Tag: BBC

The Celebrity Traitors series 2 line-up confirmed

Host Claudia Winkleman will welcome ‘an exciting and eclectic mix’ of people and personalities to The Traitors castle

The RTS and BAFTA Craft Award winning The Celebrity Traitors will return to BBC One and iPlayer later this year with its biggest celebrity cast to date.  

Made by Studio Lambert Scotland, The Celebrity Traitors will see twenty-one famous faces head to The Traitors castle, ready to play the ultimate game of deception and betrayal in the hope of winning a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.

Host Claudia Winkleman will welcome an exciting and eclectic mix of people and personalities. Ranging from BAFTA and BRIT award winners, through to social media stars plus some of the UK’s most cherished actors, comedians, presenters and beyond. As celebrities will question who can they trust, who deserves to be banished and who is secretly plotting murder under the cover of darkness?

Heading to the Scottish Highlands are:  

  • Amol Rajan – Journalist and Broadcaster
  • Bella Ramsey – Actor
  • James Acaster – Comedian and Podcaster
  • James Blunt – Singer/Songwriter
  • Jerry Hall – Model and Actress
  • Joanne McNally – Comedian
  • Joe Lycett – Comedian
  • Julie Hesmondhalgh – Actor
  • King Kenny – Content Creator
  • Leigh-Anne Pinnock – Singer/Songwriter
  • Maya Jama – Broadcaster and Entrepreneur  
  • Michael Sheen – Actor and Presenter
  • Miranda Hart – Actor and Author
  • Myha’la – Actor
  • Professor Hannah Fry– Broadcaster and Mathematician
  • Richard E. Grant – Actor and Author
  • Rob Beckett – Comedian
  • Romesh Ranganathan – Comedian
  • Ross Kemp – Actor and Presenter
  • Sebastian Croft – Musician and Actor
  • Sharon Rooney – Actor

Series One of The Celebrity Traitors debuted on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in October 2025 and has been a runaway success with an average audience of 14.9m across the run with a peak of 15.4m for the finale.

The series has seen unprecedented growth, making it the top entertainment episode across the whole market since 2016 and the number one series across all genres and platforms in 2025.

Meanwhile the fourth series of The Traitors, which had the nation hooked in January 2026, achieved a 12.5m 28-day average, this is up +22% on Series Three (10.3m).

The majority of viewing has been driven by BBC iPlayer, making up 6.6m of the audience (53%), and increasing +28% on the third series. This is the second biggest series across the market since the start of 2025, only behind The Celebrity Traitors

The Celebrity Traitors will be coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later in 2026.

The Celebrity Traitors series two (10 x 60) will be produced by Studio Lambert Scotland for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and has been commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC.

The Executive Producers for Studio Lambert Scotland are Mike Cotton, Sarah Fay, Lewis Thurlow and Katy Fox with Production Executives, Lynette Woods-Reynolds, Gemma Scholes and Faye Donaldson. The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Neil McCallum and Michael Jochnowitz.

The Traitors (Dutch title: De Verraders) was created and developed by IDTV in cooperation with RTL Creative Unit. All3Media International is global partner for The Traitors and handles format and tape sales worldwide. Studio Lambert is part of All3Media

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game kicks off on the BBC ahead of the Men’s FIFA World Cup

The Scottish football superfan examines the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance

Ahead of Scotland meeting Brazil once again in the upcoming Men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, Scottish football superfan and one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed comedians Kevin Bridges is undertaking an international journey to examine the contemporary state of football and its cultural significance.

Travelling to locations including Brazil, Scotland and the USA, the programme explores how football is experienced across different communities and environments.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1×60’) is a brand-new commission for BBC Scotland, BBC One and iPlayer and will be made by Bango Studios, the production company established by BAFTA, RTS and Grierson-winning producers Emily Hudd and Iain Wimbush.

The special will follow Bridges as he engages with players, supporters and local voices to understand the role football plays today, examining themes of identity, community and change, and how the meaning of the game may have evolved over time.

For the first time in 28 years Scotland are going to the FIFA Men’s World Cup. And, in a beautiful coincidence (or nightmare) they’re playing Brazil again. It’s indisputably the biggest sporting event in Scotland’s recent memory and gives Scotland the opportunity to score their first ever victory over Brazil and a result that would instantly become one of the most memorable in Scottish football history.

Part travel adventure and part football investigation, Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will see Kevin immerse himself in the deep-rooted relationship with football found across the world. And it’s Kevin’s own personal mission to see whether the joy of football he experienced in the 1998 World Cup still exists in football today.

