Celebrity Traitors Shocks: One-Third Become Traitors!

Producers of Celebrity Traitors are 'shocked' by how the new series has unravelled after the original Traitors went on a 'recruiting spree', according to reports. 

A third of the 21 stars are said to end up as Traitors in a huge twist no-one saw coming. 

Insiders say the tactics caused a 'thrilling shift of power' to take place in the game which reached new levels of backstabbing and betrayal. 

It is said to be completely different from the first series of the Celebrity spin-off which saw and stick together as Traitors all the way through the series after got banished earlier on. 

'Those working on the programme were quite shocked by the approach adopted by the core Traitors,' a source told The Sun. 

'They went on a recruiting spree that has never been seen on either the celebrity or the "civilian" version of the show in the UK. Last year, the original three Traitors secretly selected by Claudia remained as a trio throughout the competition — which turned out to be a winning approach. 

'But on the follow-up series, all that changes. There's a thrilling shift in the balance of power. Even though the whole programme is based on skullduggery, nobody thought it would reach these levels.'

The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment. 

The first series of the celebrity version of the popular programme hit screens in October last year and saw Alan, 49, win £87,500 for his chosen charity Neuroblastoma UK.

After a nail-biting season, fans were left jumping for joy when a second was confirmed - and filming started earlier this month.

Maya Jama and Jerry Hall are two of the biggest names leading this year's cast as they join legendary actor Richard E. Grant and comedian Romesh Ranganathan.

Also heading to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands are Michael Sheen, Miranda Hart, Ross Kemp, Bella Ramsey and James Blunt.

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

The line up will be completed by mathematician Hannah Fry, broadcaster Amol Rajan, Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, prankster King Kenny, Industry star Myha'la, Heartstopper's Sebastian Croft and My Mad Fat Diary's Sharon Rooney.

The cast were seen filming the upcoming series in Scotland last month. It will air later this year. 

The BBC game show, which is hosted by Claudia Winkleman, has increased security for the upcoming series to make sure the public doesn't find out which of the celebrities have been chosen as Traitors.

Locks have been installed in the editing suite, and staff are forbidden from talking about the show outside the building.

Last month, an insider told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: 'They're saying it's become like The Masked Singer set-up, which is shrouded in secrecy with sealed production rooms.

'Only a few people are allowed in and out.'