The BBC issued an exciting announcement about Amanda Holden’s “gripping” gameshow
Amanda Holden’s BBC show to return ‘bigger than before’ after mixed reviews(Image: ITV)
The BBC has made an announcement regarding a “high-stakes” programme presented by Amanda Holden. BBC viewers were treated to two versions of its Golden Balls-inspired quiz, The Inner Circle, last year. The daytime format saw six contestants compete to outsmart and outwit their fellow players, while on Saturday evenings, audiences could tune in to watch celebrities join forces with members of the public to take part.
It has now been confirmed that the second series of The Celebrity Inner Circle is set to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda once again taking the reins.
Across eight brand-new episodes — up from six in the first series — the “gripping, high-stakes quiz” sees a contestant pair up with a celebrity with the aim of making it all the way to the final round, where two players face the ultimate decision. They can either split the prize money and walk away on equal terms, or attempt to claim the lot by shafting their opponent, leaving them with absolutely nothing.
Amanda Holden expressed her delight at the programme’s comeback in a statement, saying: “It’s a joy that The Celebrity Inner Circle returns to BBC primetime for a second series of backstabbing, betrayal and a sprinkle of team play!” reports the Daily Star.
Amanda Holden hosts The Celebrity Inner Circle(Image: BBC/Tern Television Productions/Graham Hunter)
“This is not just a quiz show, it’s a real mind game. My jaw was on the floor throughout the first series at the level of deception!
“It’s truly wonderful that I’m left to improvise with my script on this show and I guarantee you a mini skirt, high heels and a lash on top of a brilliant show of trust – with no obligation to tell the truth!”
The host went on to say: “Only the viewer at home really know what’s truly going on, so shouting at the telly throughout Series 2 for all the right reasons is guaranteed!”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said: “Under the watchful eye of our charmingly witty host Amanda, The Celebrity Inner Circle will once again see famous faces paired with members of the public as they try and bluff their way to the exciting end game. We’re thrilled to bring it back bigger than before, and we can’t wait for viewers to see what’s in store for series two.”
Applications are currently open for contestants wishing to participate in the forthcoming series of The Celebrity Inner Circle. Broadcast details are yet to be announced, but fans can catch up on the first series on BBC iPlayer in the meantime.
The quiz show is returning for a new series(Image: BBC/Tern)
The Inner Circle made its debut in October 2025 to a mixed reception from viewers. While some relished the betrayal format, others felt the programme was “overcomplicated” and bore too much resemblance to Golden Balls or The Weakest Link.
“#InnerCircle quiz game was good this eve, on BBC would make a great board game, which is probably the intention,” one fan praised, with another adding: “I’m actually quite enjoying this.” Meanwhile, a disgruntled viewer wrote: “Was quite looking forward to #TheInnerCircle beginning but it’s literally Golden Balls with s*** questions!”
Another chimed in: “Does anyone else have absolutely no idea what is going on?” while a third remarked: “This Franken-quiz has no thematic consistency whatsoever.”
The Celebrity Inner Circle is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk ’
