Celebrity Traitors star James Blunt packs skimpy swimming trunks and his old army uniform as overwhelmed Julie Hesmondhalgh adds HRT patches to her suitcase in behind-the-scenes video

Celebrity Traitors returns to screens on Thursday night, but the show's all-star cast were busy prepping for their castle stay months ago.

The BBC has released behind-the-scenes video shot by the celebs as they packed for the show, which was filmed earlier this year.

James Blunt, 52, showed off his flamboyant wardrobe, trying on rubber duck swimming trunks, an array of suits and a £350 Missoni dressing gown. 

The former British Army officer then dug out his red and gold military uniform, trying it on for size before throwing it in his suitcase.

Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh, 56, meanwhile had a very different approach, lamenting 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.' 

Actor Michael Sheen, 57, was already in character, donning a hooded cloak as he dramatically announced to the camera: 'The time has come. The bags are packed. The castle calls.' 

Michael has emerged as the surprise favourite to win The Celebrity Traitors, hours before the BBC hit makes its long-awaited return.

21 new stars will enter the famous castle in Thursday's opener to learn whether they've been chosen to be a Traitor or a Faithful, and will compete to earn thousands of pounds for the prize fund.

Odds have now given a hint of how this new series could play out, with Michael currently the bookies' favourite to win the entire show.

Figures published by ActionNetwork.com say the Good Omens star has odds of 7/2 to triumph, though whether he is chosen to be a Traitor remains to be seen.

In second place is actor Richard E Grant with odds of 9/2, while The Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey rounds out the top three with 5/1.

Singer James and actress & comedian Miranda Hart are tied in 4th place as the next most likely to win The Celebrity Traitors, both with odds of 11/2.

Last year's launch episode attracted more than six million viewers.

And with anticipation building, fans are already making plans to watch the first episode together, with pubs, bars and private venues across Britain preparing for a night of scheming and suspicion.

In London, ticketed viewing events are being held at venues including BrewDog bars, the Fulham Pier, and the Arch Clapham, where fans can watch the drama unfold on a big screen and win prizes.

The London Art Bar is also getting in on the action, promising an evening of 'scheming, suspense and snacks' and encouraging guests to turn up dressed as their best Claudia Winkleman - 'fringe, eyeliner, and all'.

Its tongue-in-cheek event description adds: 'Whether you're a Faithful or secretly a Traitor, one thing's for sure: this is the event you can't betray.'

Private viewing parties are also expected to spring up across the country as fans prepare to settle in for another season of secret alliances, dramatic reveals and ruthless betrayals.

The BBC has already begun building the hype, with a giant mural of Claudia Winkleman and this year's celebrity cast appearing in Manchester's Northern Quarter.

And the broadcaster is working with content creators to promote the new series.

A handful shared paid social videos across TikTok and Instagram showcasing the huge and impressive artwork plastered across the side of a building.

One influencer noted that, just like on the show, crosses will be added to the celebrity portraits after each murder or banishment.

But the promotion took an even more dramatic turn when the Kantos Chamber Choir performed the show's iconic theme tune as cloaked figures in gold masks, known on the show as 'Druids', held up white memorial flowers, which were also used in the church in the trailer, bearing the words: 'RIP VIP'.

Joining Ms Jama, Ms Hart, Blunt, Grant and Kemp in the iconic castle are Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, King Kenny and Leigh-Anne Pinnock.

Michael Sheen, Myha'la, Professor Hannah Fry, Romesh Ranganathan, Sebastian Croft and Sharon Rooney complete the line up.

The new batch of celebrities have a lot to live up to after last year's series became a major TV talking point.

It was packed with standout personalities, from Alan Carr's chaotic turn as a Traitor and eventual victory to Celia Imrie's hilarious one-liners and Jonathan Ross's memorable reactions.

And with millions expected to tune in once again on Thursday at 8pm, the battle between the Faithful and the Traitors is about to begin all over again.