Reality television has found a new global obsession with the psychological game of trust and betrayal. The format, which sees contestants working together to build a prize pot while secretly eliminating traitors among them, has exploded in popularity. With multiple versions airing across the UK and the US, each with its own distinct cast of contestants and celebrity participants, keeping track of who is who can be a challenge. This guide brings together all the key line-ups, from the original UK series to the latest celebrity specials.
The show’s appeal lies in its cast. Whether it is a group of strangers outwitting each other or a collection of famous faces trying to survive the round table, the players make the drama. The BBC took a non-celebrity approach for the core series, while the US version has alternated between celebrity and civilian casts. The result is a rich tapestry of players, hosts, and formats that continues to expand.
Who is in the cast of The Traitors UK Season 1?
Original UK cast, 2022, host Claudia Winkleman, 22 contestants.
Latest celebrity series, 2026, host Claudia Winkleman, 13 celebrities.
Latest US non-celebrity season, 2025, host Alan Cumming, 21 contestants.
Claudia Winkleman (UK/Celebrity), Alan Cumming (US).
- The Traitors has multiple versions; the UK and US casts differ in format and celebrity status.
- Celebrity Traitors season 2 (2026) includes high-profile names like Bella Ramsey and James Blunt.
- The host is a key draw: Claudia Winkleman for UK, Alan Cumming for US.
- The US version ‘New Blood’ features a completely new set of non-celebrity contestants.
- Pictures of the cast are available on official BBC and NBC pages.
| Version | Host | Year | Contestants | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Traitors UK S1 | Claudia Winkleman | 2022 | 22 | Concluded |
| Celebrity Traitors S1 | Claudia Winkleman | 2025? | 12? | Concluded |
| Celebrity Traitors S2 | Claudia Winkleman | 2026 | 13 | Announced |
| The Traitors US S1 | Alan Cumming | 2023 | 19 | Concluded |
| The Traitors: New Blood | Alan Cumming | 2025 | 21 | Current |
The first UK season, which aired in 2022, introduced audiences to the format with a cast of 22 non-celebrity players. The selection was diverse, pulling from all walks of life. The game was a breakout success, leading to a second series and the eventual spin-off featuring famous faces. The UK version remains the standard for the civilian format, with subsequent seasons increasing the contestant count slightly while keeping the core format intact.
Who is in the cast of Celebrity Traitors Season 2 (2026)?
The most high-profile recent announcement is the cast for Celebrity Traitors season 2, set to air in 2026 on BBC One. The BBC Media Centre confirmed the line-up, which features 13 celebrities entering the Scottish Highlands. Notable names include actor Bella Ramsey, known for “The Last of Us,” and chart-topping singer James Blunt. The cast also includes comedian James Acaster, model Jerry Hall, and Irish comedian Joanne McNally. This mix of talent is designed to generate significant media buzz and bring new viewers to the franchise.
A Mix of Personalities and Professions
The official list, also covered by Deadline, highlights the variety of backgrounds present. Alongside the familiar actors and musicians, the group includes television presenters, sports stars, and other public figures. The casting continues the trend of selecting people who are likely to form strong alliances and create dramatic confrontations.
The celebrity version maintains the same core rules as the civilian edition. Contestants still compete in missions, vote at the round table, and attempt to identify the traitors among them. The key difference is the heightened profile of the players, which adds a layer of meta-strategy involving their public personas.
Comparing the First Celebrity Season
The first season of Celebrity Traitors, which aired in 2025, also featured a roster of well-known personalities. While the exact number of contestants for that season remains partially unconfirmed in public databases, the format has clearly been refined for the second outing. The success of the first celebrity season likely paved the way for the swift renewal and the expansion of the cast to 13 for season 2.
Who is the host of The Traitors?
The hosting duties for The Traitors are split definitively by region. Claudia Winkleman fronts the UK version of the show, including both the civilian series and the celebrity spin-offs. Her distinctive style, a blend of warmth and playful menace, has become synonymous with the show. According to IMDB, she is also credited for the US version of the format, though her role is confined to the UK production. Across the Atlantic, the US edition is hosted by the award-winning actor Alan Cumming. His theatrical flair and camp delivery have made him a standout figure in American reality television. He hosts both the celebrity “New Blood” season.
What is the cast of The Traitors: New Blood?
