Fans of Celebrity Traitors were in for a shock as This Country star Daisy May Cooper
and her brother Charlie made a last-minute decision to drop out of the highly anticipated reality series.
With just weeks left before filming begins, their unexpected departure has left producers scrambling to find suitable replacements.
Why Daisy and Charlie Cooper Quit the Show
According to sources close to Daisy, the siblings decided to step away from the project due to family commitments.
Daisy, 38, is a mother of three and welcomed her youngest child, Benji, in June with her partner Anthony Huggins, 45.
She also has two older children, Pip, six, and Jack, three, from a previous relationship. Meanwhile, her brother Charlie, 35, has two children with his wife, Leighanne.
A source revealed:
“It’s caused producers a real headache as it’s so close to filming. They’d banked on Daisy and Charlie being TV gold, so it’s disappointing they won’t be a part of the first Celebrity Traitors. They’re hilarious and brilliant on telly together—plus, being brother and sister would have brought a really interesting element to the series.”
The decision is certainly a setback for the BBC, which had high hopes for the comedic duo, given their strong on-screen chemistry and popularity.
A Big Blow for BBC Producers
Daisy and Charlie rose to fame with their award-winning BBC mockumentary This Country, which humorously depicted life in a small rural town. More recently, the siblings collaborated on Am I Being Unreasonable?, a dark comedy that has gained widespread acclaim.
Their presence on Celebrity Traitors was expected to inject humor and unpredictability into the series, making their withdrawal all the more disappointing for producers.
The BBC had reportedly been eager to include a well-known family duo in the celebrity edition of the hit reality show. Prior to approaching Daisy and Charlie, they had unsuccessfully attempted to recruit Scottish tennis legend Sir Andy Murray and his mother, Judy. With both families now out of the picture, producers are once again searching for the perfect pairing.
Who Will Replace Them?
The first-ever UK celebrity version of The Traitors—hosted by Claudia Winkleman—is set to feature a lineup of well-known personalities. While Daisy and Charlie’s exit has thrown a wrench into the casting plans, several famous names are rumored to have already signed up.
Among the celebrities reportedly joining the show are:
Stephen Fry
Tom Daley
Clare Balding
Robert Peston
Alan Carr
Jennifer Saunders
Paloma Faith
Additionally, comedian Bob Mortimer has expressed his enthusiasm for the show, stating:
“It’s the only show of its kind on TV that I would agree to get involved with… I’d love to do it.”
His passion for the game could make him a strong contender to fill one of the vacant spots.
Claudia Winkleman’s Dilemma
As the face of The Traitors, Claudia Winkleman has remained tight-lipped about the casting process. However, she has admitted that she would find it difficult if one of her close friends were to take part in the show.
“I haven’t vetoed anyone, but it would be hard if a great friend did it,” she confessed.
Given the unpredictable nature of the game—where contestants must outwit and deceive one another—it’s easy to see why personal relationships could complicate things.
The Traitors’ Record-Breaking Popularity
Despite the casting hiccup, The Traitors remains one of the BBC’s most successful reality formats. The civilian version of the show has consistently drawn massive audiences, with the most recent finale pulling in nearly 10 million viewers—breaking records for the series.
Last season’s winners, Jake Brown and Leanne Quigley, managed to outmaneuver their fellow contestants and walk away with a prize fund of £94,600. With such high stakes and a fiercely competitive environment, the celebrity edition promises to be just as thrilling.
What’s Next for Celebrity Traitors?
With filming fast approaching, Celebrity Traitors producers now face the challenge of finding replacements who can bring the same level of charisma and entertainment as Daisy and Charlie Cooper. Whether they opt for another sibling duo or an unexpected pairing remains to be seen.
One thing is certain—despite this setback, the show is set to deliver the same drama, deception, and shocking twists that have made The Traitors a must-watch series. Fans will be eagerly waiting to see which famous faces will ultimately make the final cut.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.