In a dramatic new twist on the beloved TV format, the first ever British series of The Celebrity Traitors premieres tonight, bringing a host of well-known faces to the roundtable, reports BritPanorama.
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the show invites celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Alan Carr, and Paloma Faith to participate in a high-stakes game of deception where they must either unmask “Traitors” among their ranks or succumb to elimination themselves.
Filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the roundtable setup poses intense psychological challenges for participants whose winnings, potentially reaching £100,000, will benefit chosen charities rather than themselves. In this setting, both Winkleman and the celebrity players navigate complex social dynamics that influence the game.
Winkleman, who likens her role to that of “Cruella de Vil with a touch of Miss Trunchbull,” underscores the pressure involved: “The biggest challenge was being ‘strict’.” The new series aims to retain the essence of its non-celebrity predecessors, which have won numerous awards since their 2022 debut, while introducing a new layer of intrigue with famous contestants.
The executive producer Sarah Fay noted that the caliber of celebrity involved was beyond expectation, stating, “If we don’t ask, we don’t know. We still can’t believe we got Stephen Fry.” The mix of relationships and public personas among the contestants adds an additional layer of complexity to the traditional gameplay.
As the first British iteration featuring celebrities, Winkleman expressed her initial apprehension about expanding the format beyond ordinary players. “I wanted to keep it small,” she remarked, highlighting her attachment to the show’s intimate, original theme. “[My bosses] ignored everything I said.”
This season marks a significant evolution in contestant dynamics, where preconceived notions and past interactions may shape strategies. “You could leverage your relationship with someone,” producer Mike Cotton teased, hinting at the opportunities for manipulation inherent in this new format.
With the continuing success of The Traitors across various global adaptations, the UK remains steadfast in presenting relatable, authentic contestants who can resonate with audiences. Cotton emphasized the core appeal of selecting players who viewers would enjoy having a drink with rather than those solely seeking fame.
As Winkleman prepares to lead the roundtable discussions, she, alongside the producers, maintains careful oversight while ensuring players engage freely with one another. “We don’t ever want to tell them who they should talk to or where they should go,” Cotton explained.
Overall, the celebrity edition aims to blend celebrity allure with the foundational challenge of deception, promising a season filled with unexpected alliances and betrayals.
‘The Celebrity Traitors’ airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One.
