Broadcaster Richard Osman appeared to confirm the launch date for the BBC’s second series of The Celebrity Traitors during a live recording of The Rest Is Entertainment podcast at London’s Southbank Centre on Saturday.
While speaking alongside co-host Marina Hyde, Osman was asked about the schedule by former contestant Joe Marler, who appeared as a guest on the show. Marler raised the question directly, and Osman responded in a way that suggested the new series will start on 23 September, while acknowledging the information was meant to remain under embargo.
“By the way to point out, it’s absolutely embargoed that it starts on September 23… let’s talk about what we call the events of September 23 this year, the cat’s out of the bag isn’t it? Not to repeat it.”
The apparent slip came amid a wider conversation about how the forthcoming series compares to the inaugural run. Marler, who was a finalist on the first season, observed that the atmosphere among the new cast felt different to his experience, saying it had a less laugh-led tone and saw contestants more intent on playing the game from the outset.
Osman echoed that impression, noting that production feedback suggested the second outing “sounds like it was quite intense”. He added that the increased pressure may stem from the success of the original series and contestants’ desire to replicate that achievement.
What was said on stage
The exchange highlights the difficulty of discussing forthcoming broadcasts under embargo during live events. According to the conversation, Marler initiated the line of questioning by asking: “What is it September 23 the next series?” Osman’s immediate acknowledgement of an embargo, then reiteration of the date, underlined how easily such details can be revealed in unscripted settings.
The discussion also revisited how Marler came to be involved with the first series. He recounted that a talent booker had been introduced to him through Osman, who had recommended he should be considered for the show. That anecdote served as a reminder of the informal networks often at play behind the scenes of celebrity casting.
Implications for the BBC and format fans
An inadvertent disclosure of broadcast scheduling can be awkward for broadcasters who place embargoes on release dates for marketing and logistical reasons. If the 23 September date is the intended launch, the slip may simply speed up public awareness; if not, it could create confusion until the BBC issues an official timetable.
For viewers who enjoyed the first series, the remarks on tone and intensity are also notable. The first run was widely discussed and drew attention to how the format blends social strategy with reality television drama. Comments from a former finalist that the new cast are more competitive from the outset will likely fuel speculation about how the series will unfold.
- Date mentioned: 23 September (as stated on the podcast).
- Participants on stage: Richard Osman, Marina Hyde and Joe Marler.
- Key takeaways: apparent embargo breach; new series reportedly more intense; Marler recalled Osman’s role in his casting.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Programme | The Celebrity Traitors (BBC) |
| Potential start date | 23 September |
| Notable contributors | Richard Osman, Joe Marler, Marina Hyde |
At present, the BBC has not issued a statement in response to the podcast exchange. When broadcasters place details under embargo they typically have reasons tied to press strategies, scheduling confirmations or regional roll-outs; an on-stage slip can sometimes force an earlier formal announcement or clarification.
Whether the network will confirm the date publicly in the coming days remains to be seen. In the meantime, the conversation at Southbank continues the public appetite for the format: viewers and industry-watchers will be keen to see how a presumably more competitive cast affects the dynamics that made the first series a talking point.
Regardless of the final scheduling, the episode at the live podcast is a reminder that even seasoned presenters can find it difficult to navigate embargoes when the conversation turns to eagerly anticipated shows.
