It’s arguably overtaken Strictly Come Dancing as the nation’s favourite show, but there’s one thing that gets talked about more than the gamesmanship on The Celebrity Traitors – Claudia Winkleman’s wardrobe. With her chunky knits, lace cuffs and passion for plaid, Claudia has listed Princess Anne, Ronnie Corbett and Gerald from Clarkson’s Farm as her fashion muses.
This year, her inspiration is the Artful Dodger. “I borrow a lot of the clothes and the shops and designers were horrified when I asked if we could dip the clothes in tea,” admits Claudia.
While Strictly is all about high energy, The Traitors requires a slightly different approach. “It’s a privilege to be able to watch people play the game. I try and disappear into the walls at the Round Table. I feel extremely lucky I’m part of this show.”
The all-star cast taking part this time are Maya Jama, Ross Kemp, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, James Acaster, Michael Sheen, Sharon Rooney, Rob Beckett, Hannah Fry, Sebastian Croft, Jerry Hall, Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Blunt, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, King Kenny, Miranda Hart, Myha’la, Richard E Grant and Romesh Ranganathan.
Claudia was thrilled by the line-up. “I couldn’t get over it,” she says. “My bosses had to repeat the names at least three times. We’re so lucky they said yes. Everyone taking part is fantastic. We are honoured they wanted to play the game.”
Last year, the series was thrown into chaos when the final episode was leaked online almost 24 hours before it was due to be broadcast. Determined never to be the cause of a leak herself, Claudia keeps tight-lipped about winners, even after the series has been broadcast.
“I say absolutely nothing about everything,” says Claudia. “I still won’t reveal who won series one.”
And she’s very impressed that none of the cast leaked their signing. The most she will say is how well this year’s bunch worked together as a team. “They excelled at the missions. Amazing teamwork – they just really wanted to build the prize pot.”
The Celebrity Traitors won a BAFTA this year, when Claudia was reunited with the cast for one night. However, she was relieved when they didn’t quiz her about the line-up of series two. She says, “They didn’t ask, we were too busy cuddling. I love them so much.”
Sitcom star Miranda Hart has created a new word for how she feels about being on the show. “I’m very excited,” she says. “I also feel like I’m having an out-of-body experience, like I’m on a tour of The Traitors, not actually in it. So now I’m nervous. I’m nervited – nervous and excited.”
The much-loved actress has scaled back her work commitments due to suffering with ME (Myalgic Encephalitis). Luckily, Traitors came calling at just the right time. “I haven’t done much TV work for a long time, and when I was offered this, my whole body sort of relaxed, I smiled, and I just wanted to jump about like a schoolgirl,” says Miranda. “It’s fun. It’s outdoors, it’s games.”
“The joy of mucking about on TV again will hopefully outweigh some of the challenges. And I think it will be challenging on my body, so it’ll be interesting, and it’ll take some courage as this is a big step. When you live with a chronic illness, it’s invisible, so people don’t know that you’re sitting there in pain. But then it reminds you that everybody’s got their thing,” she adds.
There are a lot of comics on this year’s show too, with pals Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan both taking part. However, the rules mean neither will be able to trust the other, something Romesh finds odd. “Rob is one of my best friends, and we’ve worked together for a decade, but I still won’t be able to trust it,” says the star.
“He’s just as easily going to be on my side as he is going to twist the knife in my back. It can’t be the end of the relationship because it’s financially beneficial. But I think if it wasn’t financially beneficial, then it could be the end of the friendship.”
When Romesh was on the The Jonathan Ross Show, series one star Joe Marler asked him if he was going to be on The Celebrity Traitors, and he was contractually obliged to lie. “That felt really difficult,” admits Romesh. “Up till that point, I thought I’d be alright at lying, but now I don’t. That shook my confidence.”
Industry actress Myha’la is hoping she’ll lead the group. “I see myself as a leader, but because I’m small, dainty, and a woman, the way I tend to lead is usually through building community,” she says. “I’m also an introvert by nature. I love to recharge alone. I might perceive myself as a lone wolf, but I think in practice, I’m more of a gentle leader.”
Stand-up star James Acaster has come up with a strong strategy to avoid an early exit. “No touching,” he says. “Not letting anyone touch me, because I’m not getting murdered in plain sight.”
While fellow comedian Joe Lycett warns the other celebrities he might hold a grudge. He says, “I’ll take information in, then I’ll go away and think about it, and respond with a year to 10-year long campaign to destroy the person who’s wronged me.”
The Celebrity Traitors will air from Thursday 1 October, 8pm, BBC One
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
