Brian Cox reveals why he's never been asked to be on The Celebrity Traitors
The actor stars in a new film alongside The Traitors USA host Alan Cumming
Actor Brian Cox joined Simon Mayo on Greatest Hits Radio to talk about his latest film Glenrothan, where he stars alongside Alan Cumming. Simon and Brian spoke about the actor's latest role, as he takes on the part of Sandy, alongside Alan who plays Donal.
Alan, who is also a good friend of Brian's, is also the host of The Traitors USA, and with all the talk of another series of The Celebrity Traitors, an interview with Brian couldn't go without the question - would he take part in The Celebrity Traitors?
Will Brian Cox take part in The Celebrity Traitors?
Brian admitted to Simon that he's never been asked to take part in The Traitors by his friend, and Traitors host Alan Cumming, explaining that he wouldn't want to take part even if he was asked.
"No, I wouldn't never go on something like that, not in a million years," Brian told Simon. "But I've seen him (Alan Cumming) and he does a great job. He does a brilliant job."
The actor went on to explain why he's never been asked, saying: "No, he's never asked me... He wouldn't. That's the thing about Alan, he would never ask me in a million years, because he would know what the answer would be."
What is Glenrothan?
Glenrothan is the new film starring Brian Cox and Alan Cumming. The film is about two brothers, played by Brian and Alan, who have a family-owned whiskey company. Brian explained more about the film and his role of Sandy.
After Donal leaves for America 35 years previous, it is down to Sandy to look after the business, but as Brian explains: "Sandy has run the business for 30 odd, nearly 40 years. And he then sends a letter to his brother saying: 'Look, we've got to discuss, because I'm getting old'. So he wants him to come and he absolutely refuses to.
"But his daughter says: 'Dad, we should go to Scotland', and he sees the possibility of maybe the distillery could be the answer to a lot of his problems. So he goes and they come to Scotland and then the proverbial hits the fan. And that's the story."
Brian added: "And it's about what's going to happen to the distillery. What's going to happen in their relationship? Is it going to get better? Is it going to heal?
"And they have these meetings together where they kind of dance around one another. And it's wonderful and to act with Alan is just a joy."
Brian Cox on directing
Glenrothan doesn't just star Brian, it is also his directorial debut. When Simon told Brian: "It seems incredible that you haven't directed a film before."
He responded: "I suppose it is, rather. I never thought of it that way, but I mean, I've just never been driven to do it. You know, I'm not one of these people that have...
"Acting has served me brilliantly over the years and I've enjoyed it. I love acting. I love being an actor. I've had the best time ever as an actor."
The actor who has played everything from King Lear to Hannibal Lecter, and Stalin to Churchill, continued: "I was told I was directing this film by Neil (Zeiger - producer), and I just thought, what do you mean, I'm directing this?"
He continued to praise the crew saying: "It was a wonderful crew, one of the best crews I've ever worked with and their contribution was second to none."
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Take a look through celebrities who are rumoured to be on Celebrity Traitors series two:
Peter Crouch
Reports are rife BBC bosses are keen to sign up former professional footballer Peter Crouch for the new series. A TV source told a national newspaper: "Producers think Peter would be brilliant. He's sporty, competitive and really funny. They know landing him would be a big coup and bring a new type of viewer to the series. Plus they haven't had an ex pro footballer on the show yet."
Alison Hammond
Let's be honest, it wouldn't be a TV reality show without the Queen that is Alison Hammond! In recent weeks, rumours have been rife that Alison is 'in talks' for the second series, with BBC bosses thinking she will be 'comedy gold'.
However, it sounds like Alison has now ruled herself out! Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday 21st March, Alison confessed: "I can't do it, because I'm doing Bake Off. I think it's the same time when I'm doing Bake Off, so that's a definite no. I'm so sorry, I would love to do that. I wouldn't want to be a Traitor though, I'd want to be a Faithful. I don't want no stress."
Cheryl
Girls Aloud star Cheryl is has reportedly been approached by the BBC to take part in the second series, with bosses thinking she'd be "brilliant" in the castle. Although Cheryl has taken a spell away from TV in recent years, she's no stranger to appearing on huge shows!
Danny Dyer
After turning down the chance to appear on the first series, reports are suggesting actor Danny Dyer has signed up for the second series! However, during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross show in February, Danny said: "That's absolute b-llocks. I don't why they're saying it. If they ask me I'll do it, but no one's asked me. I would f---ing declare it. I'm not on it, you'll see when it comes on."
Ruth Jones
Gavin and Stacey legend Ruth Jones has reportedly 'been approached' by bosses for the second series. We'd love to see her on the show!
Tess Daly
After leaving Strictly Come Dancing following a huge 21 years, TV presenter Tess Daly could have some spare time on her hands! Imagine how great it would be to see her best pal Claudia Winkleman make her a Traitor?!
Sam Thompson
Hits Radio host Sam Thompson is no stranger to reality TV, and we think he'd be hilarious on The Celebrity Traitors!
