Hugh Grant, the renowned actor from Four Weddings and a Funeral, is reportedly being courted to join the cast of Celebrity Traitors 2026, sparking excitement among fans anticipating the show’s return. Scheduled to begin filming in May 2026 at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, this new season is generating significant speculation about its star-studded lineup and will once again be hosted by Claudia Winkleman.
Hugh Grant Emerges as a Leading Contender for Celebrity Traitors
The possibility of Hugh Grant participating in Celebrity Traitors has sent waves through the show’s fan base. Last year’s inaugural celebrity edition captivated the UK audience, thanks in part to winner Alan Carr’s standout performance, raising expectations for the next season. While the official cast has yet to be announced, insiders suggest that the producers are eager to include fresh faces rather than repeating the same reality television veterans.
According to reports from The Sun, Grant is among those approached to join the competition. A source revealed:
They know landing Hugh would be a huge coup but think he would be a brilliant addition. Bosses are determined not to get the same tired reality stars who sign up to every series going.
Grant’s prior interest in reality television is known; back in 2012, he shared that starring on Strictly Come Dancing was a secret ambition. Fans have also voiced strong support online, with one saying, “Sign Hugh Grant up now!” and another adding:
He would be hilarious. Fingers crossed his kids persuade him if he’s not keen.
Music Icons and Celebrities Showing Interest in Joining
The Celebrity Traitors 2026 cast may also feature some unexpected music stars. Oasis’s Liam Gallagher recently confirmed he was invited to participate after a fan inquiry on social media. When asked,
“Liam, would you go on The Traitors if they asked?”
he replied simply, “I’ve been asked.” Gallagher’s potential involvement excited followers, with responses praising how he would add large viewership and entertainment value.
Singer Cheryl Cole is another notable figure reportedly in talks. Sources indicate she is cautious about committing due to the need to balance family life, particularly her eight-year-old son, Bear. However, producers believe her straightforward personality suits the competitive nature of the game. One insider commented:
Cheryl is taking baby steps about returning to the limelight. Bosses know she would be a huge draw. They think she would be brilliant at playing the game. Especially as she is so straight-talking.
Others close to the production emphasized a preference for high-profile and engaging celebrities over former reality TV participants, hoping to maintain a fresh dynamic for viewers.
Comedians and Actors Rumoured to Enhance the Contest
Comedy continues to be a strong genre represented among the potential contestants. David Mitchell, known for his role on Would I Lie To You?, is reportedly a perfect fit to mix wit and intellect in the game. A source explained,
“Producers think David would be amazing as a contestant. Not only is he hilarious but he’s also super smart — in many ways he will remind viewers of Stephen Fry, who went down great with viewers in series one.”
The insider also noted:
No doubt David’s time on Would I Lie To You? will be both helpful and a hindrance when it comes to being at the roundtable.
Steve Pemberton, the BAFTA-winning actor and comedian, is also in discussions. A television insider highlighted his appeal:
Signing Steve would fill the slot for a celebrity who is obsessed with mechanics behind the programme. 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’.
His keen interest in the show’s strategy is seen as an asset that could influence the dynamics among participants.
Returning and New Faces Strengthen the Speculated Cast
Several familiar faces and emerging stars are expected to join the series. Former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, who declined participation previously, is now reportedly close to signing up after becoming a fan of the format. On his podcast Live and Let Dyers, he mentioned:
They did sniff round me about it. It was originally a no from me because I hadn’t seen it. But I’m into it now. If you are going to do it, if you’re famous, it needs to be an indulgence project. You have to love the game.
Alison Hammond, known for her work on This Morning and her Big Brother origins, is said to be in final talks, with insiders confirming:
Alison is on the BBC’s hit list for Celebrity Traitors, and she is keen.
Hammond has expressed public enthusiasm for the show, though she has suggested a preference for playing a Faithful, contrasting with predictions from viewers who anticipate she would excel as a Traitor.
Comedy actress Daisy May Cooper is also back in consideration after withdrawing from the first celebrity season due to family issues. Fans recognize her humor as a potential highlight of the competition, supporting her anticipated return.
Potential High-Profile Guest: Tom Hiddleston
One of the most exciting rumors centers around Hollywood actor Tom Hiddleston, who has publicly shown interest in taking part. Speaking on BBC Radio 2, Hiddleston praised the show’s ingenious format, calling it “completely compulsive” and possibly the best television he has ever seen. He reflected on the challenges of deception within the game, stating:
If you are a Traitor it’s more of an acting exercise, right? It’s a game. You have to keep deceiving and cloaking. Basically lying to people. It would be interesting though. I don’t know. I think being a Faithful would be more of a curiosity scratcher somehow.
His openness to the opportunity has fueled speculation about whether the BBC can secure such a prominent figure for the upcoming season.
Other Speculated Cast Members and Scheduling Challenges
Amanda Holden has also been linked to the upcoming season, though her availability remains uncertain due to potential conflicts with Britain’s Got Talent live shows. While producers are reportedly interested, fans have expressed mixed reactions to her name circulating as a candidate.
Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones was among the first celebrities invited to consider the second series. According to sources, she
would be an incredible addition to the cast if she can fit it into her schedule
. Early fan response has been overwhelmingly positive about her possible participation.
Details on Filming and What to Expect
Celebrity Traitors 2026 shooting is scheduled to start in May at Ardross Castle, a grand estate located in the Scottish Highlands, continuing the atmospheric setting fans enjoyed in the previous season. Claudia Winkleman will reprise her hosting duties, guiding contestants through the suspenseful elimination rounds.
The anticipation around the confirmed cast list continues to build, with fans eager to see if Hugh Grant and other high-profile celebrities will accept the challenge. The collective excitement highlights how the show’s unique blend of strategy, deception, and celebrity appeal has firmly established it as a major television event.
As details unfold, viewers can participate in the conversation and share their thoughts on the potential lineup through Entertainment Daily’s Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
