Oscar-nominated actor and author Richard E. Grant has officially joined the cast for the second season of The Celebrity Traitors on the BBC. Grant is one of 21 public figures heading to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands to take part in the psychological reality game hosted by Claudia Winkleman.
Production leads revealed that the new series will begin with an extra-long opening episode featuring a dramatic cliffhanger ending inspired by developments in previous runs. The show is scheduled to premiere on Thursday, October 1, airing bi-weekly on Thursday and Friday evenings at 8:00 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
A Star-Studded Lineup at Ardross Castle
Grant enters the competition alongside a diverse group of actors, comedians, singers, and broadcasters. The complete 21-person roster for the upcoming season features:
- Amol Rajan – Journalist and Broadcaster
- Bella Ramsey – Actor
- James Acaster – Comedian and Podcaster
- James Blunt – Singer/Songwriter
- Jerry Hall – Model and Actress
- Joanne McNally – Comedian
- Joe Lycett – Comedian
- Julie Hesmondhalgh – Actor
- King Kenny – Content Creator
- Leigh-Anne Pinnock – Singer/Songwriter
- Maya Jama – Broadcaster and Entrepreneur
- Michael Sheen – Actor and Presenter
- Miranda Hart – Actor and Author
- Myha’la – Actor
- Professor Hannah Fry – Broadcaster and Mathematician
- Richard E. Grant – Actor and Author
- Rob Beckett – Comedian
- Romesh Ranganathan – Comedian
- Ross Kemp – Actor and Presenter
- Sebastian Croft – Musician and Actor
- Sharon Rooney – Actor
Background and Personal Journey
Grant’s appearance in the castle follows a reflective period in the actor’s life after the death of his wife, dialect coach Joan Washington. Washington passed away from lung cancer in September 2021 at the age of 74, just over a year after her 2020 diagnosis. The couple met in December 1982 at London’s Actor’s Centre, married in 1986, and spent 38 years together.
Grant documented their relationship and final year together in his memoir, A Pocketful of Happiness. Moving from literary reflection to the deception of the BBC competition, Grant now faces the challenge of identifying hidden traitors among his peers while avoiding elimination.
Broadcast Schedule and Companion Show
Produced by Studio Lambert Scotland for the BBC, The Celebrity Traitors aims to replicate the success of its first season, which drew an average audience of 14.9 million viewers and concluded with comedian Alan Carr claiming victory.
Episodes will broadcast every Thursday and Friday at 8:00 PM throughout October. Additionally, the companion video podcast, The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, hosted by Ed Gamble, will air immediately after the main programme on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Sounds, offering post-banishment analysis from players and former contestants.
