Celebrity Traitors series 2 start date confirmed as Claudia Winkleman returns with bumper launch show
The time for talk is overCelebrity Traitors‘ start date has been confirmed – and it’s sooner than you might think.
Claudia Winkleman will kick off series two of the hugely popular BBC show with a bumper episode.
Fans will also be treated to an extra bonus show that will drop onto BBC iPlayer on the same night.
The exciting news comes after Claudia fronted a trailer for the series, which will star Ross Kemp, Michael Sheen and Miranda Hart.
In fact, all 21 of the famous faces taking part can be seen alongside host Claud in the footage.
They are sat, solemn-faced, as the congregation of a funeral.
Claudia, acting as the celebrate, tells the future Traitors and Faithful: “A moment of silence for the celebrities gathered today.”
After a long pause, she offers them her “thoughts and prayers”, before stalking out of the church.
The iconic Traitors theme tune rings out on the organ in the trailer as Claudia then says to viewers at home: “Who doesn’t love a dramatic exit?”
Scroll down to watch the full trailer
Celebrity Traitors series 2: The full cast line-up
The series 2 cast list for Celebrity Traitors was released in May. But in case you missed it, here are all the famous faces heading into Ardross Castle.
They will all be battling it out for a possible £100,000 prize pot for a charity of their choice. Last year’s winner, comedian Alan Carr, scooped £87,500 for Neuroblastoma UK after bluffing it to the end as a Traitor.
This year, singer James Blunt, model Jerry Hall and comedians Joanne McNally and Joe Lycett are trying their luck.
Coronation Street legend Julie Hesmondhalgh, content creator King Kenny and Little Mix favourite Leigh-Anne Pinnock are also on the list.
They are joined by Love Island host Maya Jama, actor Michael Sheen and the brilliant Miranda Hart. American actress Myha’la, broadcaster and mathematician Professor Hannah Fry and actor Richard E Grant join them.
Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan are also due to appear. Putting themselves forward as a Traitor or a Faithful will also be journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, actress Bella Ramsey and comedian and podcaster James Acaster.
EastEnders star Ross Kemp, musician and actor Sebastian Croft and actress Sharon Rooney complete the line-up.
Fans were quick to react to the line-up at the time. One wrote online: “The Celebrity Traitors line-up is SO good!” Another fan added: “Can’t wait. There are some big names there that I think will be great game players.”
When does The Celebrity Traitors series 2 start?
The BBC has confirmed that Celebrity Traitors will start with an extra-long episode at 8pm on Thursday October 1, 2026. It will end at 9.15pm, rather than 9pm.
Episode 2 will then air the following night, and then every Thursday and Friday at 8pm for the remainder of the series.
Companion show, The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, also starts on October 1 straight after the main show at 9.15pm. You can watch it on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds.
In an extra bonus, Traitor or Faithful? Claudia Decides will also drop onto BBC iPlayer on the launch night at 9.15pm. Claudia will be spilling the tea on exactly how she chooses her Traitors and Faithful.
We’re counting down the days already!
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