Comedian James Acaster is in talks for Celebrity Traitors as BBC bosses line up huge stars
James Acaster has reportedly signed-up to Celebrity Traitors series two and is set to head to the Scottish Highlands to begin filming in the coming days.
The comedian, 41, has emerged as a standout contender as bosses are said to be eyeing a mix of big-name personalities for the star-studded spin-off.
James is the latest star to join the star-studded line-up reports The Sun, following Alan Carr winning the hit BBC series last year.
The comedian is good friends with Ed Gamble who hosts The Traitors: Uncloaked. The duo present the hit food podcast Off Menu with Ed Gamble.
Daily Mail have reached out to the BBC and James' representatives for comment.
Meanwhile Peter Crouch is tipped for a surprise move into reality TV, with the former England striker reportedly in the frame for the second series of Celebrity Traitors.
The potential signing would mark a fresh on-screen venture for the footballer, 45, who has already carved out a successful second career in broadcasting and punditry.
If he does step into the game of deception, he would join a line-up of celebrities battling it out in the Scottish castle in one of television’s most talked-about formats.
'Producers think Peter would be brilliant,' a TV insider told The Sun. 'He's sporty, competitive and really funny.
'They know landing him would be a big coup and bring a new type of viewer to the series.'
If he does it, Peter would be the first ex pro footballer on the BBC series.
Despite the news not being confirmed yet, Peter expressed his appreciation for the show in the past, saying: 'I love Celebrity Traitors but I don't know if I could go on it.
'I'd be a traitor. Being a traitor is the one.'
Daily Mail has contacted both BBC and Peter's representatives for a comment.
It comes just a few weeks after the show's beloved host Claudia Winkleman revealed that the line-up for Celebrity Traitors series two has been secured - and she was left gobsmacked when she saw the names.
In late March, Claudia appeared on The One Show to promote her newly launched BBC chat show.
She was asked whether more 'big dogs' were set for Celebrity Traitors, following the big names from series one.
Claudia replied: 'There certainly are. The people who make it are extraordinary and they had to repeat the people twice to me because I was like, ‘Huh, are you joking? Come again.' So, we’re incredibly lucky.'
During the conversation, Claudia addressed whether famous faces were lining up to enter the castle - after the success of the first Celebrity Traitors.
She said: 'Yeah, I hope so. We’re so grateful that people want to come and play the game.
'And the people who said yes for series one, I still can’t believe it. I was shaking when you see Stephen Fry walking around the castle and Alan Carr, Ruth Codd, all of these people I was obsessed by.
'I’m very excited. But I can’t say anything else, don’t make eye contact with me.'
Ahead of the official line-up reveal, several names have been linked to take part in the upcoming series.
The Mail on Sunday revealed award-winning actor Stephen Graham is being considered by BBC bosses as a contender to enter the castle.
An insider said: 'They are absolutely desperate to nail down Stephen for the show. He would be their star signing.
'He is one of the most formidable actors of our generation, and the nation adores him, but no one really knows what he's like as a person, so there is a definite hunger among viewers to see what he is like in a more reality-based setting.'
Back in January, it was revealed actor Danny Dyer was reportedly set to appear in Celebrity Traitors series two.
The former EastEnders actor, 48, had 'zero interest' in the series before 'changing his tune' after watching the likes of eventual winner Alan Carr take the nation by storm.
A source said: 'Danny was always top of The Celebrity Traitors wish list but had zero interest until seeing the fun and games last autumn. As soon as his tune changed, it was all systems go'.
'Danny is a reality TV booker's dream signing and will be incredible value, as he's naturally funny but in a totally different way to Alan Carr'.
Richard E. Grant, Hugh Bonneville, Angela Scanlon, Joanne McNally, David Mitchell, Steve Pemberton and Liam Gallagher have also all been linked with the series.
