Celebrity Traitors star David Olusoga has enthusiastically declared that the upcoming series is brimming with household names, as he shared insights into the show's appeal and behind-the-scenes dynamics. In a recent interview with Saga Magazine, the 56-year-old historian and broadcaster explained why Traitors was the only television programme that ever tempted him to participate.
Olusoga's Praise for the Show's Format and Host
David Olusoga highlighted the clever format of Celebrity Traitors and commended host Claudia Winkleman for her pivotal role in making the series a success. He emphasised that the combination of a smart, humorous structure with Winkleman, whom he described as the best TV presenter of our age, alongside nineteen well-known personalities, created a winning formula.
"I don't think it's alchemy that combining a clever, funny format with the best TV presenter of our age - Claudia Winkleman - and 19 household names worked, but I do think it was even better than expected because of the breakout performances," Olusoga stated.
Contestants Seeking Advice and Future Cast Prospects
Olusoga revealed that several contestants have already reached out to him for advice, indicating the show's growing influence. He noted that the cast list for the next series appears promising, with more household names being approached to take part.
"It looks set to be a good cast list next time round too: I've spoken to people recently approached to take part who wanted my advice, and they're all household names too," he added, underscoring the show's star-studded nature.
Recap of Last Year's Celebrity Traitors Success
The previous series of Celebrity Traitors captivated eleven million viewers, culminating in comedian Alan Carr, aged 49, outwitting faithfuls Joe Marler, Nick Mohammed, and David Olusoga to claim the £87,500 prize for charity. The star-studded spin-off, which first aired late last year, featured nineteen famous faces in an iconic castle setting.
Notable contestants included Sir Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, Kate Garraway, Clare Balding, Celia Imrie, and Tom Daley, among others. Competing under Claudia Winkleman's watchful eye, Alan Carr emerged victorious as a Traitor.
Alan Carr's Accidental Spoiler Revelation
In a humorous anecdote, Alan Carr later confessed that he accidentally revealed his win within hours of filming the grand final. Despite participants being sworn to secrecy after filming wraps, Carr managed to keep the secret for only twelve hours.
Speaking on Scott Mills' BBC Radio 2 show, Carr explained how he let the cat out of the bag after heading to film a new Channel 4 programme, Secret Genius, immediately after returning from the Scottish highlands. "The cameraman goes: 'Congratulations' and I go: 'How did you know I won?' He said 'I didn't'. So I told them within 12 hours that I had won The Traitors," Carr laughed.
After realising his mistake, Carr attempted to backtrack by claiming he was joking and teasing. "I went: 'haha, got you!' I had to backtrack, because you can't tell anything. But I did well, and I didn't want to spoil it," he remarked, highlighting the challenges of maintaining secrecy in such high-profile shows.
