The Traitors bosses launch bid to sign global comedy superstar for celeb series as they target string of A-listers
THE Traitors bosses hope to bring Ricky Gervais back to the BBC to star in their new celebrity spin-off.
The comedian, 63, is high among the collection of A-listers being targeted for the centrepiece project.
Ricky has been busy of late with his hugely popular stand up series for Netflix.
But the broadcaster hopes he might be convinced to come back to the channel where he shot to global fame for his role in The Office.
A TV insider said: “The Beeb want the crème de la crème of stars for the celeb spin-off, and they ideally have to be incredibly smart, funny, and mischievous — and that’s Ricky in three words.
“Behind the scenes, big names have already expressed their interest in taking part from the moment it was revealed the new version of The Traitors was being made.
“So Ricky will be in good company around the Traitors table, but whether he takes part will probably depend on his hugely busy diary.”
The Sun revealed in January that a celebrity spin-off was in the works, with filming expected to start in early 2025.
The show was offically confirmed at the Edinburgh TV Festival last week, alongside a fourth “civilian” season.
Producers Studio Lambert Scotland is convinced they will be able to attract top-tier celebs due to the show’s broad appeal and its big name fans.
Other stars said to be in the frame for the programme include presenter Jonathan Ross, who has expressed his love for the contest, as well as Courteney Cox, a close friend of host Claudia Winkleman.
But the Beeb has yet to reveal who they want for the show, or whether anybody has been signed up yet.
A spokesman for the BBC declined to comment.