The second series of Celebrity Traitors has already included Richard E. Grant revealing himself as a traitor and a paranoid Ross Kemp accusing Game of Thrones star Bella Ramsey of murdering him.But viewers quickly fell for another castle resident – Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh.In the opening minutes of Thursday’s episode of the flagship BBC show, the soap star endeared herself to viewers and her co-stars with her starstruck manners.Julie, 56, was seen enthusiastically greeting celebs as they walked into the estate chapel in the opening scene. After shaking singer James Blunt’s hand, Julie hurried over to actress Myha’la, telling her: ‘It’s lovely to meet you. I’m such a big fan Myha’la. I’ve watched all of Industry.’She also got up to shake the hand of Oscar-nominated actor Richard E. Grant.Julie admitted ‘I do get a little bit starstruck and I do get a little bit hungry for friendship with people that I know off the telly so I’m hoping that I can really, really pull that bit of myself back.’ Celebrity Traitors viewers quickly fell for castle resident – Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh during Thursday’s opening episode In the opening minutes of Thursday’s episode of the flagship BBC show, the soap star endeared herself to viewers and her co-stars with her starstruck mannersFans were delighted with her fangirling though as one viewer wrote on X: ‘Julie Hesmondhalgh looking like she’s just delighted to have been invited to the castle is already one of my favourite things about this series’.’Few mins in to the Traitors and I’m loving Julie, going to the people she loves the most from the telly! this will be a great series!’ agreed another.Another fan pointed out that the actress has earned her place among the celeb cast, commenting: ‘julie hesmondhalgh being starstruck like she isn’t literally hayley cropper #traitors.’In behind the scenes video released by the BBC hours before the first episode aired, Julie was already feeling the pressure of the game, as she lamented to camera that she felt ‘quite challenged by this packing task.’ ‘It’s about eleven hours before I get picked up to start the journey to the iconic castle,’ she sighed, explaining that she was overwhelmed by the sheer array of outfits she would need for the show.’I already feel quite challenged by this packing task. There are so many different elements. The running around, exercising. The dinner parties. The funerals.’She made sure there was room for the essentials too, adding: ‘I’ve got some books for down time. I’ve got a little paint set. Writing pad. HRT bum patches.’ It’s been revealed that the second series launch episode of the show attracted over 9 million viewers on Thursday, the biggest-ever launch for The Traitors in the UK. Fans were delighted with her fangirling as one viewer wrote on X: ‘Julie Hesmondhalgh looking like she’s just delighted to have been invited to the castle is already one of my favourite things’Overnight figures show the first episode peaked at just over 9 million and averaged 8.9 million viewers.The number surpasses all previous premieres, including the first celebrity version, which attracted 6.5 million peak viewers, averaging 6.1 million across the episode.The last civilian series opener in January garnered 6.9 million peak viewers and averaged 6.4 million views.The total audience is expected to soar even higher in the coming days, with viewers who streamed the show on iPlayer yet to be counted.Celebrity Traitors continues on Friday night at 8pm on BBC One. The Celebrity Traitors line-up 2026 Jerry Hall Jerry Hall, 70, rose to fame in the Seventies and became one of the era’s most recognisable fashion icons Richard E Grant Richard E Grant, 69, is celebrated for his roles in everything from the cult classic Withnail & I to modern flicks such as Everybody’s Talking About Jamie James Blunt James Blunt, 52, shot to global fame with his debut album and the hit single You’re Beautiful Ross Kemp Ross Kemp, 62, who recently returned to EastEnders to reprise his role as hardman Grant Mitchell, is said to want to challenge himself Michael Sheen Michael Sheen, 57, is celebrated for his incredible performances across stage and screen, particularly his work in Good Omens and The Queen Rob Beckett Best friend of fellow Traitors star Ranganathan, comedian Rob Beckett, 40, is known for his high energy and booming laugh Sharon Rooney Sharon Rooney, 37, is best known for her breakout role as Rae Earl in the acclaimed series My Mad Fat Diary Joanne McNally Joanne McNally, 43, is known for her brutally honest humour and hilarious takes on dating, chaos and modern life Amol Rajan Journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, 43, has carved out a successful career across major UK media, including radio and television King Kenny King Kenny, 29, is a content creator known for his prank videos and street-style social experiments Sebastian Croft Sebastian Croft, 24, is best known for his breakout role as Ben Hope in the Netflix series Heartstopper Maya Jama Maya Jama, 32, is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most popular stars and famously fronts Love Island Miranda Hart Miranda Hart, 53, broke through with her hit sitcom Miranda, which became a resounding success and cemented her as a comedy legendRomesh Ranganathan Romesh Ranganathan, 48, has been taking British TV by storm in recent years is known for his deadpan delivery James Acaster Comedian James Acaster, 41, is good friends with Ed Gamble, who hosts The Traitors: Uncloaked. The duo present the hit food podcast Off Menu Bella Ramsey Bella Ramsey, 22, rose to fame as Lyanna Mormont in Game Of Thrones and gained global acclaim for their leading role in The Last Of Us Leigh-Anne Pinnock Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 34, is known as a member of the girl group Little Mix, which found fame on The X Factor in 2011 Joe Lycett From TV stunts to clever public pranks, Joe Lycett, 38, has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most inventive comics Hannah Fry Mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, 42, is known for turning complex data into engaging content for viewers Julie Hesmondhalgh Julie Hesmondhalgh, 56, is best known for her long-running role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street – the first transgender character in a British soap opera Myha’la Myha’la, 30, is known for her striking portrayal of brutal fintech expert Harper Stern in the HBO drama Industry