Michael Sheen leads UK Celebrity Traitors winner predictions

Michael Sheen leads OLBG’s latest Celebrity Traitors winner predictions, with Julie Hesmondhalgh his closest challenger.

The forecast, published by entertainment betting expert Jake Ashton and updated on 29 September, puts the two actors ahead before viewers have watched the opening Round Table.

These are theoretical entertainment odds. OLBG explicitly states that betting sites were not taking bets on the event when the forecast was published, so the figures do not represent money being placed by viewers.

Who is the Celebrity Traitors favourite

OLBG’s forecast puts Michael at 4/1 and Julie at 5/1.

Joanne McNally and Miranda Hart follow at 6/1, with James Blunt at 13/2 and Bella Ramsey at 7/1.

Ashton highlights Michael’s potential to read people around the Round Table as a reason to rate his chances. His assessment places Michael at the front of an intriguing field of contestants.

Michael therefore heads this particular prediction list. The figures reflect an expert forecast rather than an active bookmaker market.

Could Michael or Julie go all the way

Michael’s acting experience makes him an intriguing contender for a game that rewards careful observation and convincing performances. OLBG’s Jake Ashton highlights his potential to read people around the Round Table, a skill that could serve him well whichever role he receives.

As a Traitor, Michael could draw on his experience of portraying different characters while building trust with the group. As a Faithful, an eye for subtle changes in someone’s behaviour could help him spot inconsistencies and make a persuasive case.

Julie brings extensive acting experience of her own, making both names interesting prospects ahead of the launch. Our pre-series view is that their ability to listen, observe and communicate could give them plenty to work with as relationships develop inside the castle.

Who are fans backing

Online chat has included support for Professor Hannah Fry, Miranda Hart and James Blunt. Viewers have also suggested Bella Ramsey, James Acaster and Joe Lycett as celebrities they would like to see chosen as Traitors.

These are individual hopes and predictions, with no clear consensus on a winner. Some viewers are backing their favourite personalities, while others are considering who could keep their role hidden and win the group’s trust.

Who won Celebrity Traitors last time

Alan Carr won the first UK celebrity series as a Traitor, securing £87,500 for Neuroblastoma UK. The charity confirmed the donation in its announcement on 7 November 2025, following his victory over Faithful finalists Nick Mohammed and David Olusoga.

His victory gives this year’s cast a memorable example of how personal warmth and trust can carry a player through the game. It also gives viewers a reason to keep an open mind about who might prove the most convincing liar.

Michael enters the series with a strong endorsement from OLBG’s forecast and plenty of potential to become a compelling player. Watching him build alliances and approach his first Round Table will give viewers their first opportunity to see those strengths in action.

Watch the official BBC trailer here:

When does Celebrity Traitors start

The Celebrity Traitors returns tonight, Thursday 1 October, at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with an extended opening episode. The BBC’s launch announcement, reported by RTÉ on 15 September, confirmed the date and time, with Claudia Winkleman returning to host as 21 celebrities compete for charity.

You can read Jake Ashton’s full Celebrity Traitors predictions on OLBG to see his assessment and the complete list of theoretical odds.

Image credits:BBC/Traitors UK