Kevin Bridges said: “I’ve been a football fan for as long as I can remember, I was 11 years old when Scotland last qualified for the World Cup, a lot has changed about football since then and like a lot of people, I’ve become a little disillusioned with where the game is headed.

“I’m excited to be setting out on this mission; to see if the game still has a soul and that its beauty is not yet lost.”

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC, said: “Kevin Bridges is one of the UK’s most beloved comedians, as well as a lifelong football obsessive.

“For the first time in 28 years, Scotland are back in the World Cup, and so Kevin’s off on an international journey to explore the contemporary state of football, its cultural significance and enduring appeal, in the hope he can bring home a few tips.

“We cannot wait to bring Kevin’s adventures to screen ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup this year.”

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland, said: “Kevin will be treating audiences to his trademark wit on a journey which will be a perfect warm-up to Scotland’s return to the World Cup stage.

“He combines genuine admiration for Brazil’s footballing prowess with the traditional passion of a proud Scotland supporter. The result is a win for viewers – a documentary that’s funny, curious, and heartfelt.”

Iain Wimbush, Executive Producer for Bango Studios, said: “We all know what an incredible talent Kevin is – and it’s an honour to work with him on this passion project and create his own personal countdown to the world cup.”

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game will air ahead of the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.

Fans will be able to watch the highly anticipated final match of Group C, Scotland v Brazil, live from the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on BBC One and BBC iPlayer as part of the BBC’s extensive coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup. The match itself kicks off at 11pm (BST) on 24 June 2026.

Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (1 x 60’) is a Bango Studios production, co-commissioned by BBC Scotland and BBC Entertainment, for BBC One, BBC Scotland and iPlayer.

Commissioners for the BBC are Neil McCallum for BBC Entertainment and Heather Kane-Darling for BBC Scotland. Iain Wimbush is the Executive Producer for Bango Studios. It will be produced by Liam O’Hare, and directed by BAFTA award winning director, Tommy Forbes.

BBC launches Bitesize Parenting as parents look for guidance on how to support children through school

New resources help parents support learning from primary to secondary

BBC Bitesize, the UK’s number one trusted education brand, is now the home of Bitesize Parenting, a new service from BBC Children’s & Education to support parents through their children’s education from primary school to right through to exams.

As the nation’s teenagers prepare to for GCSE and A Levels, new research conducted by Ipsos reveals parents are feeling overwhelmed and under pressure when it comes to supporting their children through exam season.

The new parenting offering includes a range of resources to help parents support learning from primary school years to secondary, and beyond.

The free resources such as a glossary on what to say and what not to say during revision, expert advice from psychologists on supporting your child’s mental health, and ways parents can avoid burn out provide easy to use, practical information and the ability to see and engage with your child’s learning on Bitesize.

The expert led resources include a brand-new podcast series, Bitesize Parenting Teens, hosted by actress and comedian Kerry Godliman, with advice and support on the trickier aspects parenting teens, launching with an episode on exams and revision.

As exams start from May, the new research goes on to suggests many parents are unsure how to help with revision, with 1 in 5 saying they are not confident in how to support their teenager during this time, and 35% saying revision season makes them feel anxious as a parent.

The research highlights common challenges driving this anxiety, including managing their child’s screen time and distractions (33%), helping their child cope with exam stress (25%), and worrying they will say the wrong thing about revision (19%).

Revision season is also putting pressure on family life, with 21% of parents surveyed saying it leads to more arguments or tension at home. Children are feeling the strain too, with 37% of parents saying their child becomes more irritable or emotional during this period.

The research suggests parents are taking practical steps to help, often at the expense of everyday life. 44% have helped create revision timetables, 38% have reduced social plans to prioritise revision, and 36% have paid for revision guides or learning materials.

But despite their efforts, many parents surveyed feel they are navigating this without clear guidance. Almost half (48%) say they find it difficult to keep up with the range of revision resources available.

In conversations with parents, the BBC found just how much pressure exam time is putting on family life. One parent said their child “gets more stressed about me suggesting he revise than he does about exams,” highlighting how difficult it can be to strike the right balance.

Another parent described the experience as “a super stressful period for all concerned,” while others said they have to “put my own emotions to the side to keep [their child] calm.”

BBC Bitesize Parenting aims to engage parents in their child’s education journey, helping to reduce stress and giving families the confidence to support learning at home. According to the latest Socioeconomic Impact Of BBC Children’s And Education report, the BBC provides education resources like Bitesize, that are associated with better exam results, improved life opportunities and social mobility.

