Iconic TV presenter couple with connection to Claudia Winkleman have “signed up” for Celebrity Traitors

Tess Daly, long-time friend of Claudia Winkleman and co-host of “Strictly Come Dancing”, could take part in “Celebrity Traitors”.

In a huge twist, BBC bosses now want to hire the 55-year-old and her husband Vernon Kay (50) for the devious game show.

It is said that they are looking for a celebrity duo that could repeat the success of mother-son duo Diane and Ross in the original “Traitors”.

A source told The Sun: “Bosses know the intrigue will make for great TV as they have seen how it has caused excitement in previous seasons.”

“Signing up Tess would be a compulsive exercise as she and Claudia are obviously good friends as they co-host Strictly Come Dancing.”

When asked whether the BBC had contacted Tess and Vernon, Metro.de A spokesperson declined to comment. Tess's representative was also contacted.

Other celebrity couples reportedly being considered include father and son Harry and Jamie Redknapp and mother and son Judy and Andy Murray.

The insider said: “Although the famous couple will make no secret of their connection, it will still cause great suspicion and paranoia and will really test loyalties.”

“Will family ties stop them from backstabbing their relative or partner? Would it distort the normal dynamics between the traitors when the time comes to 'murder' their loved ones?

“And if they turn against their partner, will that put a strain on the relationship?”

This comes after reports emerged that British comedy legend Stephen Fry had all but signed his contract with Celebrity Traitors.

The 67-year-old Blackadder actor reportedly told his bosses: “Give me a time and a date and I'll be there,” as he is a huge fan of the series.

The Hobbit star was approached for Celebrity traitors because he is at the top of the wish list of 52-year-old presenter Claudia, it was said.

It has also been suggested that 59-year-old Friends legend Courteney Cox could join the blockbuster show – after previously begging her friend Claudia for a spot.

In a hilarious clip from the audition process for season two, scream queen Courteney dressed for the role with a hooded cape, which she revealed and pleaded, “Claudia, can I do this please?”

But her cries fell on deaf ears. “I've already told you, that's a no,” Claudia emphasized.

“If you're a celebrity or as famous as this one, you can't apply. And now… here we go.”

The celebrity spin-off of hit film The Traitors was confirmed by the BBC earlier this month, with the broadcaster's head of entertainment Kalpna Patel-Knight promising that it will “take the series to a whole new level”.

A celebrity version of “The Traitors” has already been broadcast in the USA – featuring British stars such as Ekin-Su Culculoglu from “Love Island” and former Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow.

The Traitors first aired in the UK on the BBC in 2022 after being adapted from the original Dutch format, and took the country by storm. There have been two seasons in the UK so far.

Loyal followers Meryl Williams, Aaron Evans and Hannah Byczkowski took home the £101,050 prize in season one, while traitor Harry Clark proved invincible, taking home £95,150 in season two.

The series has won numerous awards, including the 2023 Bafta TV Award for Best Reality and Constructed Factual Series and a National Television Award for Best Reality Competition, also in 2023.

“The Traitors” and “Celebrity Traitors” are coming to BBC One and iPlayer.

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