Comic Relief special: The Traitors: The Movie – The Sequel assembles star-studded traitors sketch
Who, what, when, where, why: A star-studded sequel sketch titled The Traitors: The Movie – The Sequel will feature award-winning actors, comedians and real series four cast members in a live Red Nose Day event; the sketch will air on Friday 20 March from 7pm ET and aims to raise funds for charity with a sharp comedic send-up for comic relief.
Cast and creative team
The sketch brings together Anna Friel, Amanda Redman MBE, Alison Steadman OBE, Fleur East, Iain Stirling, Vicky Pattison, Scott Mills, Jessica Hynes, Lewis Cope and Ruby Wax OBE alongside the original series four cast. The production revisits iconic moments from the series and is produced by Studio Lambert Scotland, with direction credited to Ed Bye and a segment ‘directed’ within the sketch by Ruby Wax OBE.
Performers will play well-known roles from the show: Anna Friel takes on the host role of Claudia Winkleman; Vicky Pattison portrays Rachel; Scott Mills plays James; Iain Stirling becomes Stephen; Amanda Redman MBE plays Amanda; Alison Steadman OBE plays Fiona; Fleur East plays Roxy; Lewis Cope plays Jack; and Jessica Hynes appears as Harriet. These celebrity portrayals sit alongside appearances from the real series four cast including Rachel Duffy, Stephen Libby, Faraaz Noor, Fiona Hughes, Ross Garshong, Jade Scott and Judy Wilson.
Comic Relief sketch reactions from the set
Anna Friel, actor, said: “We’re doing a sketch for Comic Relief, and I am playing Claudia Winkleman! Lots and lots of warm clothes for me today, I’ve had roll necks and coats and boots and fingerless gloves! Seeing Alison Steadman [OBE] again was absolutely lovely, she played my mother in a drama we did together. Jessica Hynes is so funny and brilliant, and I watched The Traitors so seeing the series four cast was really gorgeous and they were all wonderful and warm – it’s been a really light and happy set. Comic Relief is a really worthy cause and beautiful campaign – Go get your Red Nose!”
Fleur East, performer, said: “I am so excited to be here, I’ve even bumped into Rachel [Duffy]! I’m a huge fan of The Traitors, I watched the last series religiously, so you could say I’ve landed my dream role today. I’ve watched Comic Relief for years, and now families will be able to watch this sketch and hopefully laugh a lot! Any little bit I can do to help such an amazing cause just fills my day with joy. “
Vicky Pattison, performer, added: “I have been a supporter and champion of Comic Relief for years, however this does feel a little bit outside of my usual wheelhouse – I am not an actor, I am not Northern Irish, I think I’d rather be back in the Arctic or trekking or something so I am very scared!”
The real Stephen offered a wry preview: “I’ve got Iain Stirling playing myself, and he might be in a jumpsuit number as well – so I think he may currently be crying in a dressing room somewhere trying to squeeze into that. Every year I’ve always watched Comic Relief, so to be part of it is just really amazing. ” Fiona, one of the contestants, said: “Alison Steadman [OBE] is playing me! Can’t get better than that can you! She’s brilliant, so I can’t wait to see her take on Fiona Hughes [Laughs]. “
Timing, format and charity aim
The event is billed as a live Red Nose Day special on Friday 20 March from 7pm ET and will feature multiple sketches including this Traitors sequel and an Amanda-themed sketch. The organisers present the evening as a blend of comedy and fundraising, with proceeds intended to support basic needs such as food, shelter and safety for people in need.
What’s next: Expect highlights and audience reaction immediately after the live broadcast, with follow-up clips and further fundraising appeals planned during the Red Nose Day stream. The sketch’s mix of celebrity impersonation and contributions from the original contestants positions it as one of the headline comedy items of the night; teams involved say rehearsals and final edits will continue up to transmission, and viewers will see the finished sketch when it airs live at 7pm ET.
For comic relief fans, the Traitors sequel promises a high-energy, star-packed send-up that leans on affection for the series while pushing for donations in support of the event’s charitable goals.
