Traitors fans can't get over ‘truly brilliant’ celebrity line up after first clip of new series

Fans of The Traitors are being treated to a smorgasbord of celeb talent in the second season.

On Thursday (27 August), the BBC gave viewers an idea of what to expect in the next instalment of the hit series by dropping a teaser clip on social media.

Brits got their first look at host Claudia Winkleman commanding the star-studded cast who will join her in the castle in the Scottish Highlands - and it's safe to say that people liked what they saw.

Winkleman offered her 'thoughts and prayers' to the famous faces who think they are plucky enough to thrive in the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust which returns to screens later this year.

The incredible line-up for The Celebrity Traitors was revealed in May this year, and fans have now got their first taster of what we can expect when the second series releases.

Household names including Maya Jama, Bella Ramsey and Ross Kemp were seen looking fairly terrified in the teaser while sat on church pews.

Winkleman menacingly declares: "A moment of silence, for the celebrities gathered today," before the camera then pans to show the faces of the stars of The Celebrity Traitors.

"Thoughts and prayers," the 54-year-old then says, before swishing out of the church and adding: "Who doesn't love a dramatic exit?"

Although the release date hasn't been officially confirmed yet, the broadcaster told fans that the new series of The Traitors is 'coming soon'.

All we know so far is that it is coming 'later in 2026'.

Last year's celebrity series kicked off on 8 October, so it's possible the second season could come out around the same time.

Meanwhile, a fifth season of the civilian version of The Traitors has already been confirmed, and that will likely air in January 2027.

Brits are eagerly anticipating its return to TV screens, as one person commented: "When when when!!!?! This looks like another truly brilliant line up!"

A second said: "Insane cast. Worth the licence fee alone."

Following the success of the original series, the BBC launched a celebrity spin-off last year, which saw 19 famous faces attempt to suss out who were the Traitors and who were the Faithful among them.

After weeks of suspense and banishings, it was Alan Carr who swiped the £87,500 winnings in a chaotic final.

The show was immediately renewed for a second season on the back of its huge initial success, with rumoured cast lists and dream participants floating around the internet over the past couple of months.

The BBC previously confirmed who will be taking part in season two of The Celebrity Traitors.

The Celebrity Traitors season two cast

Maya Jama

Television presenter, radio DJ and model Maya Jama is best known for being the face of ITV's Love Island.

She has also appeared on TV shows such as The Masked Singer, Glow Up: Britain's Next Make-Up Star and RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

Richard E. Grant

Academy Award-nominated actor Richard E Grant is best known for his work in films such as Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Saltburn, The Iron Lady and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

James Blunt

Singer-songwriter James Blunt is best known for his 2004 hits 'You're Beautiful' and 'Goodbye My Lover' as well as regularly trolling people on the social media platform X.

Joe Lycett

A comedian and TV presenter, you'll have likely seen Joe Lycett on Joe Lycett's Got Your Back, Travel Man or The Great British Sewing Bee.

He's also appeared on programmes such as Taskmaster, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, 8 Out of 10 Cats and QI, making him a firm TV staple.

Rob Beckett

Like Lycett, Rob Beckett is another familiar face in the world of British comedy, appearing on shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

He is also the narrator for Celebs Go Dating and the former host of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW!

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey's breakthrough in the acting world came with the role of Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones, followed by a leading role in HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us.

The 22-year-old's other credits include Catherine Called Birdy, His Dark Materials and Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.

Ross Kemp

TV hardman Ross Kemp will be known to many for his role as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders and his documentary series, Ross Kemp on Gangs, Ross Kemp in Afghanistan and Ross Kemp: Extreme World.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock

Leigh-Anne Pinnock was catapulted to fame as part of X Factor girl group Little Mix alongside Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall and Jesy Nelson.

After over a decade together, the group decided to go on hiatus, with Pinnock since pursuing a solo career.

Romesh Ranganathan

The jokes won't be lacking in this season of The Traitors, as Romesh Ranganathan will be joining his fellow comedian and presenter Rob Beckett at the castle.

He is best known for The Weakest Link, LOL: Last One Laughing UK and Rob & Romesh Vs...

Ranganathan will also be familiar with Bella Ramsey, as the comedian also appeared in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, replacing Timothy Spall.

Michael Sheen

Welsh actor Michael Sheen has enjoyed a three-decade career on the screen and stage.

His credits include Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Twilight Saga, Blood Diamond and Good Omens.

Miranda Hart

Best known for her comedy series Miranda, which ran from 2009 until 2015, Hart has also appeared in shows such as The Vicar of Dibley, Call the Midwife and Hollywood action film Spy.

Jerry Hall

One of the most sought-after models in the world during the 1970s, Jerry Hall is also known for her acting work and high-profile relationships with The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

Myha’la

US actor Myha'la is best known for her role in the BBC series Industry.

She has also appeared in films such as Bodies Bodies Bodies, Leave the World Behind and an episode of Black Mirror.

Sharon Rooney

Sharon Rooney had her breakout role alongside Jodie Comer in Channel 4's My Mad Fat Diary in 2013.

She has since gone on to feature in Barbie, Daddy Issues and The Revenge Club.

Professor Hannah Fry

A doctor of mathematics and lecturer at the University of Cambridge and University College London, Professor Hannah Fry will be bringing the brains to this season of The Celebrity Traitors.

She is also known for her work on the Radio 4 science show The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry and for TV appearances on Have I Got News for You and the pandemic documentary Unvaccinated.

Amol Rajan

Amol Rajan is a journalist and broadcaster who has worked for the BBC, Channel 5 and The Independent.

He is currently the host of University Challenge, taking over from long-running host Jeremy Paxman in 2023.

James Acaster

James Acaster is a comedian, podcaster and actor. He is best known for appearing on Taskmaster and having a role in 2024's Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

Joanne McNally

Irish-born Joanne McNally is known for her work as a comedian, TV presenter and podcaster.

You'll have likely seen her on The Big Fat Quiz of Everything, Taskmaster and The Big Fat Quiz of Telly.

Julie Hesmondhalgh

Julie Hesmondhalgh will be known by many for her role as Hayley Cropper in ITV soap Coronation Street between 1998 and 2014, a role which won her numerous awards.

She has also appeared in Happy Valley, Broadchurch and The Pact.

Sebastian Croft

Sebastian Croft is a singer and actor. His credits include Heartstopper, How to Date Billy Walsh and Get Away.

King Kenny

Rounding out our line-up of Faithfuls and Traitors is content creator King Kenny.

With over a million followers across his Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, Kenny's content is mostly comedy pranks and viral challenges.

He was previously a member of the Beta Squad and also takes part in influencer boxing.

The Celebrity Traitors season two will premiere in autumn 2026.