Cheryl Tweedy has reportedly been approached by BBC producers to appear on the upcoming series of Celebrity Traitors, as the singer contemplates a gradual return to the public eye after maintaining a low profile in recent years. The 42-year-old artist has faced immense personal challenges, including the tragic loss of her ex-partner Liam Payne, father to their eight-year-old son Bear. Payne died at age 31 in October 2024 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
BBC's High Hopes and Concerns
BBC executives are reportedly eager to secure Cheryl's participation, believing she would be a major draw for audiences and excel at the game's strategic elements. An insider revealed to The Sun that producers think Cheryl would be brilliant at playing the game, particularly due to her straight-talking nature. However, there are concerns that the commitment of filming over several weeks in Scotland might deter her, as it would require time away from her young son Bear.
The source stated: 'Cheryl is taking baby steps about returning to the limelight. Bosses know she would be a huge draw. They think she would be brilliant at playing the game. Especially as she is so straight-talking.' The insider added: 'Of course, filming over several weeks would take her away from her son, which could be a reason she turns it down. Bookers are keen for the best stars to take part and not reality-TV has-beens.'
Celebrity Traitors: The Hit Show's Allure
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, The Traitors has captivated audiences since its debut in 2022, becoming a cultural phenomenon with its intense game of deception. The show's celebrity version has already attracted notable names, with actors Danny Dyer and Ruth Jones from Gavin & Stacey rumoured to be participating in the next series filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.
Strict Rules and High Stakes
Participants in The Traitors must adhere to a rigorous set of rules designed to maintain the show's suspense and integrity. These include prohibitions on mobile phones, no access to the time, and undisclosed sleeping arrangements. Contestants sign extensive contracts covering their time in the castle and the months before transmission, ensuring no spoilers leak. Key rules forbid Traitors from revealing their fellow conspirators by exposing their own identity, and all contestants must maintain confidentiality about show secrets prior to airing.
Previous Success and Viewer Impact
The first Celebrity Traitors series proved immensely successful, with comedian Alan Carr emerging victorious after a tense finale. Carr, alongside fellow Traitors Jonathan Ross and Cat Burns, navigated the game to reach the final with Faithful players Joe Marler, Nick Mohammed, and David Olusoga. The grand finale attracted an average audience of 11.1 million viewers, peaking at 12 million, making it the BBC's biggest overnight audience since the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special.
In a dramatic twist, Carr secured the £87,500 prize after hoodwinking Nick and David into believing he was a Faithful, despite Joe Marler correctly identifying him and Cat Burns as the remaining Traitors. More recently, the standard series winners Stephen Libby and Rachel Duffy made headlines by breaking their silence on their dramatic victory, each taking home £47,875 after remaining loyal to their pact throughout the game.
Emotional Reflections and Future Prospects
During a reunion on The Traitors: Uncloaked, Rachel admitted to feeling emotional watching the finale back, stating: 'I was so nervous for Stephen, so watching it back, it made me cry.' Stephen added: 'I didn't know what I was going to do, watching it back, I can see in my face. I'm just so proud of the decision that I made, proud of myself and Rachel.' Their triumph marked the first time a duo of Traitors had won the show, defying audience expectations of betrayal.
As Cheryl Tweedy considers this potential career move, the BBC has maintained its stance of not commenting on speculation, while Daily Mail has reached out to her representatives for comment. The decision ultimately rests on whether the timing aligns with her personal circumstances and readiness to step back into the spotlight.
