The BBC's Celebrity Traitors returns to screens tonight (October 1) for its second series, but viewers without a valid TV Licence could face a fine of up to £1,000 for tuning in.
What viewers need to know
According to TV Licensing, watching the BBC live or on iPlayer without a valid TV Licence could lead to prosecution. UK residents currently pay £180 per year for a colour TV Licence or £60.50 for a black-and-white set, following a price increase on April 1, 2026.
A TV Licence covers all TV channels including BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and U&Dave, pay TV services like Sky and Virgin Media, live TV on streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix, and everything on BBC iPlayer.
Devices and penalties
TV Licensing notes that a licence covers more than just a TV set, explaining: "If you're catching up on BBC iPlayer on your phone as you commute to work, you need a licence. Streaming a live YouTube channel via your game console? You need a licence. Getting stuck into Sky Sports action live on your laptop or tablet? You need a licence for this, too. This includes recording and downloading."
If found guilty of watching, recording or downloading TV programmes without a licence, viewers could face a fine of up to £1,000, plus legal costs and compensation ordered by the court. The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey.
Celebrity Traitors series two details
Celebrities are playing for a £100,000 charity prize, with 21 stars taking part this year, two more than last series. The cast includes Miranda Hart, Michael Sheen, Bella Ramsey, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Maya Jama, King Kenny, Amol Rajan, James Acaster, James Blunt, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Myha'la, Professor Hannah Fry, Richard E Grant, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Ross Kemp, Sebastian Croft and Sharon Rooney.
The 75-minute first episode airs at 8pm tonight, with new episodes every Thursday and Friday throughout October. There will be 10 episodes, with the final airing on Friday October 30.
