Bromley (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Bromley born comedian Joe Wilkinson revealed Celebrity Traitors bosses once searched his bags during filming, calling it an awkward and surreal experience.
Currently airing on BBC One and iPlayer, Wilkinson is part of the cast of the UK‘s first all-celebrity run of the popular psychological game show The Traitors.
19 well-known personalities will compete for up to £100,000 for their selected charity in the nine-episode series, which is hosted by Claudia Winkleman.
Wilkinson from Bromley is joined in the roster by players including Charlotte Church, Tom Daley, Stephen Fry, and Alan Carr.
Wilkinson recently discussed his experience recording the show on the Chatabix podcast, recalling a moment when he was upset with the producers when they checked his bags. The show is presently airing on BBC One in the middle of the week.
The comedian shared:
“This man said, ‘I’m going to go through your bag'”,
as Wilkinson replied,
“I don’t think you are, pal.”
Adding:
“All the producers came.
I was like, ‘You’re going to have to trust me’ but they were like ‘well you have signed up to this, you p***k’ and I was like, ‘ok, carry on”.
Wilkinson confirmed that nothing suspicious was found and, in the end, everything was fine.
But it wasn’t just the comedian who was surprised their bags were searched, as actor Mark Bonnar recalled things getting “weird” as soon as they arrived.
He said:
“There are six people in your room as soon as you’ve checked in, and they’re going through every item of your luggage.
Just to check you haven’t got any secret recording equipment or illegal drugs.
We’re celebrities—we wouldn’t do drugs!”
Here are all the celebrities taking part in Celebrity Traitors, excluding host Claudia Winkleman, and which ones are the Traitors.
- Alan Carr – Comedian (Traitor)
- Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter (Traitor)
- Celia Imrie – Actor
- Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist
- Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author
- David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker
- Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster
- Joe Wilkinson – Comedian
- Jonathan Ross – Presenter (Traitor)
- Kate Garraway – Broadcaster
- Lucy Beaumont – Comedian
- Mark Bonnar – Actor
- Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian
- Niko Omilana – Content Creator
- Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor
- Ruth Codd – Actor
- Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter
- Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian
- Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur
How are contestants screened before Celebrity Traitors filming?
In-depth background checks and vetting conducted by a production team to evaluate the suitability of participants, including personal and professional behavior. Medical and psychological assessments to ensure mental and physical readiness for the intense and high-stress context of the game.
Security and drug screening measures, including the search of personal items, including bags, for contraband or prohibited items on set. Legal and contractual approvals, including agreements and confidentiality clauses, to finalize the participation.
Limits on communication with the outside world, including restrictions on access to technology, to protect the secrecy of filming and gameplay. Orientation and debriefing sessions, including establishing expectations and informing participants about the rules of the game and its format.