Michael Sheen emerges as favourite to win Celebrity Traitors as he prepares to face Richard E Grant and Maya Jama in the BBC's most treacherous show

Michael Sheen has emerged as the surprise favourite to win The Celebrity Traitors, hours before the BBC hit makes its long-awaited return.21 new stars will enter the famous castle in Thursday's opener to learn whether they've been chosen to be a Traitor or a Faithful, and will compete to earn thousands of pounds for the prize fund.Odds have now given a hint of how this new series could play out, with Michael currently the bookies' favourite to win the entire show.Figures published by ActionNetwork.com say the Good Omens star has odds of 7/2 to triumph, though whether he is chosen to be a Traitor remains to be seen.In second place is actor Richard E Grant with odds of 9/2, while The Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey rounds out the top three with 5/1.Singer James Blunt and actress & comedian Miranda Hart are tied in 4th place as the next most likely to win The Celebrity Traitors, both with odds of 11/2. Michael Sheen has emerged as the surprise favourite to win The Celebrity Traitors, hours before the BBC hit makes its long-awaited return 21 new stars will enter the famous castle in Thursday's opener to learn whether they've been chosen to be a Traitor or a Faithful, with Claudia Winkleman on hosting dutiesAn ActionNetwork.com spokesperson said: 'Ahead of the start of series 2 of The Celebrity Traitors, Michael Sheen tops the winner odds list at 7/2, and it's easy to see why - as an accomplished actor, he has the range to convincingly play a traitor, and could well end up filling the ''big dog'' role Jonathan Ross took on last series.'Meanwhile, Richard E. Grant follows closely with winning odds of 9/2; Grant has shades of Stephen Fry about him - the wise-figure archetype who went far last time round, equally capable of playing a cunning traitor or being a trusted faithful.'Turning to the most likely contestants to be named a traitor this series, since Claudia & the producers might again lean on a comedian for that role, Romesh Ranganathan leads that market at 5/2 - though with Alan Carr's victorious traitor run still fresh in everyone's minds, the comedians on this cast may find themselves facing extra suspicion from the start.'Last year's launch episode attracted more than six million viewers.And with anticipation building, fans are already making plans to watch the first episode together, with pubs, bars and private venues across Britain preparing for a night of scheming and suspicion.In London, ticketed viewing events are being held at venues including BrewDog bars, the Fulham Pier, and the Arch Clapham, where fans can watch the drama unfold on a big screen and win prizes.The London Art Bar is also getting in on the action, promising an evening of 'scheming, suspense and snacks' and encouraging guests to turn up dressed as their best Claudia Winkleman - 'fringe, eyeliner, and all'.Its tongue-in-cheek event description adds: 'Whether you're a Faithful or secretly a Traitor, one thing's for sure: this is the event you can't betray.' While Michael has been tipped by the bookies to win the show, actors Richard E Grant and Bella Ramsey (pictured) are also in the top threePrivate viewing parties are also expected to spring up across the country as fans prepare to settle in for another season of secret alliances, dramatic reveals and ruthless betrayals.The BBC has already begun building the hype, with a giant mural of Claudia Winkleman and this year's celebrity cast appearing in Manchester's Northern Quarter.And the broadcaster is working with content creators to promote the new series.A handful shared paid social videos across TikTok and Instagram showcasing the huge and impressive artwork plastered across the side of a building.One influencer noted that, just like on the show, crosses will be added to the celebrity portraits after each murder or banishment.But the promotion took an even more dramatic turn when the Kantos Chamber Choir performed the show's iconic theme tune as cloaked figures in gold masks, known on the show as 'Druids', held up white memorial flowers, which were also used in the church in the trailer, bearing the words: 'RIP VIP'.Joining Ms Jama, Ms Hart, Blunt, Grant and Kemp in the iconic castle are Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, King Kenny and Leigh-Anne Pinnock.Michael Sheen, Myha'la, Professor Hannah Fry, Romesh Ranganathan, Sebastian Croft and Sharon Rooney complete the line up.The new batch of celebrities have a lot to live up to after last year's series became a major TV talking point.It was packed with standout personalities, from Alan Carr's chaotic turn as a Traitor and eventual victory to Celia Imrie's hilarious one-liners and Jonathan Ross's memorable reactions.And with millions expected to tune in once again on Thursday at 8pm, the battle between the Faithful and the Traitors is about to begin all over again.The Celebrity Traitors line-up 2026 Jerry HallJerry Hall, 70, rose to fame in the Seventies and became one of the era's most recognisable fashion icons Richard E GrantRichard E Grant, 69, is celebrated for his roles in everything from the cult classic Withnail & I to modern flicks such as Everybody's Talking About Jamie James BluntJames Blunt, 52, shot to global fame with his debut album and the hit single You're Beautiful Ross KempRoss Kemp, 62, who recently returned to EastEnders to reprise his role as hardman Grant Mitchell, is said to want to challenge himself Michael SheenMichael Sheen, 57, is celebrated for his incredible performances across stage and screen, particularly his work in Good Omens and The Queen Rob BeckettBest friend of fellow Traitors star Ranganathan, comedian Rob Beckett, 40, is known for his high energy and booming laugh Sharon RooneySharon Rooney, 37, is best known for her breakout role as Rae Earl in the acclaimed series My Mad Fat Diary Joanne McNallyJoanne McNally, 43, is known for her brutally honest humour and hilarious takes on dating, chaos and modern life Amol RajanJournalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, 43, has carved out a successful career across major UK media, including radio and television King KennyKing Kenny, 29, is a content creator known for his prank videos and street-style social experiments Sebastian CroftSebastian Croft, 24, is best known for his breakout role as Ben Hope in the Netflix series Heartstopper Maya Jama Maya Jama, 32, is quickly becoming one of the UK's most popular stars and famously fronts Love Island Miranda HartMiranda Hart, 53, broke through with her hit sitcom Miranda, which became a resounding success and cemented her as a comedy legendRomesh RanganathanRomesh Ranganathan, 48, has been taking British TV by storm in recent years is known for his deadpan delivery James AcasterComedian James Acaster, 41, is good friends with Ed Gamble, who hosts The Traitors: Uncloaked. The duo present the hit food podcast Off Menu Bella RamseyBella Ramsey, 22, rose to fame as Lyanna Mormont in Game Of Thrones and gained global acclaim for their leading role in The Last Of Us Leigh-Anne PinnockLeigh-Anne Pinnock, 34, is known as a member of the girl group Little Mix, which found fame on The X Factor in 2011 Joe LycettFrom TV stunts to clever public pranks, Joe Lycett, 38, has built a reputation as one of Britain's most inventive comics Hannah FryMathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, 42, is known for turning complex data into engaging content for viewers Julie HesmondhalghJulie Hesmondhalgh, 56, is best known for her long-running role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street – the first transgender character in a British soap opera Myha'laMyha'la, 30, is known for her striking portrayal of brutal fintech expert Harper Stern in the HBO drama Industry