The BBC has reportedly been compelled to double its £1 million budget for the second season of Celebrity Traitors, which boasts its most star-studded lineup yet. The A-list cast was officially announced when the broadcaster released the first teaser trailer on Saturday, featuring names such as Maya Jama, Richard E Grant, Jerry Hall, Romesh Ranganathan, and Ross Kemp heading to the Scottish castle.
The increased budget became evident as images emerged of the stars arriving in the Highlands via planes and private jets, whereas last year many contestants reportedly traveled by train. In the previous series, celebrities like Alan Carr and Sir Stephen Fry were said to have been transported in a minibus, which has now been replaced by chauffeur-driven cars. Additional funds have also been allocated to beef up security to ensure the stars' safety and keep the castle's activities under wraps ahead of the broadcast later this year.
A source commented: 'Although most of the stars are British, so many of them are used to working in America that their teams are used to the treatment.' The source further told The Sun: 'The production team have little choice, however, than to cater for their demands because they accept the number of A-listers taking part in this year's show makes it exceptional.' The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.
Maya Jama was spotted arriving at Inverness Airport on Sunday afternoon, reportedly taking a significant pay cut to appear on the show. Hours earlier, Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh and EastEnders star Ross Kemp also touched down before heading to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Singer James Blunt followed a few hours later.
Dressed down in a white t-shirt and cream trousers, Maya wore sunglasses and flashed a nervous smile at airport staff. Comedian Joanne McNally was also seen on the same flight, dressed in cycling shorts and hiding behind dark shades as she wheeled her luggage to the car. Maya was reportedly the first star approached by Celebrity Traitors bosses in a bid to attract a younger audience.
The TV star was top of the producers' wish list due to her ability to draw in younger viewers thanks to her Love Island hosting duties. The 31-year-old was reportedly willing to take a £760,000 pay cut compared to her fee for hosting the ITV dating show, accepting a £40,000 rate after falling in love with the series while watching it with her boyfriend Rúben Dias. A source told The Sun: 'She loved watching the first Celebrity Traitors series at home with boyfriend Rúben and is so excited to get filming. She can't wait to do some fibbing and be as deceitful as possible to try to win it. It has worked out perfectly that she can go straight from the Scottish castle to the villa in Majorca to film the summer Love Island series in June.'
The Celebrity Traitors series two cast was officially revealed on Saturday morning as the BBC dropped the first teaser trailer. Shortly after the announcement, Jerry Hall was spotted touching down in Inverness alongside Richard E Grant, Bella Ramsey, and Amol Rajan, before jumping into cars to head to the Scottish Highlands. After months of speculation over who could be following in the footsteps of last year's winner Alan Carr, the 21 names were finally unveiled in a quirky new trailer.
Also heading to Ardross Castle are Michael Sheen and James Blunt. Comedians Rob Beckett, Joe Lycett, Miranda Hart, and James Acaster will be joined by Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock. The full lineup includes Jerry Hall, Richard E. Grant, James Blunt, Ross Kemp, Michael Sheen, Rob Beckett, Sharon Rooney, Joanne McNally, Amol Rajan, King Kenny, Sebastian Croft, Maya Jama, Miranda Hart, Romesh Ranganathan, James Acaster, Bella Ramsey, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Joe Lycett, Hannah Fry, Julie Hesmondhalgh, and Myha'la.