The Traitors: New Blood represents a significant shift in the US franchise. As reported by NBC, this is the first US version to feature a completely non-celebrity cast. The show aims to recapture the raw, unscripted drama of the original format. The cast of 22 players, all of whom are new to the show, includes a wide array of professions and backgrounds. Players like Arisa Thomas, Ben McDonnell, and Clyde Moser are among those living in the Scottish castle, competing for a substantial prize fund.
Why a New Blood Season Matters
The decision to move away from celebrities for the US market is a notable one. While the celebrity seasons have been popular, they come with established fan bases and public personas that can sometimes colour the gameplay. A fresh cast of unknowns levels the playing field. It also brings the US version more in line with the UK original, which has always relied on civilians to create its most compelling narratives. The Gold Derby gallery confirms the full list.
Who is in the cast of Celebrity Traitors Season 1?
The first season of Celebrity Traitors UK, while not as widely documented in official press releases at the time of writing, brought a similar mix of stars to the game. The cast included a number of faces familiar to UK audiences. It served as a successful test of the format, proving that the tension and strategy of the game worked just as well with famous participants. The line-up featured a variety of contestants, from television presenters to sports figures, all trying their hand at the deception game. The foundation laid by this first celebrity season directly led to the much larger and more publicised second season.
Timeline of Cast Announcements
- 2022: The Traitors UK season 1 airs with a cast of 22 non-celebrities.
- 2023: The Traitors US season 1 airs with Alan Cumming as host.
- 2025: The Traitors: New Blood (US) airs with new cast of 22 players.
- 2025: Celebrity Traitors UK season 1 airs.
- May 2026: Celebrity Traitors UK season 2 cast announced (BBC).
- 2027: The Traitors US season 5 announced with celebrity cast.
What is confirmed and what is still unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Celebrity Traitors season 2 cast (2026) is officially confirmed by the BBC. | The Traitors UK season 3 cast has no official announcement as of 2025. |
| The Traitors: New Blood cast (2025) is confirmed by NBC. | The Traitors US season 5 cast is not yet revealed, only the season has been announced. |
| Hosts Claudia Winkleman (UK) and Alan Cumming (US) are confirmed. | Possible future celebrity seasons are rumoured but not confirmed. |
How do the different versions compare?
The key difference between the versions lies in their casting philosophy. The UK original has steadfastly remained a non-celebrity affair, focusing on the dynamics of ordinary people. The US version, under Alan Cumming’s watch, has experimented with both all-star celebrity casts and, most recently, a return to civilian players with “New Blood.” The celebrity spin-off is a completely separate entity, designed to capitalise on the star power of its participants. The host remains a critical component of each show’s identity, acting as the guide and the chief source of tension.
Sources and Quotes from Official Announcements
The Celebrity Traitors series 2 line-up confirmed: Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, James Blunt, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally…
BBC Media Centre
Meet The Traitors: New Blood cast: Abbey Benjamin, Abby Lee, Arisa Thomas…
NBC Insider
The cast of the second season of Celebrity Traitors UK are Maya Jama, Romesh Ranganathan, Bella Ramsey…
Deadline
What are the next seasons to watch for?
The franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Celebrity Traitors UK season 2 will air in 2026 on BBC One. Meanwhile, The Traitors US season 5, which will feature an all-celebrity cast, is set for 2027. Viewers should also keep an eye out for official announcements regarding The Traitors: New Blood cast and any future civilian seasons. The appetite for the game remains high, and new casts will inevitably be announced as these projects move into production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Celebrity Traitors cast with pictures?
Pictures are available on the official BBC Media Centre page and Deadline gallery for Celebrity Traitors season 2.
Who is in the cast of The Traitors season 3?
As of 2025, no official cast has been announced for The Traitors UK season 3. The US season 5 (2027) will feature celebrities, but the cast is not yet revealed.
Is Claudia Winkleman the host of all UK versions?
Yes, Claudia Winkleman hosts both The Traitors UK and Celebrity Traitors UK.
How many seasons of The Traitors are there?
The Traitors UK has 2 seasons (plus 2 Celebrity specials). The Traitors US has 4 seasons (with a 5th all-celebrity season announced).
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Toby Marsh is Senior Reporter at Castradar.uk, covering film and TV stories across the UK.