Tom Daley and other Celebrity Traitors cast paid huge sum even if they don't win £100k prize

Celebrity Traitors is back on our screens with a brand new series. The celebrity variant follows the already triumphant civilian version of the BBC programme, where a group of participants dubbed the 'Faithful' attempt to identify and exile a clandestine group of 'Traitors' who are seeking to eliminate them from the competition.

The series features a star-studded cast of 19 renowned personalities competing, including the BBC's Wimbledon host Clare Balding, former England rugby union legend Joe Marler and celebrated Team GB Olympian Tom Daley, reports Wales Online.

The motivation for them will be a £100,000 cash reward for a charity of the victor's choosing. Nevertheless, in contrast to the regular series, the celebrities receive a fee for their participation.

Typically, the contestants are not remunerated a fixed-rate for simply taking part, instead receiving a daily allowance before ultimately claiming the prize fund.

However, according to journalist Marina Hyde, each celebrity participant has been paid a £40,000 salary for the nine one-hour episodes, recorded across three weeks in the Scottish highlands castle.

This is more than the average annual salary for Brits which comes in at £37,430 per annum which was based on April, 2024 data from the Office of National Statistics.

Hyde discussed the cast's remuneration with co-host Richard Osmond on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, disclosing: "They were able to pay everybody a blanket £40k fee, right? I am spilling all my tea today. They're paying them a £40k fee."

While the sum on offer is certainly not to be dismissed, it's unlikely the three sports personalities participating in the show are doing so for the money, given their respective networths.

Balding, 54, has been a prominent figure in British sport for three decades, establishing herself as one of the most beloved television presenters. She made her first on-screen appearance presenting highlights of the Royal Ascot in 1995, and has since presented coverage of Crufts for the BBC from 2004 to 2009, and for Channel 4 since 2013.

The Cambridge graduate was once a leading amateur jockey and later became the BBC's primary horse racing presenter, covering eight Olympic Games and, more recently, Wimbledon.

Balding's extensive career has amassed her a fortune estimated at around £1million, with her BBC salary alone earning her between £205,000 and £209,999 in 2022/23.

The show's £40,000 prize money is even less significant to Tom, who has won four World Championships and an Olympic gold medal in diving. The retired 31-year-old reportedly has a net worth of around £3m.

However, this isn't directly due to his sporting achievements, as Team GB athletes aren't paid for winning medals. Most of Tom's wealth comes from his various brand endorsements and sponsorships, such as those with Gilette, British Gas and Adidas.

A longtime fan of the show, Tom told the BBC: "I've watched the show forever… We play the game at games nights, so I cannot wait to be fully immersed.

"I feel like being a traitor gives you the full experience… but I think I could do both roles quite well."

Harlequins legend Marler, 35, ascended to become one of rugby's most esteemed props over a span of 15 years. He inked several lucrative contracts, with his final one before hanging up his boots in 2024 reportedly valued at £450,000 annually.

It's reported that Marler amassed nearly £4m from this and his various other endeavours, including sponsorships, his podcast, and numerous media ventures.