Ross Kemp are each at 10/1.

The current Oddschecker prices are:

Michael Sheen – 5/1 Bella Ramsey – 6/1 Romesh Ranganathan – 7/1 James Acaster – 8/1 Joanne McNally – 8/1 Rob Beckett – 8/1 Maya Jama – 10/1 Miranda Hart – 10/1 Ross Kemp – 10/1

Betting odds can change throughout the series and are not a guarantee of the eventual winner.