Television bosses are reportedly on the verge of securing a major coup for the second series of The Celebrity Traitors, with actor Danny Dyer poised to join the cast. The 48-year-old former EastEnders star is said to have performed a complete U-turn after having 'zero interest' in the show's debut run.
From Snub to 'Dream Signing'
According to sources, Dyer was always at the top of the BBC's wish list for the first celebrity edition of the hit psychological game. However, he initially turned down the chance to compete. His attitude apparently changed after watching the 'fun and games' of the inaugural series last autumn, which saw comedian Alan Carr famously win the show.
A source revealed: 'Danny was always top of The Celebrity Traitors wish list but had zero interest until seeing the fun and games last autumn. As soon as his tune changed, it was all systems go.' They added that Dyer is considered a 'reality TV booker's dream signing' who will offer incredible value, being naturally funny in a different way to Carr.
High-Stakes Casting and Strict Rules
The BBC is said to be assembling a stellar line-up for the new series, with Dyer potentially joining other famous names like Alison Hammond and Ruth Jones from Gavin & Stacey. Filming is expected to take place later this year at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.
However, producers are reportedly anxious to avoid a repeat of last year's last-minute withdrawal by Daisy May Cooper, who pulled out due to family commitments. The source noted: 'As we saw with Daisy May Cooper for series one, things can change at the last minute, but Danny looks all set to join.'
All contestants must adhere to a stringent set of rules designed to protect the integrity of the game, hosted by Claudia Winkleman. These include:
- A complete ban on mobile phones.
- No access to the time of day.
- Not being informed of sleeping arrangements in advance.
- Strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) preventing spoilers before broadcast.
- Traitors are forbidden from revealing their fellow conspirators by exposing their own identity.
Contracts span the filming period and the months leading up to transmission, with serious consequences for any breaches.
Building on a Record-Breaking Success
The BBC is keen to capitalise on the phenomenal success of the first celebrity series, which concluded with a dramatic finale that captivated the nation. Comedian Alan Carr managed to go undetected as a Traitor throughout, ultimately hoodwinking fellow finalists Nick Mohammed and David Olusoga to win the £87,500 prize.
The final episode drew an average audience of 11.1 million viewers, peaking at 12 million, making it the BBC's biggest overnight audience since the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special. Carr's surprise victory came after fellow Faithful Joe Marler was wrongly banished at the last moment, despite correctly identifying the remaining Traitors.
While a BBC spokesperson declined to comment on speculation, stating 'details about series two of The Celebrity Traitors will be announced in due course,' the potential signing of Danny Dyer signals the corporation's intent to build on a format that has taken the UK by storm since its 2022 debut.
