Popular television presenter Alison Hammond is reportedly in advanced discussions to join the cast of the upcoming second series of Celebrity Traitors on the BBC. The news comes just two months after the This Morning and Great British Bake Off host dropped a major clue about her willingness to participate.
BBC's Top Target for the Highlands
According to insider sources, the 48-year-old broadcaster is at the very top of the BBC's wishlist for the celebrity edition of the hit psychological reality show. Alison Hammond is said to be 'keen' on the idea, with BBC executives believing her natural comedic talent could make her 'comedy gold' for the programme, much like the first series' winner, Alan Carr.
The source stated: "The Beeb think she could be comedy gold, just like Alan Carr. Alison is naturally very funny and they think she could end up being hugely successful." They added that while the "pot of talent wanting to take part is overflowing," contracts are expected to be finalised closer to the start of production.
From This Morning Skit to Serious Talks
The speculation ignited in November 2024 when Alison participated in a This Morning segment inspired by The Traitors. An AI-generated image showed her in a dramatic cloak, and when asked by co-host Dermot O'Leary if she would prefer to be a Traitor or a Faithful, she replied, "I think I would be a good Faithful."
If she signs on, Hammond would be heading to the show's iconic Scottish Highlands setting, following in the footsteps of the first celebrity series, which proved a massive hit with audiences after the success of the original civilian version.
Other Big Names in the Frame
The BBC is also reportedly keen to secure other high-profile names. The publication claims approaches have been made to former EastEnders star Danny Dyer and Gavin & Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones.
Interestingly, Dyer was originally offered a spot in the first celebrity series but turned it down as he hadn't seen the show. However, after watching fellow celebrity contestant Jonathan Ross, he has had a change of heart. Speaking on his podcast, Live and Let Dyers, he said: "I'm into it now... It's quite a simple game. I thought it was too complicated, but it's actually just about people manipulating each other and a lot of lying."
The regular, non-celebrity series of The Traitors continues to be a ratings juggernaut for the BBC, with the current run attracting a peak of eight million live viewers—the highest figure for the standard version to date. This success has undoubtedly increased the pressure to assemble an all-star cast for the next celebrity instalment that can match the 'dynamite' impact of the first.
