Anna Maxwell Martin Bows Out of ‘Celebrity Traitors’ Over Late Filming Schedule

Anna Maxwell Martin has ruled out taking part in the celebrity edition of The Traitors. She blamed the production’s late filming schedule and early bedtimes.

Comments on The Jonathan Ross Show

The actress made the remarks during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show. She told host Jonathan Ross she prefers an early night and could not commit.

Maxwell Martin said castle shoots in Scotland extend into the small hours. She noted that summer nights often delay contestants until 11pm or later.

Why she bows out

Anna Maxwell Martin bows out because she values sleep and routine. She quipped she wants to be in bed by 8pm.

She pointed to the civilian series as evidence of late finishes. The late filming schedule, she added, would not suit her.

The Traitors format and recent success

The Traitors is filmed in a Scottish castle and hosted by Claudia Winkleman. Contestants, known as faithfuls, try to spot hidden traitors to win prize money.

The Celebrity Traitors version drew huge audiences. The series averaged 14.9 million viewers, making it the biggest TV audience of 2025.

The latest celebrity run saw Jonathan Ross cast as a traitor. He joined Alan Carr and Cat Burns in deceiving the faithfuls.

Other celebrity reactions

Comedian Catherine Tate said she would join the game if cameras were not present. She expressed a wish to play the format away from television.

Maxwell Martin’s recent work and accolades

Maxwell Martin praised her experience on the BBC comedy Motherland. She described strong bonds with the cast and fond memories of filming.

Motherland ended in 2022 and later inspired the spin-off Amandaland, starring Lucy Punch. Maxwell Martin is also known for roles in Bleak House and Poppy Shakespeare.

She has won two BAFTA awards. Her credits include Detective Chief Superintendent Patricia Carmichael in Line Of Duty.

Broadcast details

The Jonathan Ross Show airs on Saturdays at 10pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Producers of The Traitors have not commented on casting reactions.