Celebrity Traitors First Look: A Star-Studded Highland Adventure That Hooks from the Start

Published: 08 October 2025. The English Chronicle Online.

The new VIP edition of Celebrity Traitors on BBC One promises intrigue, laughter, and the occasional eyebrow-raising moment, delivering a captivating blend of reality TV drama and celebrity antics. Comedian Lucy Beaumont, surveying her fellow contestants, aptly sums up the atmosphere: “If this was a party, you’d be really chuffed about who turned up.” From Stephen Fry’s literary musings to Charlotte Church’s whimsical reflections on connecting with the earth, the cast brings a mix of charm, talent, and eccentricity to the Scottish Highlands, where the action unfolds.

The premise remains true to the original format: contestants are taken to a remote castle, selected by Claudia Winkleman to determine who among them will act as Traitors. These chosen few must carry out covert “murders” each night while the rest of the group participates in team challenges designed to increase the prize fund. With up to £100,000 at stake for a chosen charity, the celebrities must navigate alliances, deception, and personal dynamics, all under the watchful eye of viewers.

From the very first episode, the personalities shine through. Alan Carr’s comedic timing delivers constant amusement, while Olympic diver Tom Daley impresses by modeling his own knitwear in characteristic style. Historian David Olusoga provides thoughtful commentary, speaking softly but with a clear presence, and Stephen Fry immerses himself in the castle’s library, indulging in Shakespeare and exploring the intricately curated décor with the care of a connoisseur.

Challenges in the celebrity edition test both physical and mental prowess. The opening task is particularly demanding, combining endurance, strategy, and teamwork. Joe Marler and Daley excel on the physical front, while Clare Balding naturally assumes leadership, directing her teammates with a head-girl authority. Intellectual challenges are no less engaging, offering moments for the more academically inclined, such as Nick Mohammed, whose geophysics background lends him an advantage in puzzles requiring analytical thinking.

Producers maintain a careful balance between secrecy and spectacle. The show’s dedication to preserving surprises is evident: even minor details, such as Claudia Winkleman’s outfits, are kept under wraps, ensuring that viewers experience the twists as they unfold. Claudia herself contrasts sharply with the high-drama presentation, demonstrating a down-to-earth composure — a quality mirrored in moments of levity, such as Jonathan Ross’s playful costume changes, which range from a Val Doonican-inspired jumper to a Top Gun flight suit.

While the celebrity version does not quite capture the raw intensity of the original non-celebrity series, it brings its own distinct appeal. Stephen Lambert and Tim Harcourt, creators of The Traitors, previously noted that celebrity participants approach the game differently, often more concerned with public perception than prize money. Yet this very self-awareness and the occasional performative flair can create uniquely compelling Traitors, raising the stakes and unpredictability for both the participants and the audience.

The first episode culminates in an electrifying moment as the Traitors are given their initial mission. The anxiety, secrecy, and moral dilemma provide genuine suspense. One contestant’s exclamation — “I thought I wanted to be a Traitor. I can’t keep a secret. What am I going to do?” — perfectly encapsulates the tension and intrigue that defines the series. It is at this juncture that the show transcends simple celebrity spectacle, revealing psychological layers, alliances, and betrayals that will captivate viewers week after week.

Despite its glitzy celebrity cast, the programme remains impressively well-edited and tightly paced. The Highland backdrop, combined with careful cinematography, immersive storytelling, and clever sound design, ensures a cinematic quality that elevates the reality TV format. Each contestant’s arc, from moments of heroism to comedic relief, is highlighted, creating a narrative rhythm that balances suspense and entertainment.

Celebrity Traitors succeeds not only because of its famous faces but because it retains the essential elements that made the original series compelling: tension, strategy, and the unpredictable human element. While the celebrities may not have the same financial motivation as non-celebrity contestants, their personal stakes, reputations, and desire to entertain infuse the show with a fresh energy that keeps viewers engaged.

By the end of the premiere, the combination of charm, cunning, and curiosity has firmly hooked the audience. The launch episode teases the coming psychological games and alliances while ensuring that viewers are entertained at every turn. The series promises an engaging mix of strategy, deception, and star power, offering both laughs and suspense as the Traitors’ plans unfold.

For fans of the original series and newcomers alike, the VIP edition delivers a compelling mix of personality-driven drama, clever gameplay, and high-stakes intrigue. With the first episode leaving audiences eager for more, it’s clear that Celebrity Traitors is set to dominate conversation in the weeks ahead.