Kerry Godliman says: “Exam season can feel intense for the whole family. As a parent, you want to help, but it is not always clear how to do that without adding more pressure. This podcast is about honest conversations and helping parents feel less alone.

And it’s not just revision we talk about on Parenting Teens. We tackle familiar challenges like screen time, how to get your teen to tidy their room, and the much-feared hormones.”

Cerys Griffiths, Head of BBC Bitesize, says: “Parents are telling us they feel unsure and overwhelmed when it comes to supporting their children, particularly during high-pressure moments like exam season.

“Bitesize Parenting has been developed in response to what families say they need most, bringing together trusted, expert-led advice in one place.“

BBC Bitesize aims to be the most trusted, accessible and used education platform in the UK, and this is about making sure families can access simple, practical support that helps them navigate learning at home and feel more confident supporting their child.”

Bitesize Parenting content, including new Parenting Teens Podcasts are available on the BBC Bitesize website and on BBC Sounds.

TONIGHT: Debate Night Leaders Special

SUNDAY 12 APRIL at 7pm on BBC ONE SCOTLAND

Debate Night is back with a Leaders Special TONIGHT – Sunday 12th April

Watch #bbcdn live at 7pm, on BBC One Scotland and iPlayer

Get involved and have your say: http://bbc.co.uk/send/u39873202

Casting Call for BBC One’s The Celebrity Inner Circle

BBC ONE quiz show The Celebrity Inner Circle is back for a second series and we’re looking for contestants to take part.  The best part, you don’t have to do it alone as each player will be paired up with a celebrity teammate. 

Hosted by TV & radio star Amanda Holden, we are looking for people with bags of personality to apply for this ultimate game of general knowledge, strategy and gut instinct that comes with a chance of winning a cash prize! 

Please feel free to circulate the attached flyer internally within your organisation and amongst colleagues, friends and family who may wish to take part. 

Anyone who wishes to apply should fill out the online application form here:  

https://eu.castitreach.com/a/terntv/theinnercircle2/welcome

Auditions are starting immediately so we encourage anyone interested to complete an application form as soon as possible. 

Holyrood committee calls for BBC to have stronger Scottish voice

The BBC must have more Scottish voices telling Scottish stories, be clearer on devolved and reserved issues in its news reporting and give Welsh and Gaelic language services equal status, according to a Scottish Parliament Committee.

A new report from the Constitution, Culture, Europe and External Affairs Committee describes concern at the “long-standing frustration” that the BBC Network continues to fall short in serving the interests of licence fee payers in all parts of the UK equally by missing opportunities to be precise in its reporting of issues which only apply to England or Scotland.  

It asks whether the BBC should adopt a more federal structure in which BBC Scotland would be a partner rather than a subsidiary, with greater editorial control and commissioning power. 

The report also raises concerns about the downgrading of  local news within Scotland, encouraging the regulator OFCOM to be vigilant and use its power to mitigate risks from any plans for centralisation and reduced regional coverage. 

The report follows the Committee’s inquiry in to broadcasting in Scotland and will feed into the UK Government’s public consultation on the BBC Charter – the legal document which sets out what the BBC is for and how it should operate.  

Changes to BBC Radio Scotland programming and its use of new, emerging and established Scottish artists also feature in the report, with the Committee stating  it was “not convinced” by the response to concerns raised by campaigners and encourages the Scottish Government to continue to pursue the matter. 

The Committee also expresses its support for greater transparency in how the BBC’s commercial income is used in relation to its public service broadcast obligations and of sustainable funding for minority language broadcasting across the UK, including Gaelic through BBC ALBA. 

Committee Convener, Clare Adamson, said: “We know broadcasters – particularly public sector broadcasters – face major challenges as people’s watching and listening choices move towards online platforms. However, local broadcasters continue to play a vital role in the social fabric of Scotland’s communities. 

“We support an adventurous, adaptable and accountable BBC and have made a series of recommendations directed at the Scottish Government, the UK Government, Screen Scotland, Ofcom and the BBC to ensure that Scotland and its license fee payers are well served.”

scottish-broadcasting-reportDownload

The Answer Run: Casting OPEN

 Think fast! BBC One’s The Answer Run is back for Series 3!

BBC One’s fast-paced quiz show The Answer Run is back for a third series – and casting is now open!

Producers are looking for quick-thinking, speedy-swiping, competitive pairs ready to take on The Answer Run for a chance to win a cash prize.

Whether you’re friends, colleagues, siblings, partners, or any other dynamic duo – this is your time to shine!

