Celebrity Traitors forced to ‘DOUBLE  £1M budget to cater to A-list contestants’ demands as it swaps last year’s minibus for chauffeur driven cars and private jets’ in most star-studded series yet

The BBC has reportedly been forced to double its £1 million Famous Villains budget for its second and most star-studded series ever.

The A-list line-up was officially announced on Saturday when the broadcaster released the first teaser trailer, which also sees the likes of Maya Jama, Richard E Grant, Jerry Hall, Romesh Ranganathan and Ross Kemp heading to the Scottish castle.

It was clear that the budget had increased when images emerged of the stars, who were said to have traveled by train and many contestants last year, landing in the plateaus after traveling by plane and private jets.

Meanwhile, the likes of Alan Carr and Sir Stephen Fry were also said to have been transported in a minibus in last year’s series, which has now been replaced by chauffeured cars.

Money was also spent on increasing security to keep the stars safe and keeping events at the castle secret before they were broadcast this year.

A source said: ‘Although most of the stars are British, many are used to working in America so their teams have also become accustomed to the treatment.’

It was already clear that the budget had increased when photos emerged of the stars landing in the plateaus after traveling by planes and private jets (Pictured Jerry Hall)

they said Sun: ‘But the production team has no choice but to meet their demands because they admit that the number of stars participating in this year’s show makes it extraordinary.’

The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment.

Maya Jama reportedly arrived at Inverness airport on Sunday afternoon and took a huge pay cut to join the second series of the BBC show.

Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh and EastEnders star Ross Kemp, 61, also got into their car hours ago and headed to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.

Singer James Blunt followed a few hours later.

Wearing a white T-shirt and cream-colored pants, Maya wore sunglasses and looked at airport staff with a nervous smile.

Comedian Joanne McNally was also seen on the same flight, wearing cycling shorts and hiding behind dark shades as she wheeled her luggage into the car.

Maya is reportedly the first star approached by Celebrity Traitors bosses in a bid to attract a younger audience.

Last year’s stars were also said to have been transported in a minibus, which has now been replaced by chauffeured cars (Miranda Hart pictured)

EastEnders legend Ross Kemp was spotted arriving at Inverness airport on Sunday morning, ready to film the second series of Celebrity Traitors.

Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh was also seen getting into her car to head to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.

The TV star was at the top of producers’ wishlist due to her ability to attract a younger audience thanks to her presenting duties on Love Island.

The 31-year-old actor was more than willing to take a massive pay cut of £760,000 compared to his fee for hosting the ITV dating show.

She is said to have received a £40,000 rate after falling in love while watching the series with her boyfriend Rúben Dias.

A source told The Sun: ‘She loved watching her first series of Celebrity Traitors at home with her boyfriend Rúben and was so excited to start filming. ‘He can’t wait to lie a little and be as deceptive as possible to win’.

‘It worked perfectly as he was able to go straight from his Scottish castle to the villa in Majorca to film the summer series Love Island in June.’

A source said: ‘Although most of the stars are British, many are used to working in America so their teams have become accustomed to the treatment.’

The two cast members of the Celebrity Traitors series were officially announced on Saturday morning when the BBC released the first trailer.

The second cast of Celebrity Traitors has been officially announced as the BBC released its first teaser trailer on Saturday; Jerry Hall was also seen heading to the goal over the weekend.

Shortly after the announcement, Jerry was seen landing in Inverness with Richard E Grant, Bella Ramsey and Amol Rajan before getting into cars and heading towards the Scottish Highlands.

After months of speculation about who might follow in the iconic footsteps of last year’s winner Alan CarrIn an interesting new trailer, 21 names have finally been announced.

We also go to: Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands stars Michael Sheen and James Blunt.

Comedians Rob Beckett, Joe Lycett, Miranda Hart and James Acaster will be joined by Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock.

Famous Traitors cast 2026

Jerry Hall

Jerry Hall rose to fame in the 1970s and became one of the most recognized fashion icons of the era (Photo taken in October)

Richard E. Grant

Richard E. Grant has been celebrated for his roles in everything from the cult classic Withnail & I to modern films like Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (filmed in November).

James Blunt

James Blunt rose to worldwide fame with his debut album and hit single ‘You’re Beautiful’

Ross Kemp

Ross Kemp, who recently returned to EastEnders to reprise his role as tough guy Grant Mitchell, is said to be looking to ‘challenge himself’

Michael Sheen

Michael Sheen is celebrated for his incredible performances on stage and screen, particularly his work in Good Omens and The Queen.

Robert Beckett

Best friend of Traitors star Romesh, Rob Beckett is known for his high energy and booming laugh.

Sharon Rooney

Sharon Rooney is known for her role as Rae Earl in the critically acclaimed TV series My Mad Fat Diary.

Joanne McNally

Joanne McNally is known for her brutally honest humor and hilarious takes on dating, chaos and modern life.

Amol Rajan

Journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan has forged a successful career in the UK’s leading media organisations, including radio and television.

King Kenny

King Kenny, whose real name is Kenny Ojuederie, is a content creator known for his prank videos and street-style social experiments.

Sebastian Croft

Sebastian Croft is best known for his role as Ben Hope in the Netflix series Heartstopper.

Mayan Jama

Maya Jama, 31, is fast becoming one of Britain’s most popular stars and is the famous leading lady of Love Island.

Miranda Hart

Miranda Hart broke through with the hit sitcom Miranda, which was a resounding success and cemented her as a comedy legend.

Romesh Ranganathan

Romesh Ranganathan has been taking British television by storm in recent years and is known for his impeccable presentation

James Acaster

James Acaster is good friends with Ed Gamble, the host of The Traitors: Uncloaked. The duo host the popular food podcast Off Menu with Ed Gamble

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey rose to fame for her role as Lyanna Mormont on Game of Thrones and received worldwide acclaim for her starring role in The Last Of Us.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock

Leigh-Anne Pinnock is best known as a member of the girl group Little Mix, who rose to fame on The X Factor in 2011.

Joe Lycett

From headline-making TV appearances to cleverly staged public pranks, Joe Lycett has earned a reputation as one of Britain’s most inventive and unpredictable comics.

Hannah Fry

Mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry is known for turning complex data into engaging and accessible content for audiences

Julie Hesmondhalgh

Julie Hesmondhalgh is best known for her role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, which made history as the first transgender character in a British soap opera.

with myha

Myha’la is known for her stunning portrayal of ruthless fintech expert Harper Stern in the HBO drama Industry