The BBC Reveals Inaugural 'The Celebrity Traitors' Cast

It's not a secret that The Traitors is one of the biggest reality shows in America. But what many U.S. fans may not know is that the series is part of a much larger franchise that's equally popular all around the globe. Though it began with the Dutch reality series De Verraders, there are now over 20 international versions of the series in countries worldwide, with more on the way. (It's difficult to argue with the scope of its success, is what I'm saying.) The latest addition to the franchise is the U.K.'s The Celebrity Traitors, a high-end spin-off of the British flagship series.

Unlike its American cousin, which features reality star casts made up from members of various other franchises like Survivor or Real Housewives, The Traitors U.K. sends regular, everyday people to compete for cash in its Gothic castle. The celebrity edition will mark the first time that famous figures will get a crack at putting on a Traitor's hood, and it's more of a big deal than it seems. Many British celebs are self-avowed Traitors enthusiasts, so if the BBC can make Celebrity Traitors as successful as the flagship version, there's no way we won't be seeing more seasons in the future. (Particularly since it would allow the corporation to squeeze out an extra edition each year.)

As is evident from the BBC casting announcement for its inaugural Celebrity Traitors competition, they have plenty of genuinely major celebrities to choose from, producing an intriguing mix of actors, television presenters, singers, journalists, and even an Olympic athlete. "We’re incredibly lucky these brilliant people have said yes," Winkleman said in a statement when the cast was announced. "I’d love to say we’ll take it easy on them and they’ll just wander round the castle and eat toast for a couple of weeks, but that would be a lie."