The Celebrity Traitors returns tonight (Thursday, 1 October 2026) at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, opening with a 75-minute episode from Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Claudia Winkleman welcomes 21 celebrities – two more than last time – competing for a charity prize pot of up to £100,000.
Among the famous faces are Michael Sheen, Richard E. Grant, Bella Ramsey, Miranda Hart, Ross Kemp, Sharon Rooney and Sebastian Croft. Comedy stars Joe Lycett, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, James Acaster and Joanne McNally also feature, alongside musicians and broadcasters Leigh-Anne Pinnock, James Blunt, Maya Jama, Amol Rajan and Jerry Hall. Specialists and innovators Professor Hannah Fry, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Myha'la and King Kenny complete the ensemble.
Before the new series begins, here is what previous contestants from the original The Traitors have been doing since leaving the castle.
Series 1: Wilf, Aaron, Maddy, Alex and Tom
Wilfred "Wilf" Webster was one of the breakout personalities of Series 1, selected by Claudia Winkleman as one of the inaugural Traitors alongside Amanda Lovett and Alyssa Chan. He turned the group against Alyssa and orchestrated the banishment of Amanda Lovett near the finale. The strain of being a Traitor led to emotional breakdowns, including a scene where Winkleman stepped out of character to comfort him.
In the final episode, Wilf was exposed after betraying his recruited Traitor partner Kieran Tompsett, who gave a subtle clue – describing his vote as a "parting gift" – prompting the Faithfuls to banish Wilf. After the show, Wilf left his role as a social worker to pursue content creation full-time, building a large social media following, appearing on Celebrity Mastermind, and making TV guest appearances including a Comic Relief sketch.
Aaron Evans endured fierce suspicion early on, suffering a panic attack that won viewers' compassion. Despite repeated suspicion, he proved authentic throughout. After receiving his prize share, he moved from property to working on luxury yachts, built a social media following, and landed a role on Love Island USA.
Maddy Smedley was known for her relentless detective work, accurately pinpointing Wilf as a Traitor early on. Previously working as an extra, she used the show to establish a full-time acting career, landing roles in Hollyoaks, Casualty, Big Boys and a guest spot in the Call the Midwife Christmas special. She and her partner Tom welcomed a daughter, Shelby Rae, on September 23, 2023.
Alex Gray and Tom Elderfield entered the castle as a clandestine couple, pretending to be strangers. When fellow contestant Matt fell for Alex, Tom declared over breakfast, "Alex is not a Traitor, she's my girlfriend," leaving the room stunned. The revelation led to rapid eliminations for both. Despite rumours, the pair confirmed they are still together, bought their first home, and are renovating it. Alex works as a TV presenter, actor and online creator, while Tom continues as a professional magician and illusion designer.
Series 2: Mollie, Harry, Paul and Diane
Mollie Pearce was pivotal in Series 2's dramatic finale. She formed a tight alliance with eventual champion Harry Clark, relying on her loyalty as his shield. In the final moments, Jaz Singh pushed to eliminate Harry, but Mollie changed her vote to Jaz at the last second. She let out an expletive when she discovered the truth and stormed out. Since the show, she has continued as a disability model and advocate, competed on Dancing on Ice, and collaborated with brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Kurt Geiger. She and Harry smoothed things over and remained friends.
Harry Clark was the sole winner of Series 2, playing a cunning game as a Traitor from the outset. He maintained a "heroic Faithful" persona while orchestrating eliminations, hid a protective shield to trick the Faithfuls, and double-crossed fellow Traitors Paul Gorton and Ross Carson. After the show, he left his role as an engineer in the British Army to pursue entertainment full-time, appearing on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and Pilgrimage, and filming documentaries including travelling to meet the Pope. He co-hosts The Harry and Paul Show podcast with Paul Gorton and has penned an autobiography.
Paul Gorton, selected as an original Traitor in Series 2, earned a reputation as the "pantomime villain" before Harry exposed him at the roundtable. Since the show, he has transitioned into TV presenting, co-hosting Do You Know Your Place? with Vernon Kay, and appeared on Celebrity Mastermind. He co-presents The Harry and Paul Show podcast and has written guest pieces for The Guardian and Rolling Stone.
Diane Carson was at the heart of one of the programme's most memorable sequences: after being "murdered" by Miles Asteri with a poisoned goblet of rosé, her death played out in a dramatic funeral procession challenge. She entered with her real-life son Ross Carson, concealing their relationship. Since the show, she has embraced celebrity status, participating in Celebrity MasterChef, hosting her own podcast Spill The Fizz with drag performer Beary Poppins, and moving into stage acting in touring shows and pantomimes. Her TV appearances include Would I Lie to You?
Series 3: Linda and Minah
Linda Rands, a 70-year-old former opera singer, was the standout star of Series 3. Selected as a Traitor, she became a social media phenomenon thanks to her dramatic presence and facial expressions, with her image hoisted on banners at festivals including Glastonbury. She has since featured on The One Show, Morning Live and Loose Women, appeared in TV adverts and brand collaborations, and delivered live stage performances alongside Claudia Winkleman.
Minah Shannon was a ruthless and strategic Traitor who lasted well into the competition. After the show, she moved into national radio, co-presenting the BBC Radio 1 Early Breakfast programme with Nat O'Leary. She has established herself as a speaker at industry panels and live events, exploring media strategy, persuasion and gaming psychology. She lives in Liverpool with her husband Liam and daughter Luna.
Series 4: Rachel and Stephen
Rachel Duffy was among the most merciless and calculating Traitors, with a fierce roundtable approach. She made history as half of the inaugural Traitor partnership to triumph in the UK series, splitting the prize fund with Stephen Libby. Beyond her communications career, she has been developing a fantasy novel she has crafted for years. During the series, she expressed her desire to win for her family and to create memories with her mother, who battled Parkinson's disease and dementia; she has since championed awareness for these conditions.
Stephen Libby, chosen as an original Traitor alongside Rachel, contributed to the historic victory. He won viewers with his fashion statements, from knitted pullovers to figure-hugging all-in-ones. After scooping his £47,875 prize money, he became a regular on breakfast television and radio, including This Morning and The Traitors: Uncloaked. He has amassed a substantial social media following through fashion, travel and lifestyle posts, with talent agencies signing him for showbiz opportunities.
