The BBC’s upcoming celebrity edition of “The Traitors” is already generating buzz before its official cast announcement, with several high-profile LGBTQ+ stars and allies reportedly set to appear.
According to a report published Tuesday by The Mirror, Olympic gold medalist Tom Daley, broadcaster and author Stephen Fry, sports presenter Clare Balding, singer-songwriter Cat Burns, and comedian Alan Carr are all expected to join the first celebrity installment of the hit psychological competition series.
The BBC has yet to confirm the lineup, and producers at Studio Lambert, the company behind the show, have remained tight-lipped. When approached for comment by PinkNews, a BBC spokesperson offered a cryptic response, in line with the show’s themes of secrecy and subterfuge. “The Traitors includes lies and deception, so it would be foolhardy for any Faithful to speculate before the game has begun,” the spokesperson said.
Filming for the show reportedly began this week in Scotland, following the same format and dramatic setting that captivated audiences in the original version. The celebrity spin-off, hosted once again by Claudia Winkleman, is expected to bring a new dynamic to the game, which pits “Faithfuls” against “Traitors” in a high-stakes battle of wit, alliances and betrayal.
According to The Mirror, production insiders believe the celebrity edition will diverge significantly from the original version, which featured everyday contestants competing for a sizable cash prize. “There will be a huge mix of personalities and ego sizes,” a source told the newspaper. “Seeing how it all works out is going to be fascinating.”
The insider added that because celebrities may be less driven by financial gain and more concerned about public perception, the strategies and social dynamics could unfold very differently. “The team making the show are expecting it to be quite different to the regular version because the celebrities will be less motivated by the prize fund but care far more about how they come across,” the source continued. “It will be interesting to see how the gameplay compares, along with which tactics they employ.”
In addition to the reported LGBTQ+ contestants, the rumored cast features a wide array of British media personalities and entertainers. These include Welsh singer and activist Charlotte Church, comedians Bob Mortimer, Joe Wilkinson and Lucy Beaumont, and “Good Morning Britain” presenter Kate Garraway.
Other notable names reportedly involved are veteran talk show host Jonathan Ross, England rugby union player Joe Marler, and actors Mark Bonnar, Nick Mohammed, Ruth Codd, Tameka Empson and Celia Imrie. Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga and YouTuber and political satirist Niko Omilana are also said to be part of the ensemble.
While some of these names—such as Carr, Church and Mortimer—have previously been linked to the project in media speculation, no official confirmations have been issued.
“The Traitors,” which debuted in the UK in 2022 and has since become a global phenomenon with versions in the U.S., Australia and other countries, is known for its intense psychological gameplay. The premise involves contestants working together to identify the hidden “Traitors” among them before they are eliminated. Contestants who make it to the end without being “murdered” or voted out may split the prize money—unless a Traitor remains undetected.
The celebrity edition marks the franchise’s first major expansion in the UK and is expected to draw a sizable audience when it airs later this year.
Fans of the show have taken to social media to share their excitement over the rumored cast, particularly the inclusion of beloved LGBTQ+ icons and longtime allies.
While viewers await an official cast announcement, speculation continues to swirl. One thing is certain: with a cast this diverse and high-profile, the game promises to be as dramatic and unpredictable as ever.
