Joe Lycett reveals strict Celebrity Traitors series 2 rules
Joe Lycett has revealed the strict Celebrity Traitors series 2 silence rules contestants must follow after signing multiple NDAs. On a podcast, he read a publicist email urging brief, scripted replies if questions cannot be avoided, and barring talk of the lineup, preferred roles, game strategy, filming timelines or locations. The BBC all-star spin-off was filmed in the spring and remains tightly under wraps ahead of its broadcast later this year.
Key Takeaways
- Joe Lycett is among 21 famous faces competing on Celebrity Traitors series 2.
- He read publicist-approved interview lines on the podcast Joe Marler Will See You Now.
- Contestants must not discuss the lineup, Traitor or Faithful preference, strategy, or filming details.
- Claudia Winkleman returns as host when the series airs later this year.
What silence rules did Joe Lycett reveal?
Appearing on Joe Marler Will See You Now, hosted by series one finalist Joe Marler, Lycett said he had "signed NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) all over the place." Co-host Jake Bhardwaj asked what he was allowed to say about the show.
Lycett pulled up an email from the show's publicists. It stated that "in an ideal world, nothing would be said at all," while acknowledging that may not be realistic given how much attention the series will attract.
If avoiding a question is not possible, the guidance called for a "brief and simple" response. Suggested lines included: "Well, as you can imagine, I can't say anything, but I am excited," "I loved the first series, so it's the dream to be in that castle," and "Thrilled to be involved. Can't tell you anything more at this stage."
The "do not mention" section told contestants not to reference the rest of the lineup or other players, say whether they would prefer to be a Traitor or a Faithful, describe how they would play the game, or mention filming timelines or locations.
Why are Celebrity Traitors contestants so tightly controlled?
According to reporting on the podcast exchange, filming took place in the spring and the series' content has been kept tightly under wraps. Cast members were given explicit rules on how to avoid questions about the show.
Lycett joked there was "an arrogance" to the message that ideally nothing would be said. He and Marler then role-played the approved answers whenever Marler pressed him on how he found The Traitors.
When Marler asked whether contestants were allowed to wear watches, Lycett stammered before falling back on the scripted reply. Asked if he did well at the challenges, he laughed and said he loved the first series.
Marler reached the series one final as a Faithful but missed out on the cash at the last minute to Traitor Alan Carr. For more star TV fallout, see our celebrity breaking news hub.
When will Celebrity Traitors series 2 air?
The Birmingham comedian is one of 21 famous faces in the second series of the BBC's all-star spin-off, which features musicians, Hollywood stars and plenty of comics. Claudia Winkleman will host again.
Celebrity Traitors series 2 is due to air later this year. Until then, expect cast members to stick to the publicist playbook Lycett read aloud — excitement without spoilers.