Apply now: www.shortaudition.com/Answer-Run
Closing date: Monday 23rd March 2026
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18+ and have the right to reside in the UK.
T&Cs apply.

We’re casting quick-thinking pairs ready to swipe their way to a cash prize!

Apply by 23rd March: www.shortaudition.com/Answer-Run

The Traitors series 4 Finale brings more than 9 million viewers to BBC

It’s the most watched overnight audience of the civilian version of the series ever

The series finale of The Traitors averaged 9.4 million with a peak of 9.6 million and an audience share of 54.9%.

This is the biggest overnight audience across the market since the final episode of The Celebrity Traitors in November 2025 and makes it the most watched overnight audience of the civilian version of the series ever.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning at the BBC said: “The dramatic conclusion to series four of The Traitors, expertly produced by the brilliant team at Studio Lambert Scotland, proved exactly why this grippingly unmissable game continues to surprise, entertain and delight with over 9 million faithful viewers watching the nail-biting finale so far.

“Only the BBC can bring audiences all across the UK together for edge of the seat entertainment like this that every generation can enjoy.”

Traitors: Drama Psychology of a ‘Bulletproof’ Traitor

The Traitors: Drama Expert Reveals the Psychological Tricks That Make a ‘Bulletproof’ Traitor 

It’s not the slickest actors who make the best Traitors – it’s the ones who feel the most real, according to a drama expert decoding the hit show’s psychological twists. 

Zara Wardrop, a drama expert at Kelvinside Academy, has lifted the lid on the key skills she believes can help Traitors fly completely under the Faithfuls’ radar and, just as importantly, how those same traits can expose them. 

Throughout the series, Traitors must present themselves as honest and truthful all while secretly plotting to betray fellow contestants, and sometimes even each other, in pursuit of the cash jackpot.

While it may look like a game of deception, Zara says the biggest mistake Traitors can make is trying too hard to act innocent. Instead, she believes authenticity, even when it looks messy, is the real secret weapon. 

Zara points to Stephen’s handling of suspicion as a textbook example. When he threw fellow Traitor Fiona under the bus, he didn’t deliver a perfectly scripted defence. Instead, he let emotion take over, stumbling over his words, allowing his voice to break. 

Was it genuine emotion or clever performance? Either way, it worked. 

“People under suspicion tend to completely overact in order to try and come across more innocent, and it becomes too rehearsed,” Zara explains. “Being authentic is not the same as being perfect. Just because someone stumbles over their words doesn’t make them guilty, it just makes them human. 

“Innocence isn’t always expressed through behaviour; it’s just a state of being when you’re innocent … or acting innocent.” 

According to Zara, the most effective approach is what actors call method acting, fully stepping into the mindset of a Faithful, rather than performing one on the surface. 

“The best way to do this is by believing the lie,” she says. “Have you ever told a lie that you’ve somehow managed to convince yourself was the truth? You start to live the lie, and it becomes much easier to appear Faithful. 

“The goal here is to convince yourself you’re innocent first, before you look to convince others. That way, you’ll come across as authentic as possible.” 

But while authenticity can protect a Traitor, Zara warns that the smallest slip can still give the game away, particularly when it comes to eye contact. 

“The dead giveaway is eye contact all the time, or not at all. You can always see when someone is not being truthful,” she says. “The eyes are the gateway to the soul, and that can be the first giveaway.” 

For the Faithful hoping to catch a Traitor out, Zara says consistency is key, or rather, the lack of it. 

“There’ll be a lack of consistency,” she explains. “You can see them reminding themselves to sustain this character sometimes, and then it just drops because, you know, you’re human. That’s my first kind of dead giveaway. 

“Also watch how they react to others. Because they’re so wrapped up in their own mind, they sometimes fail to pick up on other people’s cues and body language. They misread the room, which leads to an inconsistent response that can catch them out.” 

With suspicion at an all-time high and the final looming, the question remains: will the remaining Traitors take Zara’s advice and stay hidden in plain sight? 

All will be revealed when The Traitors concludes tonight. 

BBC statement in relation to Panorama – Trump: A Second Chance

“Lawyers for the BBC have written to President Trump’s legal team in response to a letter received on Sunday.

“BBC Chair Samir Shah has separately sent a personal letter to the White House making clear to President Trump that he and the Corporation are sorry for the edit of the President’s speech on 6 January 2021, which featured in the programme.

“The BBC has no plans to rebroadcast the documentary ‘Trump: A Second Chance?’ on any BBC platforms.

“While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim.”

BBC spokesperson