James Nesbitt turned down a chance to compete on the next season of Celebrity Traitors, revealing he was “too scared” to join the hit reality series.
The actor, known for his detective roles including his recent work in Run Away, admitted he was approached for the show’s second season but ultimately declined.
Nesbitt shared his decision during an appearance on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, explaining he felt intimidated by the success of the first season. “When I was asked, because I was in at the BBC, and I went, ‘Oh, sounds amazing,’” he said.
Ultimately, his agent advised against it. “Then I spoke to my agent and he said no,” Nesbitt explained. “Because I just thought, ‘How do I follow that?’ It was so brilliant.”
The Show’s Massive Appeal
Celebrity Traitors was a ratings juggernaut for the BBC last year, captivating audiences with its blend of strategy and deception. The series’ popularity led to a swift renewal announcement just days after the finale.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the BBC, celebrated the show’s success, stating, “Studio Lambert have done an outstanding job as The Celebrity Traitors has well and truly captivated the nation, becoming a bona fide highlight of the year bringing record numbers of people together to enjoy every twist and turn.”
Patel-Knight added that the second season, slated for 2026, will see “the doors of the castle” reopen to a new cast of celebrities. She also highlighted the show’s positive economic impact on Scotland.
What makes Celebrity Traitors so addictive? The show’s compelling format, which pits celebrities against each other in a game of trust and betrayal, has proven irresistible to viewers.
The renewal announcement was accompanied by an Economic Impact Report revealing that The Traitors franchise—including the UK, US, and Celebrity editions—has generated an estimated £21.8 million boost to Scotland’s economy since filming began in 2022.
The Celebrity Traitors will return to BBC One in 2026. Season one is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
