The official line-up for The Celebrity Traitors series two has been revealed, and it is a stacked cast, to say the least. Among the 21 names shared are Hollywood legend Richard E. Grant, The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, EastEnders icon Ross Kemp, and actor Michael Sheen. While some have questioned the number of British comedians on call, including Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett, there is no denying that the casting department has earned its salary this year.
Star-Studded Cast Compared to US Version
This announcement follows a star-studded first series led by Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, and Celia Imrie. By contrast, the US version of the show, which until now has only featured celebrities, consists almost entirely of reality TV stars and, uh, Michael Rapaport. The discrepancy in star power has not gone unnoticed by fans overseas.
Writing on X as the announcement dropped this weekend, user SailorSammy93 wondered why the UK Traitors managed to get 'actual celebrities' compared to 'c-f listers' of the US version. 'Myha’la and Bella Ramsey not even being the most famous ones in the cast is crazy,' agreed pearIkeyring. Idkitsmarie said they were 'kinda amazed and excited' to see this particular line-up, while lbruno described the cast as 'STACKED.' 'Only the best for a legendary programme,' commented d_mozarella.
Charity vs. Personal Gain
Other commenters pointed out that, compared to those in the US version, UK celebrities compete for charity rather than their own bank balance. The recently concluded fourth series of the show saw Love Island’s Maura Higgins lose out on the win after being betrayed by Traitor bestie Rob Rausch. She had been blind to the Love Island USA and snake wrangler’s deception throughout, allowing him to connive his way into the finale. With Maura believing his every word, he voted off fellow Traitor Eric Nam before claiming the jackpot for himself.
During her time on the show, Maura clashed with former Friends actor Michael Rapaport, who made no shortage of enemies due to his loud, brash personality and habit of derailing round tables. The pair went head-to-head during one banishment after she caught him using the word 'we' when referring to murdered Faithfuls. 'I’ve said a lot of things,' said Michael in defence, before Maura shut him down with a suggestion of 'maybe just stop talking.'
Arrivals in Scotland
Back in the UK, the recently announced participants of Celebrity Traitors have begun to arrive in Inverness, Scotland, where the show is filmed. Set to make her Traitors debut is Love Island host Maya Jama, who reportedly took a whopping £760,000 pay cut to appear on the programme. A source told The Sun: 'She loved watching the first Celebrity Traitors series at home with boyfriend Rúben and is so excited to get filming. She can’t wait to do some fibbing and be as deceitful as possible to try to win it.' The insider added that 'the money was secondary to taking part.'
Maya Jama will reportedly go straight from the Scottish castle to the villa in Majorca to film the summer Love Island series in June. This has worked out perfectly for her schedule.
The Celebrity Traitors series two promises to deliver drama, deception, and a cast that outshines its US counterpart, leaving American fans both envious and outraged.
