The new series of Celebrity Traitors is set to begin with dramatic scenes as this year's lineup undertook their first mission deep in the Scottish Highlands. Stars including Maya Jama, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Michael Sheen donned life vests and wetsuits as they entered a loch to explore a wrecked pirate ship. With Claudia Winkleman cheering them on, the celebrities searched for gold to add to the prize fund.
Details Under Wraps
Details about the new series remain a closely guarded secret, including whom Claudia will select as the three Traitors. This lineup is the starriest yet, and reports indicate that bosses doubled the initial £1 million budget to meet the demands of A-list contestants. The increased budget was evident as stars arrived in the Highlands via planes and private jets, unlike last year when many travelled by train. Meanwhile, contestants like Alan Carr and Sir Stephen Fry were previously ferried in a minibus, now replaced with chauffeur-driven cars. Additional funds have been allocated for security to protect the stars and maintain secrecy ahead of the broadcast later this year.
A source commented: 'Although most of the stars are British, many are used to working in America, so their teams expect certain treatment. The production team have little choice but to cater to their demands because the number of A-listers taking part makes this series exceptional.' The BBC declined to comment when approached by the Daily Mail.
Maya Jama Takes Pay Cut
Maya Jama was photographed arriving at Inverness Airport on Sunday afternoon, reportedly taking a significant pay cut to appear on the show. The 31-year-old, known for hosting Love Island, accepted a £40,000 fee instead of her usual £800,000, after falling in love with the series while watching it with her boyfriend, footballer Rúben Dias. A source revealed: 'She loved watching the first Celebrity Traitors series at home with Rúben and is excited to start filming. She can't wait to be deceitful and try to win.'
Hours earlier, Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh and EastEnders star Ross Kemp also arrived, heading to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Other stars spotted include Richard E. Grant, Jerry Hall, Romesh Ranganathan, and Ross Kemp.
Star-Studded Cast
The celebrity lineup was officially announced when the BBC released the first teaser trailer last week. Among the 21 stars heading to Ardross Castle are Michael Sheen, James Blunt, comedians Rob Beckett, Joe Lycett, Miranda Hart, and James Acaster, as well as Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock. The cast also includes Bella Ramsey, Amol Rajan, Hannah Fry, and Sharon Rooney. Last year's celebrity run broke ratings records, with Alan Carr winning the entire prize fund as the sole Traitor.
Speculation is rife about which contestants will be chosen as Traitors. The new series is expected to air in October.
