D-listers’ horror as Celebrity Traitors refuses their calls – because they will only settle for REAL stars

It’s the hit BBC show that captivates millions of viewers around the world with its mix of lies, deceit and intrigue.

But when the highly anticipated celebrity version of The Traitors is filmed in the new year, the line-up will not include any reality TV stars – despite the insistence of their agents.

The Mail on Sunday understands that the show, which has already confirmed a star-studded cast of national treasures including Stephen Fry, Clare Balding and Olympic diving champion Tom Daley, has been inundated with requests to include lesser-known names from shows such as The Only way is Essex and Love Island.

An industry source said the phones were ringing ‘non-stop’ from agents trying to get their D-list clients a prime seat at The Traitors’ infamous Round Table – and the primetime exposure and publicity it gave them would guarantee.

But only bona fide celebrities and real household names are eligible.

The source said: “The team behind The Traitors have never seen anything like this before. Since the celebrity series was announced this summer, the phones have been ringing non-stop with agents desperate to pitch their talent to the show.

‘But it has been made loud and clear that they only want high-profile household names and are not looking for the usual fodder from the reality TV circuit.’

The show, which is filmed at the atmospheric Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands and presented by Claudia Winkleman, splits the cast into Faithfuls and a small handful of Traitors.

The Mail on Sunday understands the show has already confirmed a star-studded cast of national treasures, including Stephen Fry

Only bona fide celebrities and real household names, such as Jennifer Saunders, are eligible

The Traitors must plot to eliminate the Faithful by ‘killing’ one each night – without being identified – in order to get their hands on a cash prize.

The second series, which aired last January, attracted four million viewers per evening.

They watched as British Army Engineer Harry Clark – one of the traitors – successfully fooled his fellow contestants and walked away with the entire prize pool of £95,150.

The third series will be released early next year. The celebrity edition was announced in the summer, with Ms. Winkleman carefully included in the casting decisions.

A source said: ‘Claudia absolutely loves The Traitors. She is passionate about the celebrity version and wants the best possible cast.”

The American version of the show, hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming, featured a mix of reality TV show contestants and regular people. The BBC said they will air the celebrity version of The Traitors next year.

A spokesperson said of the casting: “The Traitors is a game that involves lies and deception, so it would be foolhardy for any Faithful to speculate before the game has even begun.”