The Celebrity Traitors pay revealed ahead of the final
All celebs get given an appearance fee!
With the success of the first series last year, it's no surprise series two of The Celebrity Traitors has broken yet more records, as a new bunch of celebs play the enticing game at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.
With the final taking place on Friday 30th October, Traitors Maya Jama, James Acaster and King Kenny are doing their best to avoid being caught. But as viewers tune in to see who makes it to the end, many are also wondering just how much the 21 celebrities are being paid to take part.
How much did the celebs get to appear on Celebrity Traitors?
According to reports, every single celeb who takes part receives a blanket fee of £40,000 each, no matter how long they are in the game for.
However, last year's Faithful Joe Marler recently admitted he only got £30,000 for his appearance.
The BBC have declined to comment on the matter.
What do they get for winning?
Unlike the original series of The Traitors where they win the prize money for themselves, the winner on the celebrity edition will win up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.
During the first series, winner Alan Carr gave his £87,500 prize money to the children's cancer charity Neuroblastoma UK.
What is the payment on The Traitors?
Contestants on the civilian series of The Traitors don't get paid to appear on the show, but like most reality shows, they do get £100 per day to compensate the loss of wages.
READ MORE: Major celebs who've turned down The Celebrity Traitors
Kicking off on Thursday 1st October, host Claudia Winkleman selected Maya Jama and Richard E. Grant as her two Traitors, with the pair later recruiting comedian James Acaster to their team.
The cast were left very suspicious of Richard, after he blurted out that he was in fact a Traitor during a conversation with Joe Lycett, which led him to being banished by his fellow cast mates just days later.
Maya and James chose to recruit Professor Hannah Fry as a Traitor, with the trio going on to murder Bella Ramsey. After Hannah was uncovered, King Kenny was the next person recruited by the Traitors.
In a slight change to the schedule this year, The Celebrity Traitors airs every Thursday and Friday night at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with the final due to air on Friday 30th October.
Check out which celebs we'd love to see on series 3 of The Celebrity Traitors:
Alison Hammond
Let's be honest, it wouldn't be a TV reality show without the Queen that is Alison Hammond! Rumours were rife that Alison was 'in talks' for the second series, with BBC bosses thinking she would be 'comedy gold'.
However, Alison ruled herself out. Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday 21st March 2026, Alison confessed: "I can't do it, because I'm doing Bake Off. I think it's the same time when I'm doing Bake Off, so that's a definite no. I'm so sorry, I would love to do that. I wouldn't want to be a Traitor though, I'd want to be a Faithful. I don't want no stress."
Fingers crossed for 2027!
Rylan Clark
Rylan in a Traitors cloak just needs to happen TBH...
Sam Thompson
Hits Radio host Sam Thompson is no stranger to reality TV, and we think he'd be hilarious on The Celebrity Traitors!
Dame Judi Dench
Her reputation alone would make her untouchable, who is going to dare banish or murder Dame Judi Dench?!
Peter Crouch
Reports were rife in early 2026 that BBC bosses were keen to sign up former professional footballer Peter Crouch. A TV source told a national newspaper: "Producers think Peter would be brilliant. He's sporty, competitive and really funny. They know landing him would be a big coup and bring a new type of viewer to the series. Plus they haven't had an ex pro footballer on the show yet."
Peter didn't appear on series two, so maybe we will see him in the castle for series three!
Cheryl
With Girls Aloud star Cheryl making a comeback to TV on The Voice in 2027, we'd love to see her enter the castle!
David Attenborough
A true National Treasure that must be protected at all costs, but we think David Attenborough could have what it takes to sniff out the pesky Traitors.
Danny Dyer
Although Danny Dyer has said no to the show in the past due to not seeing it, he did admit on his Live and Let Dyer podcast earlier in 2026 that he may consider the show if the money is correct, saying: "So if the money's right… because I might get involved in the next series. I think I'd want to be a Traitor, there's triple bluffs, double bluffs – it's more fun to be a Traitor, you've got a job!"
SOMEBODY SIGN HIM UP!
Ruth Jones
Oh, what's occurring? Gavin and Stacey legend Ruth Jones would be TV gold in the castle!
