THE Traitors has been the BBC’s biggest hit for years, so it’s no surprise the corporation will be throwing everything and the kitchen sink at its second series.
I can reveal bosses are looking at adding a spin-off show to accompany the main event, along the lines of Strictly — It Takes Two and The Apprentice: You’re Fired.
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It would allow the Beeb to really ramp up drama and intrigue around the action — and maximise viewing figures.
A TV source said: “Considering a spin-off show is a sure sign the BBC sees The Traitors as one of its biggest programmes, which is extraordinary after just one series.
“Strictly was unusual in that it launched with a digital companion show on BBC Three, but even the Great British Bake Off only gained its Extra Slice spin-off for its fifth series.”
Rylan Clark and Judi Love are in the frame to host, after both said they were huge fans of the series. Claudia Winkleman, who presents the main show, could also be asked to cover.
The source added: “Rylan has proven to be safe hands on this kind of show and has really made Strictly — It Takes Two his own, able to handle comedy scenes alongside probing interviews.
“If they go ahead with the plan, he’s top of the wish list, but Judi has also carved out a niche on similar programmes like Channel 4’s Married At First Sight companion Unveiled.
“Radio 1 breakfast host Greg James would have been a great fit too, but he’s just signed up to Channel 4’s upcoming Rise And Fall which will be a similar format.”
In The Traitors, players work together in a series of spectacular challenges to build a prize pot.
The contestants who are designated “traitors” will win the cash for themselves if they eliminate the rest of the competitors, known as “faithfuls”, without their secret identity being discovered.
The format was based on a Dutch version but filmed in a castle in the Scottish Highlands.
The first series has been streamed on iPlayer more than 17million times and a peak of 3.7million viewers watched the final live in December.
The BBC has already begun casting for a second stint.
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