David Olusoga drops big hint about The Celebrity Traitors series two cast
David Olusoga - who reached the final of The Celebrity Traitors in 2025 - has given advice about the programme to "household names" who have been approached for the second series of the BBC game show.
David Olusoga has been called upon for advice from "household names" who have been approached for The Celebrity Traitors series two.
The 56-year-old historian - who reached the final of the BBC's ultimate game of backstabbing, betrayal and deceit in November 2025 - dropped a big hint that viewers are in for a treat when the programme returns later in 2026.
David told the new issue of Saga magazine: "It looks set to be a good cast list next time round too.
"I've spoken to people recently approached to take part who wanted my advice, and they're all household names too."
The star did not reveal who he had spoken to, but This Morning co-host Alison Hammond, 51, Rivals actor Danny Dyer, 48, and Downton Abbey alum Hugh Bonneville, 62, have all been rumoured to be entering Ardross Castle, Scottish Highlands - the setting of The Celebrity Traitors.
Elsewhere in David's interview with the magazine, the writer said he did not have to think twice about signing up for The Celebrity Traitors.
Asked if he was hesitant, David responded: "No, because by that point, other people I really admired had said yes.
"I've been asked to do a lot of those shows over the years, and Traitors is the only one I would ever have accepted.
"It was unusual in featuring genuine household names, and the idea of spending time with people I've watched and respected for years made it hard to see the downside.
"We have all kept in touch on WhatsApp and met for dinner before Christmas."
David - who hailed The Celebrity Traitors' host, Claudia Winkleman, 54, as "the best TV presenter of our age" - credits the "breakout performances" from the cast for the show becoming the biggest unscripted title on Broadcaster VOD ever.
David said: "Who knew Joe Marler should open a detective agency?
"For me, what made it most powerful was that a show about deception ended with such genuine emotion when Alan [Carr] finally revealed himself and cried.
"Nick Mohammed and I were in awe of how brilliantly he played it."
On November 6, 2025, millions of people tuned in to watch Traitor Alan snatch the £87,500 prize pot - which he donated to Neuroblastoma UK, a children's cancer charity - from Faithful finalists, David, retired rugby union player Joe, 35, and Ted Lasso star Nick, 45, after he successfully remained undetected as a deceitful.
After Alan unmasked himself as a Traitor and was declared the winner, he broke down in tears, saying: "I’m so sorry, it’s been tearing me apart, I’m so sorry.”
David and Nick then gave Alan a big hug.
David told him: "You did brilliantly, Alan! It’s a game!"
Nick said: "You did absolutely brilliantly. It was amazing."
Alan then admitted to them that he "feels so bad", to which Nick replied: "Don’t be stupid, think about the charity, it’s amazing."
Also that month, the BBC confirmed a second series of The Celebrity Traitors.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said: "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.
"In 2026, the doors of the castle will be opened again to welcome celebrity players to the game to see who can charm, who can scheme and ultimately who can survive in series two, which promises to be just as unmissable as the first."
Kalpna also confirmed that podcast Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked - in which 39-year-old comedian Ed Gamble speaks to each of the stars for their first interview since leaving the castle - is returning, airing on BBC Sounds, BBC Two and iPlayer.
