Celebrity Traitors to return for second series on BBC One in 2026

The BBC has announced that Celebrity Traitors will return for a second series on BBC One in 2026, following its remarkable success as one of the broadcaster’s biggest entertainment shows of the year. The hit reality competition, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, captivated millions of viewers with its blend of mystery, strategy, and celebrity drama set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.

The show will once again be filmed at Ardross Castle, where celebrities play a high-stakes game of trust and deception to win money for charity. BBC executives confirmed that the companion series, Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, will also return, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the alliances, betrayals, and emotional moments that have made the format a national favorite.

The announcement comes just a week after the finale of the first Celebrity Traitors aired, drawing an average audience of 11.1 million viewers the, biggest live audience for any single TV episode this year. The finale’s numbers surpassed most major entertainment shows and marked the highest overnight viewership since the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special, which drew 12.3 million viewers last year.

For the BBC, the show’s success underscores the enduring appeal of reality television when blended with celebrity charm and clever production. Controller of BBC Entertainment Kate Phillips said in a statement that the series “captured the public’s imagination” and credited host Claudia Winkleman’s “wit and warmth” for helping the show become an instant classic.

The first celebrity edition brought together an eclectic group of contestants, including comedian Alan Carr, singer Cat Burns, rugby star Joe Marler, actor Nick Mohammed, and historian David Olusoga. The finale saw them battle it out for an £87,500 charity prize in a tense conclusion that kept audiences guessing until the final moments. Alan Carr ultimately walked away as the winner, donating his share to his chosen cause.

Across social media, fans celebrated the show’s mix of humor and suspense, praising its unpredictable format and emotional twists. Critics also applauded the production for maintaining the charm of the original Traitors while adding a celebrity-driven twist that broadened its appeal.

In terms of viewership, Celebrity Traitors joined an elite group of major national broadcasts. Only England’s victory in the Euro 2025 final drew a larger audience earlier this year, with an average of 12 million viewers across BBC One and ITV combined.

With production for season two expected to begin next year, excitement is already building among fans eager to see which new celebrities will take on the roles of faithful and traitor. For the BBC, the return of Celebrity Traitors confirms its place as one of the network’s crown jewels in British entertainment.