More than 15 million viewers watched the second series of The Celebrity Traitors on the BBC, tracking 21 famous contestants as they navigated eliminations and missions at Ardross Castle before the production closed its doors until a civilian edition arrives in January. Across its run, the reality competition delivered notable exits, tactical blunders, and memorable unscripted moments.
Richard Grant Confesses and Exits Early
The series opened at the Traitors’ Chapel, where host Claudia Winkleman emerged from a coffin and announced she had been taking a nap. Straight after receiving her shoulder tap, Richard Grant strolled into a bar and blithely told fellow contestants that he had been chosen as a Traitor. Executive producer Sarah Fay recalled that the sudden confession made a “little bit of sick” come up in her mouth. Banished at the first round table, Grant became the shortest-lived Traitor in the show’s history.
Ross Kemp Navigates Paranoia and Missions
Ross Kemp threw himself into physical challenges with intense energy, shouting “Get in there!” after victories at the round table. Yet his time on the show was also defined by severe paranoia. When castmate Bella Ramsey placed a captain’s hat on his head or Leigh-Anne Pinnock brushed his arm, Kemp convinced himself he had been murdered in plain sight. Kemp was eventually murdered.
Amol Rajan Falls at the First Elimination
The first murder of the season came down to a choice between comedian James Acaster and Amol Rajan. Rajan had previously described himself as a “rottweiler” who made a living sniffing out Traitors. That tactical boast proved unsuccessful, as the cloaked conspirators chose him for elimination, slamming his coffin lid shut and making him the first contestant forced out of the castle.
Jerry Hall Delivers Quotable One-Liners
Texas-born supermodel Jerry Hall provided some of the season’s most distinct commentary between episodes three and seven. She recalled wearing a wedding dress every day until Mick Jagger proposed, confessed to a crush on gardener Monty Don, and noted she was her school district’s “girls’ leg-wrestling champion.” Hall also described James Blunt as “smooth like butter dripping off hot corn” with a face “redder than a fox’s arse at gooseberry time.”
King Kenny and James Acaster Shift the Traitors’ Dynamics
After early recruitment struggles that included Hannah Fry, Traitor Maya Jama successfully brought YouTuber King Kenny into the fold, who fell to his knees in shock before embracing his role. Meanwhile, comedian James Acaster maintained a reluctant approach to deception, refusing to remove his blindfold during a puzzle-stealing mission and angering his fellow conspirators. In a final plot twist during the penultimate round table, Acaster confessed to being a Traitor and departed on his own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Celebrity Traitors Series Two
When does the civilian edition of The Traitors begin broadcasting?
The civilian edition of the BBC show is scheduled to begin in January following the conclusion of the celebrity series at Ardross Castle.
How many people watched the second series of the celebrity edition?
More than 15 million viewers tuned in to watch the scheming and eliminations throughout the second season.
Which contestants were identified as the three Traitors during the scarecrow mission?
During the scarecrow challenge, the Faithful selected Kenny, Jama, and Acaster to receive a special power, unknowingly handing it to all three active Traitors.
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