Claudia Winkleman has admitted she had to be convinced by BBC bosses to take part in a second series of The Traitors.
The presenter, 51, has told in a new interview how she told the channel to 'let's leave it alone' because she was concerned a new series might not meet people's expectations.
The Traitors is a nerve-wracking psychological reality competition in which 22 strangers play the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust, in the hope of winning up to £120,000.
Speaking to Heat magazine, she said: 'We're going again, but I'm nervous and weird about it.
“I originally said, 'Let's just leave it as this magical thing that happened. Then the head of the BBC took my temperature. I just don't want people's expectations to be so high.'
Claudia Winkleman has admitted she had to be convinced by BBC bosses to take part in a second series of The Traitors
The presenter, 51, has told in a new interview how she told the channel to 'let's leave it alone' because she was concerned a new series might not meet people's expectations
During the chat, she also gave her thoughts on why the show was such a success when it debuted.
She explains: 'There were 20,000 registrations for the first series, and around 130,000 for the second series.
“What I like about our cast is that they're not interested in being famous, they want to play the game and win the money.”
This series, Claudia is joined by comedian Ed Gamble who presents a special spin-off podcast for the hit show.
After months of anticipation, fans of the hit BBC show can tune in for the second series on Wednesday, January 3.
Those looking to binge the first few shows are in for a treat, as episodes two and three will be available to watch on iPlayer immediately afterwards.
Going forward, the show will air on BBC One on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The participants for season two have not yet been announced.
The first season of The Traitors, set in a Scottish castle, started in late November 2022.
The Traitors is a nerve-wracking psychological reality competition in which 22 strangers play the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust, in the hope of winning up to £120,000
The first series attracted an average of 5.4 million viewers and was so popular that a second series was commissioned in February.
In the show, most of the contestants are 'Faithfuls' and must figure out who among them are 'Traitors' – who have the ability to 'kill' a fellow contestant every night.
The group has daily 'bans' in which they must vote to kick out someone they believe is a traitor, while working together on challenges to raise money for the prize fund.
Show bosses are confident the next installment will be another success and have already approved and opened casting applications for a third season.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that season two of The Traitors will get a new spin-off, but Claudia won't be at the helm as comedian Ed takes on the role.
The Traitors: Uncloaked is a brand new visualized podcast that will take fans of the hit entertainment show deeper into the castle.
This series, Claudia is joined by comedian Ed Gamble who presents a special spin-off podcast for the hit show
The first series attracted an average of 5.4 million viewers and was so popular that a second series was commissioned in February
There will be an array of cast members and celebrity guests, who will be on hand to discuss all the betrayals, mind games and manipulations.
Speaking about his new role, Ed said: 'The first series of The Traitors was my absolute obsession, and I can't wait to dive deep into series two and dissect all the twists and turns it has to offer. It goes without saying that I am one hundred percent loyal.'
The episodes air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, and an extended version with additional guests, further theories and essential analysis is available on BBC Sounds
The Traitors returns on Wednesday January 3 at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer