The BBC’s Celebrity Traitors is gearing up for its second series, set to premiere on BBC One at 8 pm on 1 October. A glittering line‑up of names – including Michael Sheen, Richard E Grant, Maya Jama, Ross Kemp and Bella Ramsey – will take part, each reportedly receiving a flat fee of £40,000 for their appearance. The contestants will play for a jackpot that can reach £100,000, with the exact amount determined by how well they fare in the challenges; unlike the civilian edition, any winnings will be donated to a charity of the winner’s choosing.
Star‑Studded Line‑Up and Pay Details
Reports suggest the production opted for a uniform payment model this year. On The Rest Is Entertainment podcast in July 2025, host Marina Hyde remarked: “Look at the calibre of the people they got. They were able to pay everybody a blanket 40k fee, right? They’re paying them a 40k fee.” This contrasts with last year’s civilian series, where rugby player Joe Marler disclosed he received £30,000 for his stint. The BBC has not commented on the fee structure when approached by The Independent, but the figures cited by Hyde and Marler remain the only public numbers available.
Prize Pot and Charity Twist
The celebrity version offers a top prize of up to £100,000, fluctuating according to performance in the various tasks designed to test trust and deception. The winning celebrity must hand over the entire sum to a charitable cause of their choice, a shift from the regular format where contestants keep the jackpot. For comparison, the civilian series can yield a slightly higher total of £120,000, reflecting the different stakes involved when personal gain is on the line.
New Faces and Veteran Warnings
Joining the returning host Claudia Winkleman are a fresh batch of comedians: Joe Lycett, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Miranda Hart, Joanne McNally and James Acaster. Acaster has voiced concern that last year’s winner, Alan Carr, has set a high bar that may overshadow newcomers. He told the BBC before filming: “I think we’re going to be the first ones under the magnifying glass being looked at – particularly at the beginning when you have absolutely nothing to go on,” describing the situation as a real “concern”. Adding an analytical edge to the game, mathematician Professor Hannah Fry will compete, bringing her statistical know‑how to the task of spotting the traitors among the group.
What to Expect When the Series Returns
The second instalment promises the same blend of intrigue, strategy and humour that made the first run a hit, with Winkleman once again steering the proceedings. Viewers can tune in on 1 October at 8 pm on BBC One to see whether the celebrity contingent can outwit each other while raising money for good causes. Full details of the confirmed cast are available on the BBC’s programme page.
Why it Matters
The transparency around appearance fees and the charitable destination of the prize money highlight a growing trend in reality TV where entertainment is increasingly linked to social good. By disclosing that stars receive a set £40k and must donate any winnings, the show sets a precedent for accountability in celebrity‑led programming. This approach not only informs audiences about the financial mechanics behind the spectacle but also reinforces the potential of televised competitions to generate meaningful funds for charity, a model that could influence future productions across the genre.