Popular BBC sports commentator and presenter Clare Balding is reportedly set to join the cast of Celebrity Traitors as a spin-off to the hit show airs next year
A huge BBC sports commentator and TV presenter is said to be joining the cast of Celebrity Traitors.
The hit mystery game show is set to get a celebrity twist that will hit screens next year. Celebrity Traitors, which was first revealed by the Mirror after the first series proved a smash hit in December 2022, will feature some of its famous fans and will again be hosted by Claudia Winkleman.
Former jockey and BBC presenter Clare Balding is reportedly among the celebrities set to take part. It would mark her first reality show after shunning previous offers. She is said to have agreed to take part due to the fact she is a fan of the series, which is staged at Andross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.
“Clare is an absolutely brilliant signing because she’s always turned down reality offers flat,” a source told the Sun. “As such, this will offer the first real glimpse into what she’s like as a person.” They added: “And could anyone really believe that the Beeb’s dependable, sensible face of sport could be a treacherous liar?”
Clare is known for fronting racing commentary, Olympics coverages, Crufts as well as Countryfile. In recent years, she has appeared on Celebrity Googlebox yet strongly turned down chances to star on Strictly Come Dancing and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. She once said: “I wouldn’t do it. If they were building a school in Africa or something worthy I’d do it.”
The TV star did make an appearance on Sports Relief Does The Apprentice in 2008 and stars on Celebrity Googlebox as part of their Stand Up To Cancer specials with wife Alice Arnold. Last month, the Mirror revealed TV quiz star Richard Osman is among the frontrunners to take part in Celebrity Traitors.
Producers on the spin-off believe the former Pointless presenter has the perfect skills to take part – even though he claims to be “terrible” at lying. One insider said: “Richard would be a terrific signing. He reckons he knows how to commit the perfect murder so could surely spot a Traitor from 100 paces or outsmart the others if he needs to?
“He also knows exactly how TV works. Anyone who’s seen him on Pointless or House of Games will know how clever he is. And his claim that he’s no good at lying seems unlikely.” Richard, 53, currently presents House of Games and Pointless Celebrities for the BBC. The dad-of-two also presents a podcast, with journalist Marina Hyde, called The Rest is Entertainment.
Celebrity Traitors will air following the third series of the original show in January. Announcing the show, BBC unscripted boss Kate Phillips said she was already looking forward to seeing the stars fare badly on the show. She said: “The people we’ve spoken to, presenters, actors, experts – they all think they can play the game. That’s the joy of the format – they come in thinking ‘I’ve seen it, I canal it.’ I’m really looking forward to celebrities making huge mistakes and falling on their swords. I think it will be great fun.”
The Mirror has contacted Clare’s representative for comment.
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