James Nesbitt
James Nesbitt revealed in January 2026 that he was asked to join the next series of The Celebrity Traitors, however he turned it down. Could he change his mind?!
Bob Mortimer
Comedian and TV host Bob Mortimer is one of the favourites to appear on the 2026 series!
Dame Judi Dench
Her reputation alone would make her untouchable, who is going to dare banish or murder Dame Judi Dench?!
Gordon Ramsay
With his no-nonsense attitude towards basically everything, chef Gordon Ramsay would bring excellent entertainment to the round table!
Gok Wan
His talents are endless, so we've got no doubts that Magic Radio Breakfast host Gok Wan would make an incredible Traitor.
Rylan Clark
Rylan in a Traitors cloak just needs to happen TBH...
Miriam Margolyes
Although she's revealed she actually turned down the first series, we aren't the only ones who would love to see actress and comedian Miriam Margolyes join the show!
Harriet Rose
KISS presenter Harriet Rose would bring serious vibes to the show, and with her amazing interviewing ability, she could be great at fishing out the Traitors.
David Attenborough
A true National Treasure that must be protected at all costs, but we think David Attenborough could have what it takes to sniff out the pesky Traitors.
Adele
She may be a superstar singer, but Adele is taking a break from music right now, so what better way to fill her time?!
Stacey Solomon
Stacey Solomon's warmth and humour would make her incredibly likeable by her fellow contestants and we don't think she'd be suspected as a Traitor!
Ken Bruce
With decades of experience in the radio business, Greatest Hits Radio presenter Ken Bruce would be great under pressure as a Traitor, not to mention the fact he's trusted and likeable!
Tyson Fury
He's a champion boxer with both physical and psychological powers, and whilst he's currently in retirement (for now anyways), Tyson Fury's unpredictability would make for great TV.
Emma Thompson
With movies like Love Actually, Bridget Jones and Saving Mr Banks under her belt, award-winning actress Emma Thompson could act her way through the show, throwing the Faithfuls off scent!
Tyler West
If the group were feeling down, KISS presenter Tyler West would bring the vibes and energy the group need to find the Traitors.
Niall Horan
The show always needs a cheeky Irish chappie! With Niall Horan's charm and charisma, NOBODY would suspect him!
Alexander Armstrong
Pointless host Alexander Armstrong would bring a calm presence to the castle. With his sharp intelligence and good judge of character, we think he'd make a brilliant Faithful.
Natalie Cassidy
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy could be the perfect dark horse on the show! Bonus if she brings Sonia's trumpet with her...
Paul Hollywood
Mr Paul Hollywood could fool anybody with those piercing blue eyes!
Sharon Osbourne
Following her stint on Celebrity Big Brother last year, we just need to see Mrs O back on our screens!
Stormzy
'Vossi Pop' hitmaker Stormzy, real name Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, would bring some serious charm and charisma to the show. With his strategic mind and leadership qualities, we think he'd be great as a Traitor.
Graham Norton
TV presenter Graham Norton interviews celebs for a living, so he'd have no issues asking hard-hitting questions to try and sniff out the Traitors. With his sense of humour and charm, he'd be a great team player.
Denise Welch
Denise Welch interrogating other celebs would just be TV gold, TBH.
Lewis Capaldi
Thanks to his loveable and relatable personality, nobody would suspect Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi, making him a great Traitor.
Gemma Collins
Let's be honest... It wouldn't be a reality TV show rumoured line-up without the GC!
Lily Allen
Following the release of her latest album 'West End Girl', it seems singer Lily Allen wouldn't put up with any BS in during the round tables, creating great TV!
Leah Williamson
As the captain of England's Lionesses and Arsenal, Leah Williamson certainly has the leadership qualities needed for the game!
Judi Love
Judi Love would be able to use her charm and humour to create bonds in the castle, making her a very trustworthy candidate. Just what you need to be successful on the show!
Holly Willoughby
Following her departure from This Morning, Holly Willoughby has made limited TV appearances, so this could be her pathway back to a major presenting gig.
Lord Alan Sugar
We'd love to see how Lord Sugar copes when swapping the boardroom for the round table!
Sir Andy Murray
Competitive ✅Good under pressure ✅ Poker face ✅ - Sir Andy Murray has all the traits to be a successful Traitor!
Dermot O'Leary
Speaking to our friends over at heatworld, Dermot said: "I'd find it difficult to turn down Celebrity Traitors because I really, really enjoyed it. But the problem is – aside from being away for that long – I think I'd be a terrible Traitor. They've done so such a great job of amping up the stress and I hate the idea of people thinking ill of me, especially my peers, so I'd worry if I was part of that level of subterfuge. But it's been a great series."
Liam Gallagher
Liam Gallagher has fuelled rumours that he could be heading to Ardross Castle after revealing he's 'been asked' to appear on The Celebrity Traitors. The Oasis frontman replied to a user on X, who asked if he'd do The Traitors by responding: 'I've been asked', instantly throwing his hat in the ring for the upcoming second celebrity series.
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