David Mitchell and Steve Pemberton Reportedly in Talks for Celebrity Traitors Return
Comedian David Mitchell is reportedly being lined up as a key contestant for the highly anticipated second series of The Celebrity Traitors. According to sources speaking to The Sun, producers believe the 51-year-old Would I Lie To You? panellist would make an "amazing contestant" due to his sharp wit and intelligence.
A television insider revealed: "Producers think David would be an amazing contestant. Not only is he hilarious, but he's also super smart — in many ways, he will remind viewers of Stephen Fry, who went down great with viewers in series one. No doubt David's time on Would I Lie To You? will be both helpful and a hindrance when it comes to being at the round table."
Multiple Big Names in Negotiations
Mitchell isn't the only high-profile celebrity being courted for the reality spin-off. Steve Pemberton, the 58-year-old League of Gentlemen star, has reportedly been in talks with producers since publicly expressing his admiration for the show when it first launched in 2022.
"Signing Steve would fill the slot for a celebrity who is obsessed with the mechanics behind the programme," a television source explained. "It was a role filled last year by Jonathan Ross, who was a long-time devotee and became one of the programme's 'big dogs'. As an award-winning actor who can transform himself from one character to another, Steve would be a similar figure and a formidable contestant for the players to contend with."
Production Details and Scheduling Challenges
Filming for the second series is scheduled to commence in May at the 19th-century Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, with Claudia Winkleman returning as host. However, some potential contestants face scheduling conflicts.
Amanda Holden is reportedly being considered for the series following her best friend Alan Carr's victory in the 2025 run, but she would need to juggle Britain's Got Talent semi-finals filming in London with the Scottish Highlands production schedule.
A television insider noted: "Filming for The Celebrity Traitors takes place in the Scottish Highlands at the same time that BGT semi-finals are filmed live in London on a Saturday night. It's not impossible for her to be given some time off, but it isn't the only work she'd have to juggle."
Additional Celebrities in Consideration
ITV presenter Alison Hammond is also reportedly in discussions with BBC bosses about appearing on the next series. Sources suggest the 50-year-old is "keen" to participate, with BBC executives convinced she would provide "comedy gold" similar to Alan Carr's performance.
"The Beeb thinks she could be comedy gold, just like Alan Carr," a source revealed. "Alison is naturally very funny and they think she could end up being hugely successful. The pot of talent wanting to take part is overflowing, so they have a lot to weigh up."
Other celebrities rumoured to be on the potential contestant list include Danny Dyer and Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones. Contracts are not expected to be finalised until later in the year, according to industry sources.
Building on Previous Success
The Celebrity Traitors has proven to be a ratings success for the BBC since its 2022 debut. The first celebrity edition saw Alan Carr emerge victorious, going undetected throughout the game and securing the £87,500 prize.
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. Viewers watched as Carr managed to convince fellow contestants Nick Mohammed and David Olusoga that he was a Faithful, despite Joe Marler correctly identifying him as a Traitor in a dramatic final twist.
A BBC representative stated: "We're not commenting on speculation but details about series two of The Celebrity Traitors will be announced in due course."
