BBC casting teams are on high alert following Tom Hiddleston’s hint at a potential appearance on the upcoming season of The Celebrity Traitors.

The first celebrity edition of this popular game show captivated audiences, drawing an average of 13 million viewers per episode. When it premiered in October, it quickly became one of the BBC’s standout commercial hits of the year.

Hollywood actor and self-professed fan Tom Hiddleston, 44, has expressed genuine interest in the idea of participating in the next series, set at Ardross Castle, adding a touch of star power to the show.

In a conversation with Richie Anderson on BBC Radio 2, Hiddleston shared his thoughts on The Traitors, saying, “The celebrity edition would be incredible. The show’s format is brilliantly designed—it’s completely addictive. Possibly the best television I’ve ever watched.”

The latest season kicked off on New Year’s Day, with nearly every contestant eager to take on the role of a traitor. However, Hiddleston thinks it might be more intriguing to remain loyal.

He said: ‘I’d like to be a faithful because then you can play  detective, right? And you know that your conscience is clean and your heart is pure, and you’re just watching and trying to figure people out. 

BBC casting directors have been put on red alert after Tom Hiddleston suggested he would be open to an appearance on the next series of The Celebrity Traitors

The first celebrity version of the hit game show pulled in an average 13 million viewers an episode, becoming one of the biggest commercial successes of the year for the BBC 

‘If you’re a traitor it’s more of an acting exercise, right?  It’s a game, you have to keep deceiving and cloaking and dissembling and basically lying to people. 

‘It would be interesting though. I don’t know, I think being a faithful would be more of a curiosity scratcher somehow.’

The fourth series of the show follows hot on the heels of the hugely popular celebrity spin-off, which was won by comedian Alan Carr in its debut series.

On Friday night, the reality TV show saw child liaison officer Judy, a faithful, voted off by her fellow contestants following a tense roundtable discussion during which account manager Sam shared his suspicions about the 60-year-old.

She has become the first person to be banished from the castle.

During her exit speech, Judy said: ‘I would just like to say you’ve been absolutely amazing, I’ve had an absolute blast. And I’m just me. I am a faithful.’

The roundtable were shocked as she revealed her status, and contestant Roxy was frustrated and told the others to “stop going with the herd mentality”.

The episode also saw nursery school teacher Netty become the first faithful to be murdered, and the first person to leave the castle.

Hollywood star Hiddleston, a self-confessed fan, confirmed the idea of making a rather unlikely appearance at Ardross Castle when the next series begins has a certain appeal

The Hollywood star discussed  The Traitors during an appearance on BBC Radio 2 with Richie Anderson 

The 42-year-old from Glasgow was “gutted” after receiving her letter revealing that she had been “killed”.

She said: ‘I think I would’ve been a really good faithful.’ 

She was chosen as the first victim of the traitors – barrister Hugo, head of communications Rachel and cyber security consultant Stephen.

The trio made the decision after receiving a list of three names from the secret traitor, whose identity is a mystery to everyone, including the viewers.

The new twist was revealed by host Claudia Winkleman during Thursday night’s opening episode of the hit BBC show.

Meanwhile, the secret traitor whittle the list of potential murder victims down to retiree Ben, sweet shop assistant Reece, and for the second night in a row, civil servant Maz.

The Traitors, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, continues on BBC One and iPlayer on January 8 at 7.45pm

The traitors discussed who they think may be the secret traitor, and agreed it must be a woman, with Rachel saying: ‘Three males. A female has done that.’

Contestants also successfully added another £8,750 to the prize pot in Friday’s challenge.

Three players – Amanda, internal auditor Faraaz and PhD student Jade – won themselves shields, granting them protection from the traitors’ next kill.

The Traitors continues on BBC One and iPlayer on January 8 at 7.45pm.