It’s coming back. We don’t know exactly when, but sometime this autumn, the shining new star of British television is set to return to our screens. The first season of The Traitors debuted in 2022, and the nation has been obsessed ever since, and the celebrity version is no exception. After the wails of Celia Imrie, lovable roguishness of Joe Marler and completely unexpected triumph of Alan Carr in the first season of The Celebrity Traitors, it’s hard to imagine how TV can get any better. However, with a lineup like this, I’d say we’ve certainly got something to look forward to.
For those unfamiliar with the show, to which I am disappointed and surprised in equal measure, given how I can hardly think of anyone in my own life who doesn’t watch the show, it is a pretty simple mystery format. A group of people are gathered in a lavish castle in Scotland, where national treasure Claudia Winkleman dubs most of them Faithfuls, and a select few Traitors, and then they embark upon a few weeks of outdoor challenges, backstabbing betrayals and the famous roundtable discussions, in an effort to figure out who the Traitors are. Overall, it’s easy and fast-paced TV, expertly led by the best fringe-wearer in show business. Personally, I preferred the celebrity version to the original, as given the celebs are playing to win money for a charity as opposed to for themselves, they seem to take the whole thing less seriously, and that made for some pretty hilarious viewing. On the other hand, in the original format it is not uncommon to see participants getting teary and/or irate within the first few days, as they are entirely consumed by the experience. Whilst this is of course entertaining in its own right, it can also be a little irritating for a generally unemotional person such as myself, so I am really looking forward to this upcoming celebrity series. Speaking of, let’s dive into that star-studded cast…
This year’s line-up hosts a strong variety of actors, journalists, presenters and a particularly healthy selection of comedians, including James Acaster, Romesh Ranganathan and Joanne McNally, further affirming my theory that the celebrity version is intending to lean into the humorous side of things. There is also a little Hollywood power with the likes of The Last of Us actor Bella Ramsey and Industry star Myha’la, who will surely attract some viewers from across the pond. Younger viewership will be satisfied by the appearances of Love Island host Maya Jama and former Little Mix member Leigh-Anne Pinnock, whilst the older crowd will be pleased to see one of the star singers of the early 2000s, James Blunt, and respected broadcaster and journalist, Amol Rajan.
Altogether, there’s someone for everyone, and this broad variety of backgrounds, ages and career paths is also essential to the programme’s dynamic. Because most of the contestants do not know each other well, they are naturally untrusting of one another, which of course encourages the constant feeling of suspicion that the format requires. The comedians, however, are the group that defy this logic, especially given that participants Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett actually have their own show together, but this will surely become its own source of entertainment, as the comedy partners deal with the frustration of not knowing each other’s true alliance. Also, there is a lower chance of distinct cliques developing with such a mix of personalities, and viewers are entertained by seeing people interact who they never thought would. For example, before last year’s show it would be tricky to picture notorious prankster and YouTuber Niko Omilana bonding with the esteemed intellect of Stephen Fry, but that is exactly what we were privileged enough to see.
Due to the popularity of the last season of the show, it’s no shock that the BBC managed to gather such an impressive cast list. However, there was one name on the list that I doubt anyone was expecting to see, but are nonetheless very much delighted by: the long-awaited return of the one-and-only Miranda Hart. Known best for her eponymous TV sitcom of the late 2000s, Hart has made very few television appearances since the programme ended in 2015, despite the cult following of her TV show, and being regarded as one of the best comedy actors in the country. So, The Celebrity Traitors is providing an extra special treat for huge Miranda fans such as myself, as well as awarding itself the impressive accolade of being such a good TV show that it brought Miranda Hart back on our screens.
People are already casting their votes for who will be chosen as Traitors, if any twists to the format will appear this time, and whether it’s possible to top the sheer madness of the last season. I’ll be honest, I truly don’t know if we’ll ever get a better traitor than Alan Carr, but I am most definitely looking forward to finding out. Either way, it’s sure to be another great season of deceit, drama and unnecessarily complicated team challenges. Bring it on!
