Celebrity Traitors 2026: Who is left and who is the favorite to win?

Celebrity Traitors is back, and the first episode has already delivered plenty of mayhem, with 21 famous faces entering the Scottish Highlands for a new series of secret missions, deception and betrayal.

The BBC reality hit returned on Thursday night (October 1), with Claudia Winkleman back in charge as a new group of actors, comedians, musicians, broadcasters and TV presenters entered the castle.

And viewers didn’t have to wait long for the first big twist, with Winkleman choosing just two Traitors at the start of the game instead of the usual three.

The first traitors of this year are Maya Jama and Richard E Grant.

Love Island host Jama was the first celebrity chosen by Winkleman, before Oscar-nominated actor Grant was selected to take part.

Jama was happy with her new role, while Grant was equally excited to get the chance to play the game of the dark side.

The decision to start with only two Traitors is a big change from the show’s usual format.

However, viewers were left with another huge twist at the end of the first episode, with the identity of a potential third traitor still hanging in the balance.

The first episode ended without murder or banishment, with the celebrities instead facing a series of challenges as they began to figure out who they could trust.

Julie Hesmondhalgh and Joe Lycett were also spared the first murder.

Later, Grant and Jama agreed to “lock down” their plans as traitors.

But the biggest twist came at the end of the episode when Amol Rajan and James Acaster were called to the chapel.

The couple had been invited there by the Traitors, with the episode ending on a big cliffhanger.

One of the two celebrities should be recruited by the Traitors, while the other faces will be killed.

Viewers will have to tune in to the next episode to discover what fate awaits Rajan and Acaster.

While the traitors try to remain undetected as they “murder” contestants from the game every night, the believers must find out who is lying before they are taken down.

There will also be a cash prize of up to £100,000 for the winner’s chosen charity.

The second series features a star-studded line-up, including actors, comedians, musicians and some of Britain’s best-known TV personalities.

Irish comedian and podcaster Joanne McNally entered the castle after making a name for herself with her stand-up shows, podcasts and TV appearances.

She is one of the most recognizable comedians in the cast and was tipped among the early favorites to win.

Welsh actor Michael Sheen is best known for roles in films and TV shows including Frost/Nixon, Good Omens and The Queen.

The well-known actor is another of the celebrities bookmakers have put at the front of the market.

Singer-songwriter James Blunt replaced the stage for the castle after finding fame with hits including You’re Beautiful and Goodbye My Lover.

Known for his pronounced sense of humor and presence on social media, Blunt hopes his personality doesn’t make him too obvious a target.

Actress Bella Ramsey rose to international fame playing Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, having previously appeared as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones.

The actor joins a cast with several other big names from the worlds of film and television.

TV presenter, broadcaster and now traitor Maya Jama is one of the biggest names participating this year.

The Love Island host has also presented shows including Glow Up: Britain’s Next Make-Up Star and BBC Radio 1 programmes.

Comedian James Acaster is known for his stand-up career, Taskmaster appearances and distinctive deadpan style.

He now puts his ability to read a room to the test as he tries to figure out who he can trust.

Comedian and presenter Joe Lycett is another familiar face who has joined the cast.

Known for his comedy, television work and elaborate public stunts, Lycett tries to navigate the alliances and betrayals of the game.

Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh is best known for playing Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street.

She has since appeared in a number of acclaimed TV dramas, including Broadchurch and Happy Valley.

Scottish actress Sharon Rooney is known for roles in My Mad Fat Diary and Barbie, as well as her work on television and film.

She represents the acting contingent as the celebrities try to spot the traitors among them.

Model and actress Jerry Hall is one of the most internationally recognizable names in the cast.

She has enjoyed a long career in fashion, television and entertainment and is now one of reality TV’s hottest players.

Mathematician and broadcaster Professor Hannah Fry brings a very different skill set to the castle.

She is known for making math and science accessible through television, books and podcasts.

Former Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock has joined the series after establishing herself as a solo artist and television personality.

Pinnock has also made headlines with her acting work and documentary projects since Little Mix went on hiatus.

Comedian and actress Miranda Hart is best known for her hit BBC sitcom Miranda, as well as appearances in Call the Midwife and films including Spy.

Her odd timing could prove useful around the round table, where the candidates must decide who they believe is lying.

Comedian, presenter and writer Romesh Ranganathan has become one of the most famous faces on British television.

He hosts shows including The Romesh Ranhanathan Show Podcast and The Weakest Link and is known for his dry style of humor.

Comedian and presenter Rob Beckett is another familiar face who has entered the castle.

He has appeared on numerous comedy and entertainment shows and co-hosts the popular Parenting Hell podcast with Josh Widdicombe.

Actor and presenter Ross Kemp is best known for playing Grant Mitchell in EastEnders before moving into documentary making and television presenting.

His experience interviewing people and uncovering stories could make him an interesting player in the castle.

Oscar-nominated actor and now Traitor Richard E Grant brings decades of film and television experience to the competition.

His credits include Withnail & I, Can You Ever Forgive Me? and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Actor Sebastian Croft is best known for playing Ben Hope in Netflix’s Heartstopper.

He has also appeared in films and television projects, including Horrible Histories: The Movie.

Broadcaster Amol Rajan is known for his work on BBC television and radio, including presenting the Today programme.

The journalist and presenter is now in the hot seat as viewers wait to see if he will be banned or recruited as a traitor in tomorrow’s episode.

American actor Myha’la is known for roles in Industry, Bodies Bodies Bodies and Leave the World Behind.

She joined the international contingent of the cast for the second celebrity series.

YouTuber and boxer King Kenny, whose real name is Kenny Ojuederie, is one of the younger stars to enter the castle.

He rose to fame through YouTube before moving into boxing and influencer entertainment.

With the series now underway, Oddschecker has published its latest prices for the Celebrity Traitors winning market.

Michael Sheen is currently priced at 5/1, followed by Bella Ramsey at 6/1 and Romesh Ranganathan at 7/1.

James Acaster, Joanne McNally and Rob Beckett are all priced at 8/1, while Maya Jama, Miranda Hart and Ross Kemp are all at 10/1.

The current Oddschecker prices are:

Michael Sheen – 5/1 Bella Ramsey – 6/1 Romesh Ranganathan – 7/1 James Acaster – 8/1 Joanne McNally – 8/1 Rob Beckett – 8/1 Maya Jama – 10/1 Miranda Hart – 10/1 Ross Kemp – 10/1

Betting odds may change throughout the series and are not a guarantee of the eventual winner.