The second series of Celebrity Traitors launched with a record-breaking audience, with the BBC confirming it was the most-watched debut episode of any series of the programme in the UK.
The episode, which aired on Thursday October 1, recorded an average audience of 8.9 million viewers, peaking at 9.1 million at one point, and brought in an audience share of 54.9%.
Record ratings for the BBC show
The first series of the celebrity spin-off debuted last autumn and was a ratings winner for the BBC, with its finale hitting a peak of 15.4 million viewers – the biggest TV audience of 2025.
The civilian edition of The Traitors, which launched in 2022, is also highly successful, and its recent series finale in January became the most-watched in the history of that version after bringing in a peak audience of 9.6 million.
New contestants and traitors revealed
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the hit series sees 21 celebrity contestants try to seek out the traitors among them who “kill off” players in the middle of the night.
The premiere introduced the latest batch of contestants, including actor Richard E Grant and Love Island host Maya Jama – both of whom were selected as the first two traitors. The pair were later told they had a chance to recruit and could kill another contestant at the same time. They selected comedian James Acaster, 41, and University Challenge presenter Amol Rajan, 43, who had to meet the two traitors face to face and were challenged with pleading their case.
Full episode guide
The season features a star-studded cast including actor Bella Ramsey, singer James Blunt, actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, content creator King Kenny and Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock. Six comedians are also taking part – James, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Miranda Hart, Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan.
Rounding out the cast are actors Michael Sheen and Myha’la, broadcaster and mathematician Professor Hannah Fry, actor and presenter Ross Kemp, musician and actor Sebastian Croft and actor Sharon Rooney.
The celebrities are playing the game in Ardross Castle in the Highlands, with a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice up for grabs.
Episode 1: Thursday, October 1, 8pm
Episode 2: Friday, October 2, 8pm
Episode 3: Thursday, October 8, 8pm
Episode 4: Friday, October 9, 8pm
Episode 5: Thursday, October 15, 8pm
Episode 6: Friday, October 16, 8pm
Episode 7: Thursday, October 22, 8pm
Episode 8: Friday, October 23, 8pm
Episode 9: Thursday, October 29, 8pm
Episode 10: Friday, October 30, 8pm
