Steve Pemberton and Amanda Holden Reportedly in Talks for Celebrity Traitors Series Two
British actor Steve Pemberton is reportedly being lined up for the second series of The Celebrity Traitors, with producers viewing him as a sought-after candidate for the hit BBC reality show. The 58-year-old star of The League of Gentlemen is said to be a huge fan of the programme and has been in discussions with executives since publicly expressing his admiration when it first launched in 2022.
Why Steve Pemberton is a Prime Target for Producers
A television insider revealed that signing Pemberton would fill a specific role on the show. 'Signing Steve would fill the slot for a celebrity who is obsessed with the mechanics behind the programme,' the source told The Sun. '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".'
The insider added that Pemberton's background as an award-winning actor who can transform between characters makes him a formidable potential contestant. '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.'
Amanda Holden Also in Consideration Despite Scheduling Challenges
Alongside Pemberton, television presenter and Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden is reportedly being eyed for participation. The 54-year-old is said to be keen to join the series after encouraging her best friend Alan Carr to sign up for the show, with Carr going on to win the 2025 series.
However, Holden faces significant scheduling challenges that could complicate her involvement. Filming for The Celebrity Traitors takes place in the Scottish Highlands concurrently with Britain's Got Talent semi-finals, which are filmed live in London on Saturday nights.
'It's not impossible for her to be given some time off, but it isn't the only work she'd have to juggle,' a TV insider explained. 'There's her Heart Breakfast radio show as well as potentially more series of her show with Alan and her Beeb quiz show The Inner Circle.'
Additional Celebrities in Discussions for Series Two
The potential lineup extends beyond Pemberton and Holden, with several other high-profile names reportedly in talks:
- Alison Hammond: The 50-year-old ITV presenter is believed to be keen to appear, with BBC bosses convinced she would be 'comedy gold' similar to Alan Carr.
- Danny Dyer: The actor is said to be on the list of potential celebrities being considered.
- Ruth Jones: The Gavin & Stacey star is also reportedly being approached for the show.
A source revealed that 'The pot of talent wanting to take part is overflowing, so they have a lot to weigh up.' Contracts are not expected to be signed until later in the year, but producers are actively pursuing these celebrities.
Background on The Celebrity Traitors' Success
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, The Celebrity Traitors has captivated audiences since its 2022 debut with its ultimate game of deception. 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, with a peak of 12 million, making it the BBC's biggest overnight audience since the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special. Carr's surprise win came after fellow contestants Nick Mohammed and David Olusoga turned on Faithful Joe Marler at the last minute in a shocking twist.
A representative for the BBC stated: 'We're not commenting on speculation but details about series two of The Celebrity Traitors will be announced in due course.' Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for further comment regarding the reported casting discussions.
