THE CELEBRITY Traitors has seen the £1million bill for its star signings more than doubled — due to the contestants demands for A-list treatment.
Producers have had to fork out another seven-figure sum to provide enough security for the collection of models, actors and comedians for the second year of the spin-off version of the hit show.
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Maya Jama arrives at the airport ahead of the star-studded show Credit: Northpix
Miranda Hart arrives into Inverness on a private jet Credit: Click News and Media
Over the weekend, most shunned the train and were instead flown into Inverness Airport — including Love Island host Maya Jama and EastEnders star Ross Kemp — the nearest travel hub to Ardross Castle where the series is filmed in the Scottish Highlands.
Once there teams of security desperately tried to shield the celebrities from view as they headed to a nearby hotel, where screens had been erected around entrances.
They were also individually escorted into luxury cars which had the windows blacked out — despite the fact the full list of 21 competitors had already been released by the BBC on Saturday.
A show insider said: “Although most of the stars are British so many of them are used to working in America that their teams are used to the Hollywood treatment.
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EastEnders legend Ross Kemp was seen arriving with his wife Credit: Click News and Media
Joanne McNally arrives in Inverness ahead of the show Credit: Click News and Media
“They don’t want to find themselves thrust into the spotlight, or put in any kind of danger, so demand substantial security the minute they arrive.
“But it’s also more than a little bizarre because Inverness is pretty quiet and remote — it’s not like arriving at JFK of LAX Airport.”
It is much different to last year’s first staging of the celebrity version of the hit show — with many stars arriving for filming on the train.
Then rather than be in chauffeur-driven cars, they were ferried around in a minibus.
Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh was one of the few who came by train Credit: Click News and Media
James Blunt arrived late on Jattvibeday and seemed content with his low profile Credit: Click News and Media
The source added of the change in approach to the stars: “The production team have little choice, however, than to cater for their demands because they accept the number of A-listers taking part in this year’s show make it exceptional.”
Most of the celebs took a fee much lower than they would usually demand for a TV show — particularly one which is the most watched in the country.
They want to take part for the love of the game, not to mention the exposure and prospect of winning a cash for a charity of their choice. Last year’s finale — which saw comedian Alan Carr, a Traitor, win — was viewed by 15million.
But it is believed the costs of travel, accommodation and security for this year’s group of contestants is predicted to set show producers back around another £1million at least.
Celeb Traitors is hosted by Claudia Winkleman Credit: BBC
The Celebrity Traitors is filmed at Ardross Castle Credit: BBC
Each one of the 21 competing is believed to be paid a flat fee of £40,000 to appear.
There’s also the £100,000 jackpot for the second series of the celebrity version of the show, which will again be hosted by presenter Claudia Winkleman.
The celebrities continued to arrive yesterday with filming expected to start today on the show, which will be due to air in the autumn.
Maya, 31, Ross, 61, and comic Joanne McNally, 42, were spotted at the airport yesterday, while former Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, 56, who arrived by train, was seen getting into a car.
Singer James Blunt kept a low profile as he wore a baseball cap and sunglasses.
Saturday’s arrivals had included actors Richard E. Grant, 68, and Bella Ramsey, 22, broadcaster Amol Rajan, 42, and former model Jerry Hall, 69.
Production staff were also seen carrying boxes filled with wetsuits — which suggests the first task may be water based and will take place imminently.
GOOD CARR-MA
By Rod McPhee
ALAN Carr has seen so much success since winning last year that he has been asked to go on Question Time, he revealed.
But the comic, 49, turned down the prestige political debate show, joking on his podcast yesterday: “I’m not intelligent.
“I struggle with Tipping Point.”
Alan has bagged a series of major TV projects since his victory last year.
