The hit BBC deception game, Celebrity Traitors, is gearing up for its highly anticipated second season in 2026, and the first major casting rumour has already ignited excitement. According to reports, comedy sensation Daisy May Cooper is in advanced talks to join the star-studded line-up, marking a potential return after she famously pulled out of the show's debut season.
From Last-Minute Exit to Potential Comeback
Daisy May Cooper, the acclaimed star of This Country, was originally slated to appear in the first celebrity edition earlier in 2025. However, she made the decision to withdraw just weeks before filming was due to commence. Sources close to the production indicated that her priority was staying close to home following the birth of her son, Benji.
Now, show producers are keen to secure her participation for the 2026 series. An insider revealed to The Sun that Cooper is considered "telly gold" and would provide perfect comic relief, much like the inaugural celebrity winner, Alan Carr. The production team is reportedly "pulling out all the stops" to ensure she signs on for the new season.
High-Profile Declines and the 'Big Name' Theory
Cooper is not the only notable name to have turned down an invitation to the treacherous castle. In a recent episode of his Reel Talk podcast, presenter Jonathan Ross shared that comedian Ricky Gervais also declined to participate in the first series.
Ross recounted a conversation where Gervais explained his reasoning. Gervais believed that as a major celebrity, he would be immediately targeted and voted out by other contestants simply due to his high profile—a tactic famously dubbed the 'Big Dog Theory' by rugby star Joe Marler during the civilian series.
Furthermore, television presenter Jeremy Clarkson has also ruled himself out of contention for season two. Citing an overwhelmingly busy schedule, Clarkson told The Sun, "I’ve got ten jobs already. Why would I want 11?" He did, however, speculate that his former Top Gear co-host, Richard Hammond, might be a likely candidate for the show.
Building on a Winning Formula
The BBC is aiming to replicate the significant success of the first celebrity series, which concluded with comedian and presenter Alan Carr outwitting his fellow contestants to claim the prize fund. The show's format, which pits 'Faithful' contestants against secret 'Traitors' in a game of bluff and deduction, has become a ratings phenomenon.
Producers had previously shown interest in creating familial drama within the castle, having successfully cast mother and son duo Diane and Ross in a prior civilian series. There were initial reports that show bosses had also approached Daisy May Cooper's brother and co-star, Charlie Cooper, for the first season. While it remains unclear if both siblings are being pursued for the 2026 series, the focus appears firmly on securing Daisy's participation.
The return of Celebrity Traitors is set for 2026, following a new civilian series launching on New Year’s Day. The BBC and representatives for Daisy May Cooper have been approached for comment regarding the ongoing casting talks.