Tess Daly
After leaving Strictly Come Dancing following a huge 21 years, TV presenter Tess Daly now has some spare time on her hands! Imagine how great it would be to see her best pal Claudia Winkleman make her a Traitor?!
Ken Bruce
With decades of experience in the radio business, Greatest Hits Radio presenter Ken Bruce would be great under pressure as a Traitor, not to mention the fact he's trusted and likeable!
Bob Mortimer
Comedian and TV host Bob Mortimer was heavily rumoured for the 2026 series, but as fans will know, he didn't sign up! Hopefully somebody can tempt him next year!
Gordon Ramsay
With his no-nonsense attitude towards basically everything, chef Gordon Ramsay would bring excellent entertainment to the round table!
Gok Wan
His talents are endless, so we've got no doubts that Magic Radio Breakfast host Gok Wan would make an incredible Traitor.
Miriam Margolyes
Although she's revealed she actually turned down the first series, we aren't the only ones who would love to see actress and comedian Miriam Margolyes join the show!
Adele
She may be a superstar singer, but Adele is taking a break from music right now, so what better way to fill her time?!
James Nesbitt
James Nesbitt has been asked previously, but he's so far not appeared! Maybe 2027 is his year?
Stacey Solomon
Stacey Solomon's warmth and humour would make her incredibly likeable by her fellow contestants and we don't think she'd be suspected as a Traitor!
Tyson Fury
He's a champion boxer with both physical and psychological powers, so Tyson Fury's unpredictability would make for great TV.
Emma Thompson
With movies like Love Actually, Bridget Jones and Saving Mr Banks under her belt, award-winning actress Emma Thompson could act her way through the show, throwing the Faithfuls off scent!
Tyler West
If the group were feeling down, KISS presenter Tyler West would bring the vibes and energy the group need to find the Traitors.
Niall Horan
The show always needs a cheeky Irish chappie! With Niall Horan's charm and charisma, NOBODY would suspect him!
Alexander Armstrong
Pointless host Alexander Armstrong would bring a calm presence to the castle. With his sharp intelligence and good judge of character, we think he'd make a brilliant Faithful.
Natalie Cassidy
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy could be the perfect dark horse on the show! Bonus if she brings Sonia's trumpet with her...
Paul Hollywood
Mr Paul Hollywood could fool anybody with those piercing blue eyes!
Sharon Osbourne
Following her iconic stint on Celebrity Big Brother, we just need to see Mrs O back on our screens!
Stormzy
'Vossi Pop' hitmaker Stormzy, real name Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, would bring some serious charm and charisma to the show. With his strategic mind and leadership qualities, we think he'd be great as a Traitor.
Graham Norton
TV presenter Graham Norton interviews celebs for a living, so he'd have no issues asking hard-hitting questions to try and sniff out the Traitors. With his sense of humour and charm, he'd be a great team player.
Denise Welch
Denise Welch interrogating other celebs would just be TV gold, TBH.
Lewis Capaldi
Thanks to his loveable and relatable personality, nobody would suspect Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi, making him a great Traitor.
Gemma Collins
Let's be honest... It wouldn't be a reality TV show rumoured line-up without The GC!
Leah Williamson
As the captain of England's Lionesses and Arsenal, Leah Williamson certainly has the leadership qualities needed for the game!
Judi Love
Judi Love would be able to use her charm and humour to create bonds in the castle, making her a very trustworthy candidate. Just what you need to be successful on the show!
Holly Willoughby
Following her departure from This Morning, Holly Willoughby has made limited TV appearances, so this could be her pathway back to a major presenting gig.
Lord Alan Sugar
We'd love to see how Lord Sugar copes when swapping the boardroom for the round table!
Sir Andy Murray
Competitive ✅ Good under pressure ✅ Poker face ✅ - Sir Andy Murray has all the traits to be a successful Traitor!
Dermot O'Leary
Speaking to our friends over at heatworld, Dermot said: "I'd find it difficult to turn down Celebrity Traitors because I really, really enjoyed it. But the problem is – aside from being away for that long – I think I'd be a terrible Traitor. They've done so such a great job of amping up the stress and I hate the idea of people thinking ill of me, especially my peers, so I'd worry if I was part of that level of subterfuge. But it's been a great series."
Author: Alex Ross
Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.