Anna Maxwell Martin put off by the Celebrity Traitors as it ‘films too late’ 2026

Key Points

• Anna Maxwell Martin, 48-year-old Bafta-winning actress, declined Celebrity Traitors due to late-night filming schedules.
• She stated she wants to be in bed by 8pm, citing filming extending to 11pm, 12am, or even 1am-2am for traitors.
• Celebrity Traitors, hosted by Claudia Winkleman in the Scottish Highlands, averaged 14.9 million viewers, BBC’s biggest audience of 2025.
• Maxwell Martin discussed this on ITV’s The Jonathan Ross Show, alongside guests like Catherine Tate.
• Catherine Tate expressed enthusiasm for the game but only if not televised.
• First series featured Jonathan Ross as a traitor with Alan Carr and Cat Burns.
• Maxwell Martin reflected fondly on BBC comedy Motherland, calling it about “adults behaving like children.”
• Motherland ended in 2022; spin-off Amandaland stars Lucy Punch.
• Maxwell Martin’s Baftas: Esther Summerson in Bleak House (BBC), N in Poppy Shakespeare (Channel 4).
• Also known for Detective Chief Superintendent Patricia Carmichael in Line of Duty (BBC One).
• The Jonathan Ross Show airs Saturdays at 10pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

London (Britain Today News) April 10, 2026 – Bafta-winning actress Anna Maxwell Martin has revealed she turned down a spot on the Celebrity Traitors due to its notoriously late filming hours, insisting she prefers to be in bed by 8pm.

The 48-year-old star, known for her roles in Motherland and Line of Duty, shared her reluctance during an appearance on ITV’s The Jonathan Ross Show. Host Jonathan Ross quizzed his celebrity guests on whether they had been approached for the hit BBC gameshow spin-off. Maxwell Martin quipped that she would have joined the first series alongside Ross but was deterred by the schedule.

Set in a remote Scottish Highlands castle and hosted by Claudia Winkleman, Celebrity Traitors pits “faithfuls” against hidden “traitors” in a tense battle to claim a cash prize. The format, a celebrity version of the civilian edition, proved a massive hit, drawing an average of 14.9 million viewers across its 2025 run – the largest TV audience that year.

Why Did Anna Maxwell Martin Skip Celebrity Traitors?

Maxwell Martin explained the timing clash vividly on the show. As reported in coverage of the episode, she noted the challenges of filming in a Scottish summer, where daylight lingers late.

“Yeah, I would have been with you, darling,”

she told Ross, referencing his participation in the inaugural celebrity series that premiered last autumn.

“But, I can see from the civilian one how late it gets on that show. That’s a Scottish summer and they’re not leaving that castle until it gets dark, that’s 11pm, 12am… if you’re a traitor it’s 1am… 2am… I want to be in bed by 8pm.”

Her comments highlight the grueling demands of reality TV production, particularly for a show reliant on atmospheric night-time tension. The castle setting demands waits for natural darkness, pushing shoots deep into the early hours. Maxwell Martin’s early bedtime preference underscores a personal boundary amid her busy acting schedule.

Fellow guest and comic actress Catherine Tate offered a contrasting view. Tate enthusiastically declared,

“I 100 percent would do it – if it wasn’t on the telly. If I could just go to the castle… I’d love to play the game.”

Her remark suggests the added pressure of public scrutiny might deter some stars, though she relishes the game’s intrigue privately.

What Made Celebrity Traitors a Ratings Sensation?

The Celebrity Traitors debut captivated audiences, achieving peak viewership that solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon. Broadcast on BBC, the series featured a star-studded cast where traitors schemed to “murder” faithfuls and secure the prize fund. Jonathan Ross himself was selected as a traitor, teaming up with comedian Alan Carr and singer Cat Burns to outwit their competitors.

The show’s success stemmed from its blend of psychological strategy, celebrity glamour, and high-stakes drama. Filmed in the imposing Ardverikie Castle in the Highlands, it mirrored the civilian version’s format but amplified the star power. The average 14.9 million viewers per episode marked it as 2025’s top-rated programme, outperforming rivals and sparking widespread social media buzz.

Producers capitalised on the format’s proven appeal from the original Traitors, which built a loyal fanbase through its mix of deception and elimination challenges. Claudia Winkleman’s hosting, with her signature cloaks and commanding presence, added to the immersive experience.

How Did Jonathan Ross Feature in the Show?

Jonathan Ross’s involvement added a layer of insider appeal to Celebrity Traitors. As a traitor, he joined forces with Alan Carr and Cat Burns in the first series. The trio’s mission involved covertly eliminating faithfuls while maintaining facades of innocence. Ross’s selection surprised fans, given his established chat show persona, but he embraced the role with evident relish.

During his ITV appearance, Ross prompted the discussion by asking guests about approaches for the show. Maxwell Martin’s response directly referenced his stint, underscoring the personal connections among British TV personalities. The episode’s banter revealed the camaraderie – and rivalries – within the industry.

What Is Anna Maxwell Martin’s Take on Motherland?

Shifting from reality TV regrets, Maxwell Martin lavished praise on her BBC sitcom Motherland. The award-winning comedy, which wrapped in 2022, centres on the chaos of middle-class parenting.

“Loved that show, all the cast, very close. Really proud of the girls,”

she shared.

“It’s just daft. I think people thought it was a comedy about parenting, which it isn’t really. It’s about adults behaving like children really. We had a real laugh.”

Her reflection captures the series’ essence: sharp satire on grown-up pettiness masquerading as family life. The close-knit cast fostered an on-set atmosphere of joy, contributing to its critical acclaim. Motherland’s legacy endures through its 2022 spin-off, Amandaland, featuring Lucy Punch in a lead role.

Which Roles Earned Anna Maxwell Martin Baftas?

Maxwell Martin’s trophy cabinet boasts two Baftas, cementing her as a television heavyweight. She won for portraying Esther Summerson in the BBC’s 2005 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Bleak House. The period drama showcased her nuanced performance amid a sprawling ensemble.

Her second Bafta came for playing “N” in Channel 4’s 2008 Poppy Shakespeare, a gritty exploration of mental health services. The role demanded emotional depth, earning widespread praise. These accolades highlight her versatility across genres, from literary classics to contemporary social issues.

What Is Her Iconic Line of Duty Character?

Audiences also know Maxwell Martin as Detective Chief Superintendent Patricia Carmichael in BBC One’s Line of Duty. Her stern, no-nonsense interrogations became meme-worthy moments, injecting tension into the acclaimed police procedural. The character’s appearances across series amplified her reputation for commanding authority.

When and Where to Watch The Jonathan Ross Show?

The platform for these revelations, ITV’s The Jonathan Ross Show, maintains its Saturday night slot at 10pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The episode featuring Maxwell Martin, Tate, and others promises lively chat, blending showbiz gossip with personal anecdotes.

This appearance aligns with Ross’s tradition of drawing top talent, fostering candid exchanges that resonate with viewers. As British TV’s late-night staple, it bridges celebrity worlds, from scripted dramas to reality spectacles.

Maxwell Martin’s forthright comments on Celebrity Traitors illuminate the hidden rigours of fame. While the show’s allure remains undeniable – evidenced by its record-breaking numbers – not all stars crave the midnight machinations. Her preference for an early night speaks to a grounded approach amid a glittering career.

The actress’s journey, from Bafta triumphs to sitcom stardom, continues to inspire. As she eyes future projects, fans ponder: will scheduling ever align for a Traitors cameo? For now, her quip endures as a relatable rebuke to late-night TV excesses.