Some of the stars on the second series of Celebrity Traitors are reportedly "terrified how they'll come across" on the final cut of the BBC show. Filming for the new series began over the weekend at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, where celebrities including Miranda Hart, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Maya Jama have gathered for games.
With a massive 14.9 million viewers watching each episode of the first series last year, several big names have become anxious about their portrayal. A show insider revealed: "While some of them are just in there to have fun, there are others who are very much in there for themselves as a strategic career move so they are terrified of how they will come across. As it's the second time round, they've seen just how big a boost it can give to a personal brand but it needs to be orchestrated carefully... One foot wrong, and it could become a PR nightmare."
Line-up and Stakes
Among the 21 stars set to compete in the second series, which will air later this year, are journalist Amol Rajan, actress Sharon Rooney, and comedian James Acaster. The source did not specify which stars are concerned, but noted that contestants are also excited about the huge exposure the programme offers.
Alan Carr's popularity soared after winning last year's series, leading to numerous job offers and even reportedly turning down the role of Strictly Come Dancing host. The winner of the new series will receive £100,000 for their chosen charity, and each contestant is understood to get a flat fee of £40,000.
PR Concerns and Edit Control
According to the Daily Mail, the BBC was inundated last year with anxious PRs requesting early edits to protect their clients' images, but bosses refused to allow changes. Similar concerns have been raised this year. This follows controversy around I'm a Celebrity... South Africa, where a heated row between Jimmy Bullard and Adam Thomas was cut from the final edit. Thomas has since asked ITV to show the outburst in full.
The insider added: "The stakes are very different for this year's celebrities from what they were in the first series. You can't buy this kind of exposure now but it has to be the right kind."
