Celebrity Traitors Series 2: Stage Stars Julie Hesmondhalgh, Richard E Grant and More Join BBC Line-Up

The BBC has unveiled the full cast for the second series of The Celebrity Traitors, and theatre fans will be thrilled to see some of the UK's most celebrated stage performers among the 21 celebrities heading to the Scottish Highlands. With Claudia Winkleman returning as host, the hit deception game show will feature an impressive roster of talent from across the worlds of theatre, film, television, comedy, and music.

The announcement comes hot on the heels of the first celebrity edition's phenomenal success, which drew nearly 15 million viewers at its peak. Now, with a theatre adaptation also confirmed for 2027, The Traitors franchise is strengthening its connection to the stage world in more ways than one.

Stage Royalty Among the Celebrity Line-Up

Leading the theatrical contingent is Olivier Award-winning actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, best known to television audiences for her long-running role in Coronation Street but equally revered in theatre circles. Hesmondhalgh has built an outstanding stage career, earning critical acclaim in productions at the Royal Exchange Manchester, the National Theatre, and beyond. Her Olivier win cemented her reputation as one of the UK's finest dramatic actors, and her presence in the Highlands should bring a masterclass in strategic performance to the game.

Joining her is the legendary Richard E Grant, whose career spans both screen and stage with remarkable range. Grant, who received an Academy Award nomination for Can You Ever Forgive Me? and has appeared on the West End stage, brings decades of experience in reading character and motivation. If there's anyone who can spot a traitor (or convincingly play one), it's an actor of his calibre.

Michael Sheen is another powerhouse performer confirmed for the series. The Welsh actor has earned widespread acclaim for his stage work, including his celebrated performance in The Passion in Port Talbot and various high-profile theatre productions. His ability to inhabit complex characters could make him a formidable player in a game built entirely on trust and deception.

Rising Stars and Screen Favourites

Bella Ramsey, who shot to global fame through Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, will also take part. Though primarily known for screen work, Ramsey's expressive performing style and sharp instincts should translate well to the social dynamics of The Traitors. Similarly, Sebastian Croft, an actor and musician who has built a loyal following through both stage and screen appearances, adds a younger perspective to the ensemble.

Miranda Hart, the beloved comedian, actor, and author, brings her own brand of warmth and wit to proceedings. Hart's extensive performing experience, including her hit BBC sitcom and West End appearances, means she's well versed in commanding a room. Whether that translates to surviving the roundtable remains to be seen.

Sharon Rooney, known for her BAFTA-nominated role in My Mad Fat Diary and subsequent stage and screen work, and Myha'la, the American-British actor who has been making waves in television drama, round out the acting contingent.

Comedy, Music, and Media Heavyweights Complete the Cast

The comedy world is particularly well represented in series 2. James Acaster, Joe Lycett, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, and Joanne McNally form an unprecedented quintet of comedic talent. Their quick thinking and ability to read audiences could prove either a blessing or a curse in a game where being too clever can paint a target on your back.

The music world contributes singer-songwriter James Blunt, whose dry humour and social media presence have reinvented his public persona in recent years, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, the former Little Mix star who has launched a successful solo career. Jerry Hall, the iconic model and actor, brings decades of experience in high-profile social circles to the castle.

Broadcaster Amol Rajan, presenter Maya Jama, mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, actor and presenter Ross Kemp, and content creator King Kenny complete what the BBC describes as the largest celebrity cast in the show's history.

Building on Record-Breaking Success

The pressure is on for series 2 to match the extraordinary numbers achieved by the first celebrity edition. Launching in October 2025, the inaugural Celebrity Traitors averaged 14.9 million viewers across its run, with the final episode peaking at an astonishing 15.4 million. Those figures made it one of the most-watched entertainment programmes of the year.

Notably, the celebrity version actually outperformed the most recent civilian series. The regular edition of The Traitors, which aired in January 2026, achieved a 28-day average audience of 12.5 million, with much of that viewing coming through BBC iPlayer. The celebrity format's ability to draw larger consolidated audiences speaks to the pulling power of recognisable names and the added intrigue of watching famous faces attempt to outwit each other.

Produced by Studio Lambert, the RTS and BAFTA Craft Award-winning format has become one of the BBC's most valuable entertainment properties. The combination of psychological gameplay, dramatic Highland scenery, and Claudia Winkleman's perfectly pitched hosting has proven irresistible to viewers.

A Theatre Adaptation on the Horizon

Perhaps the most intriguing announcement for theatre enthusiasts is the confirmation that a stage adaptation of The Traitors is in development for 2027. While specific details remain scarce, with dates, venue, and format yet to be confirmed, the prospect of translating the show's paranoia-fuelled dynamics to a live setting is tantalising.

The concept lends itself naturally to immersive or interactive theatre, where audience participation could replicate the tension of the roundtable discussions. Given the current appetite for immersive theatrical experiences in London, from Faulty Towers The Dining Experience to escape-room-style productions, a Traitors stage show could tap into a thriving market. Whether it takes the form of a traditional theatrical production or something more experiential remains to be seen.

The crossover between reality television and West End theatre has grown increasingly significant in recent years. Productions regularly cast performers who have found fame through television, while TV formats continue to draw on theatrical talent. The Traitors' move to the stage represents another step in this convergence.

What This Means for Theatre Fans

For those who follow both the stage and the small screen, The Celebrity Traitors series 2 offers a fascinating opportunity to watch accomplished performers operate outside their usual arena. Julie Hesmondhalgh, Richard E Grant, and Michael Sheen are all actors whose craft depends on understanding human behaviour, reading subtext, and projecting convincing emotions. In a game where authenticity is currency and deception is strategy, their theatrical training could prove to be a decisive advantage.

The new series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2026, with an exact transmission date still to be announced. In the meantime, the promise of a 2027 theatre adaptation gives stage fans something additional to look forward to.

Interested in more stories about stage stars and upcoming productions? Browse our full list of London theatre shows or explore the latest theatre news and features on BritishTheatre.com.