Stars who turned down the chance of Celebrity Traitors explain why
The Celebrity Traitors made a triumphant return to our screens last week and viewers are already hooked.
This year, the BBC managed to get hold of some top talent to take part including everyone’s new favourite Traitor Richard E. Grant, Love Island host Maya Jama, comedian James Acaster and Hollywood star Michael Sheen, not to mention the slightly paranoid Ross Kemp and The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey.
However, while this year’s show is packed with more stars than the milky way, there are several very high-profile names who have turned it down and some who admit to being sorry they said no.
Liam Gallagher
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher has been pretty busy lately what with the band reforming and touring for the first time in more than a decade and the announcement of a new tour next year.
But that’s not the reason that Gallagher turned it down.
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On a X, a fan of the singer suggested that he’d be the ideal candidate for the show, to which he revealed he’d been asked but decided against.
“It’s not my thing. I’m not a celebrity,” he wrote.
I reckon we’ll have to disagree on that one, pal.
Ricky Gervais
The Office creator was invited onto the first season of Celebrity Traitors, according to his pal and season one contestant Johnathon Ross.
However, responding to a post on X about him being ‘top of the BBC wish list’ for the show Ricky Gervais gave a very frank response.
“I love the show and I’m very flattered, but it won’t happen. I’m too busy and there’s no way they could afford me,” he wrote.
Fair enough then.
Richard Osman
Richard Osman has revealed that he’d happily sign up to the show, but on one condition.
The former Pointless star admitted that - much like current contestant Grant - he would love to take part as a Traitor.
He told Good Morning Britain: “I said I would only do it if I could be a Traitor.
“I couldn’t bear – if I [were] a Faithful – that thing where you go back to your room at night, and you’re just lying there, [while] three people up in that tower, having a load of fun in cloaks and filming something.”
A good point, well made.
Martin Lewis
Mr Money Saving Expert himself Martin Lewis was also asked to compete but turned it down.
And he’s not afraid to let people know that he’s pretty gutted about the whole situation.
In a post on Instagram, he admitted to having FOMO (fear of missing out) after checking out the line-up.
He continued: “I was asked if I wanted to do it, but said no as I couldn’t commit the time.
“I hadn’t watched it then, but watched the last series after that and loved it. So now I feel a little gutted – though I still don’t have the time. Sigh!”
Daisy May and Charlie Cooper
Daisy May and Charlie Cooper reportedly came very close to appearing on the first season.
Back in February last year, the Mirror reported the siblings - who are best known for the hit comedy show This Country - pulled out ‘last minute’.
At the time, the publication reported that the duo decided against taking part as they didn’t want to spend so much time away from their young families.
Danny Dyer
Who wouldn't want to see Danny Dyer don a cloak and become an east-end villain? Sadly, the actor said that despite the creators of season one being keen to have him on board, he wasn't keen as he wasn't familiar with the show.
However, after watching it, he admitted that he would be happy to take part and now he's just waiting to be asked - so, maybe season three, then?
Topics: The Traitors, Liam Gallagher, TV and Film, Ricky Gervais
Claire Reid