Friends legend lined up as first signing for Celebrity version of The Traitors – and she’s pals with Claudia Winkleman
Host Claudia also reveals her dream celebrity contestants for the show as bosses hope more of her A-list contacts will sign up
FRIENDS legend Courteney Cox is being lined up as the first signing for the celebrity spin-off of hit TV show The Traitors.
The sitcom star, 59, is a pal of host Claudia Winkleman, 52 — and even appeared with her in a sketch for the show.
A TV insider said: “Getting Courteney on board would be a real coup.”
BBC bosses hope Traitors host Claudia’s friendship with Courteney will convince the star to sign up to the show.
Telly chiefs are also hoping more of Claudia’s A-list contacts can be signed up to join the Traitor and Faithful teams to ensure the line-up is one of the best seen on a celebrity spin-off.
The Sun exclusively revealed last month how the BBC is working on a star-studded version of the show.
A TV insider said: “The fact the producers have a star from Friends in their sights shows the kind of calibre of famous faces Celebrity Traitors is aiming for.
“After the show was announced, producers were swamped with calls from big names and their agents wanting to throw their hat in the ring — many of them a big surprise.
“Courteney has always been a fan of the show, particularly as the British version has her mate Claudia fronting it.”
Courteney — who played Monica Geller in US sitcom Friends — was seen last month with her husband, Snow Patrol band member Johnny McDaid, having lunch in London’s Mayfair with Claudia and her husband, film producer Kris Thykier.
Both women last year posted a tongue-in-cheek video together to encourage potential contestants for series two of the UK show.
It featured Claudia standing in front of Courteney, whose identity was obscured by one of the show’s hallmark hooded cloaks.
CLAUDIA’S WISH-LIST
- Victoria Coren Mitchell
- Adam Woodyatt
- Andrew Garfield
- Stephen Fry
TRAITORS CELEB FANS
- Matty Healy, lead singer of The 1975
- Zoe Ball, Radio 2 DJ
In the clip, Claudia said: “So I have some news — The Traitors series two is coming.
“Would you like to get involved?
“I might see you in the castle.”
Courteney then pulled down her hood and said: “Claudia, can I please do it?”
But the host replied: “I’ve said this to you before, it’s no.
“You cannot apply if you’re a celebrity or one as famous as this one.
“Now, off you go.”
In January, Claudia was asked who her dream celebrity contestants would be.
She said: “Victoria Coren Mitchell, so I can cuddle her.
“I know her, that sounds weird.
“Adam Woodyatt, always.
“Andrew Garfield and I’ll have Stephen Fry as well.”
Other celebrity fans of the show include Radio 2’s Zoe Ball, Sherlock and Bond actor Andrew Scott and Crown actress Claire Foy.
Matty Healy, from band The 1975, also professed his love for the show during a recent gig.
The BBC declined to comment.
