James Acaster and Peter Crouch Reportedly Join Celebrity Traitors Series Two
Comedian James Acaster has reportedly signed up for the second series of Celebrity Traitors and is set to head to the Scottish Highlands to begin filming in the coming days. The 41-year-old has emerged as a standout contender as producers are said to be eyeing a mix of big-name personalities for the star-studded spin-off.
James is the latest star to join the lineup, according to reports from The Sun, following comedian Alan Carr's victory in the hit BBC series last year. This casting news comes just weeks after host Claudia Winkleman revealed that the lineup for series two has been secured, expressing her astonishment at the names involved.
Personal Betrayal in Acaster's Past
The comedian has faced significant personal betrayal previously. He and his actress girlfriend Louise Ford split after two years together, and she immediately began dating Rowan Atkinson around the time the Mr. Bean funnyman's marriage broke up in 2014. Acaster said he and Louise grew distant in 2013 while she was performing in the West End play Quartermaine's Terms with Rowan.
The Johnny English and Blackadder actor left his wife of 24 years, make-up artist Sunetra Sastry, and moved in with Louise. She gave birth to his third child, Isla, in December 2017, and Rowan took a year off to raise 'Baby Bean' while Louise focused on her acting career.
Peter Crouch's Potential Reality TV Debut
Meanwhile, former England striker Peter Crouch is tipped for a surprise move into reality television, with the 45-year-old reportedly in the frame for the second series of Celebrity Traitors. This potential signing would mark a fresh on-screen venture for the footballer, who has already carved out a successful second career in broadcasting and punditry.
If he does step into the game of deception, he would join a lineup of celebrities battling it out in the Scottish castle in one of television's most talked-about formats. 'Producers think Peter would be brilliant,' a TV insider told The Sun. 'He's sporty, competitive and really funny. They know landing him would be a big coup and bring a new type of viewer to the series.'
If confirmed, Peter would be the first ex-professional footballer on the BBC series. Despite the news not being officially confirmed, Peter has expressed his appreciation for the show in the past, saying: 'I love Celebrity Traitors but I don't know if I could go on it. I'd be a traitor. Being a traitor is the one.'
Claudia Winkleman's Excitement Over Casting
In late March, Claudia Winkleman appeared on The One Show to promote her newly launched BBC chat show. When asked whether more 'big dogs' were set for Celebrity Traitors, following the big names from series one, she replied: 'There certainly are. The people who make it are extraordinary and they had to repeat the people twice to me because I was like, 'Huh, are you joking? Come again.' So, we're incredibly lucky.'
During the conversation, Claudia addressed whether famous faces were lining up to enter the castle after the success of the first series. She said: 'Yeah, I hope so. We're so grateful that people want to come and play the game. And the people who said yes for series one, I still can't believe it. I was shaking when you see Stephen Fry walking around the castle and Alan Carr, Ruth Codd, all of these people I was obsessed by. I'm very excited. But I can't say anything else, don't make eye contact with me.'
Other Potential Contestants for Series Two
Ahead of the official lineup reveal, several other notable names have been linked to take part in the upcoming series:
- Award-winning actor Stephen Graham is being considered by BBC bosses as a contender to enter the castle. An insider said: 'They are absolutely desperate to nail down Stephen for the show. He would be their star signing. He is one of the most formidable actors of our generation, and the nation adores him.'
- Former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, 48, was reportedly set to appear after initially having 'zero interest' in the series. A source revealed he changed his tune after watching the success of series one.
- Other names linked include Richard E. Grant, Hugh Bonneville, Angela Scanlon, Joanne McNally, David Mitchell, Steve Pemberton, and Liam Gallagher.
The BBC's star-studded spinoff first aired in late 2025, with comedian Alan Carr winning as a Traitor. Daily Mail has contacted both the BBC and representatives for James Acaster and Peter Crouch for comment on the latest casting reports.
