The BBC has officially lifted the veil on the much-anticipated celebrity edition of The Traitors, revealing a dazzling array of stars ready to test their mettle in the ultimate game of trust and betrayal. Filming has commenced at the majestic Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, under the guidance of the inimitable Claudia Winkleman. The line-up boasts a mix of comedy legends, television personalities, and acclaimed actors, promising a season filled with intrigue, strategy, and unexpected alliances.

Among the notable names confirmed to participate are comedy duo Bob Mortimer and Alan Carr, alongside child star turned singer Charlotte Church. The inclusion of such diverse personalities hints at a dynamic interplay of strategies, as contestants navigate the delicate balance between deception and trust. An insider revealed that the celebrity version is expected to diverge from the original format, with participants potentially prioritizing their public image over the prize fund, adding an intriguing layer to the competition.

Adding to the excitement, Scots Line of Duty star Mark Bonnar is rumored to join the cast, bringing his dramatic prowess to the high-stakes environment of The Traitors. Bonnar, known for his versatile roles across BBC dramas, could prove to be a wildcard in the game. While the BBC has yet to confirm all participants, the rumored inclusion of ITV talk show host Jonathan Ross further elevates the show's star power, ensuring a wide appeal to audiences.

As the celebrities prepare to face the challenges and psychological battles that lie ahead, viewers can look forward to a season that blends entertainment with suspense. With the promise of more thrilling tasks and roundtable drama, Celebrity Traitors is set to captivate audiences this autumn, offering a fresh take on the beloved format. The show's return not only highlights the enduring appeal of reality competition but also showcases the Scottish Highlands as a breathtaking backdrop for this high-stakes game of wits and wills.

London's Metropolitan Police has reversed its longstanding position on grooming gangs in the capital, acknowledging for the first time that it has multiple active investigations into group-based child sexual exploitation. The shift came after an investigation by MyLondon and The Daily Express challenged official statements from both police leadership and Mayor Sadiq Khan, who had consistently maintained there were "no reports" or "no indication" of Rochdale or Rotherham-style rape gangs operating in London.

The investigation uncovered evidence from four separate His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services reports spanning 2016 to 2025 that documented at least six potential victims of grooming gang abuse. These case studies, which the Mayor of London personally responded to according to public statements, described children as young as 13 being exploited by groups of predatory men. The reports detailed how girls were plied with drugs and alcohol, raped in hotels by multiple perpetrators, and subjected to life-threatening situations.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley revealed to Assembly Members at City Hall that the force now acknowledges a "steady flow" of live multi-offender child sexual exploitation investigations and a "very significant" number of historic cases requiring reinvestigation. The commissioner estimated these reviews would cost "millions of pounds a year, for several years" to properly investigate, contradicting previous assertions that the force had "not seen" such cases in London.

Political figures including Reform UK MP Lee Anderson and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp have criticized the mayor's handling of the situation, with Anderson stating there is "real, credible evidence that grooming gangs exist in London" and Philp alleging that Khan is "facilitating a cover-up." A spokesman for the mayor maintained that Khan has "always been clear that the safety of Londoners is his top priority" and remains "committed to doing all he can to protect children in London."