BBC's Celebrity Traitors Launches with Claudia Winkleman Hosting 19 Stars for Charity

Claudia Winkleman, host of the BBC's hit reality series The Traitors, expressed initial fear about the development of a celebrity spin-off, fearing it might dilute the original show's intimate appeal. Despite her reservations, she was ultimately convinced by producers and is now excited to host the first Celebrity Traitors edition, featuring 19 famous participants including Stephen Fry, Alan Carr, and Kate Garraway, competing for charity. Winkleman found it challenging to balance her role's aloof and strict demeanor while wanting to interact warmly with the celebrity contestants, many of whom she admires and is a fan of. The celebrity version is filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands and involves the classic game of detecting hidden Traitors among the Faithfuls. Claudia described the experience as an honor and dream come true, especially meeting stars like Stephen Fry and Joe Wilkinson, and acknowledged the celebrities' smart and kind gameplay. The new series promises high drama and intrigue, with a £100,000 prize at stake for charity.