Celebrity Traitors 2026: All the Stars Rumoured to Be Taking Part
Fingerless gloves and oversized turtlenecks at the ready – speculation is mounting about the famous faces set to head to Scotland for the new series of Celebrity Traitors. The hit BBC show will return later this year, following Alan Carr's victory as the inaugural champion in November 2025. With a stellar cast last year including Paloma Faith, Joe Marler, Stephen Fry, and Celia Imrie, the pressure is on to deliver an equally impressive line-up. If reports are accurate, the Beeb might just succeed.
National Treasures in the Frame
Downton Abbey's Hugh Bonneville and Oscar nominee Richard E Grant are among the latest names tipped to don the coveted Traitors cloak. A source told The Sun on Tuesday 17 February that producers are eyeing the pair of "national treasures" for the show. "Both would be hugely entertaining at the roundtable and in the turret, if made Traitors," they added. The Independent has contacted the BBC for comment.
Hugh Bonneville, 62, best known for playing Robert Crawley in Downton Abbey, may swap one stately home for another. Producers have reportedly approached him, with a source highlighting his "charming and funny" qualities as perfect for the show. After roles in Paddington, W1A, and Notting Hill, could Bonneville embrace a darker side as a Traitor?
Richard E Grant, 68, star of Withnail and I and Bram Stoker's Dracula, is also in talks. Producers believe the "clever, witty and endearing" actor is an ideal fit. Grant has previously expressed obsession with the show, saying, "I'd love to go on it. My daughter said I'd be thrown out after half an hour because you're incapable of hiding what you feel." He could follow his Gosford Park co-star Stephen Fry as the next castle "big dog."
More Big Names in the Mix
Romcom king Hugh Grant is rumoured to be participating, with a source calling him "a huge coup" for the BBC. At 65, having taken on edgier roles in The Undoing and Heretic, he might make a perfect Traitor – if he can stay awake at the roundtable.
TV hard man Danny Dyer, after turning down the show last year, is now in the running. A source said the ex-EastEnders star was "always top" of bosses' wish list and changed his mind after watching the series. His role in Rivals as a cheater with a heart of gold suggests he could be a Faithful.
Reality queen-turned-presenter Alison Hammond is reportedly being courted by producers, who think she could be "comedy gold" similar to winner Alan Carr. With experience on Big Brother, I'm a Celeb, and Celebrity Coach Trip, the 51-year-old is well-prepared for the castle.
Comedians and Music Icons
Funny man Jason Manford revealed in February that he's in talks for the show, though he joked about producers needing to "come down the ladder of show business." With four comedians in last year's series, his inclusion would make sense.
Oasis' Liam Gallagher, a veteran of celebrity feuds, confirmed on X that he had been approached by the BBC. His public disputes with brother Noel hint he could be an opinionated presence, potentially clashing with Hugh Grant.
Former Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy, 42, is being courted for a return to TV. Bosses believe she would be "brilliant at playing the game," though filming away from her eight-year-old son Bear could be a hurdle.
Potential Returns and Sibling Drama
This Country's Daisy May Cooper is tipped to participate after reportedly dropping out of the first series last April due to the birth of her son. Producers are "pulling out all the stops" to secure her. Rumours suggest she might join her brother Charlie, making them the show's first not-so-secret siblings if he returns.
As speculation grows, the Celebrity Traitors 2026 line-up promises a mix of national treasures, comedians, and music icons, all vying for the title in the Scottish castle. The BBC has yet to confirm any details, but fans are eagerly awaiting official announcements.
