Celebrity Traitors Secures Second Series After Stunning iPlayer Performance
The BBC has wasted no time in greenlighting a second season of Celebrity Traitors, confirming its return for 2026 just days after the dramatic finale of the first celebrity edition aired. The announcement comes as no surprise given the programme's extraordinary performance, with the celebrity version now holding the title of the biggest unscripted TV show in BBC iPlayer history.
The debut episode of The Celebrity Traitors amassed a staggering 14.8 million views from British audiences, while the tense finale reached a massive peak audience of 12 million viewers. On iPlayer alone, 1.9 million people watched live as comedian Alan Carr masterfully played the Traitor game, securing £87,500 for the charity Neuroblastoma UK.
What to Expect from the New Series and Main Show Return
While the BBC hasn't revealed a specific premiere date for Celebrity Traitors season two, the corporation has confirmed it will arrive in 2026. The first celebrity series began broadcasting on Wednesday, October 8, with subsequent episodes airing throughout that autumn, setting a potential template for the next instalment.
Fans of the franchise have even more to look forward to, as the civilian version of The Traitors is set to return for its fourth season in early 2026. The BBC heightened anticipation by releasing a brand new teaser trailer on the morning after Alan Carr's victory, featuring the gothic camp aesthetic that has become synonymous with the show.
The atmospheric trailer shows a hooded and cloaked figure moving through a courtyard while a dramatic rendition of Blondie's Heart of Glass plays, concluding with a graphic confirming The Traitors season four is 'coming 2026'.
A Broadcasting Phenomenon Set to Dominate 2026
The incredible viewing figures have solidified The Traitors franchise as a cornerstone of BBC programming. Industry sources suggest the main series will likely return to its New Year's Day slot in 2026, mirroring the successful launch of season three on January 1, 2025.
A television source told The Sun: 'This year, series three started on January 1, and it was a centrepiece of New Year's Day evening telly. So it's likely it will be back then in 2026 too, as it's a huge tentpole show for the Beeb to kick off the New Year with.'
With both the celebrity and civilian versions confirmed for 2026, fans can expect another year dominated by the psychological reality competition that has captured the nation's attention since its first episode in 2022.
