Tess Daly's real reason for snubbing Claudia Winkleman's Celebrity Traitors after rumours

Tess Daly has finally broken her silence on speculation surrounding her and husband Vernon Kay being offered spots on BBC's Celebrity Traitors. Rumours started swirling last year when reports suggested the pair had been in discussions with Tess' Strictly Come Dancing co-presenter and close friend, Claudia Winkleman, who hosts the programme.

Previously adding fuel to the fire during a Good Morning Britain appearance, Vernon, 51, teased with a cheeky tone: "It keeps cropping up, this. We haven't been approached - or have we? We're not doing it - or are we? So, we'll see."

When quizzed about who would be the better traitor out of them, he quipped that Tess, 56, couldn't tell lies without laughing.

"Tess always laughs when she tells a fib, whereas I'm terrible. It's not convincing. I think it would be an interesting psychological experience, The Traitors," he shared.

Now, Tess has insisted that Claudia never attempted to sign them up for the programme as claimed.

"She knows I'd be able to read her mind at this point," the mum-of-two told The Metro.

Additionally, Tess insisted she would've snubbed an offer for the show if it did come her way.

"I'd be terrible at doing a poker face and being a traitor," she added.

Tess went on to gush about her enduring friendship with Claudia.

The duo have co-hosted together for more than a decade on Strictly Come Dancing, which is currently on its 23rd series.

Offering a glimpse into their tight relationship, she continued: "Claudia makes me belly laugh. Sometimes she makes me laugh until my mascara is running down my face. It's good for the soul. I think it adds at least a year to your life."

While Tess and Vernon aren't featured in the first celebrity edition, there might be a chance in the future.

Reports suggest that a second series is already in the works, despite the current one still airing.

An insider revealed to The Sun: "The Celebrity Traitors is landing at the very peak of the format's popularity. It's the biggest show on the box, globally, and the cast is exceptional.

"The official message is that a formal recommission depends on how well series one does, but in reality it's all but a done deal. Celebrities have already been sounded out on appetite to join."

In this star-studded edition of the game of deception, trust, and betrayal, the winner will claim up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.

Famous faces still competing for the ultimate prize include Jonathan Ross, Kate Garraway, Celia Imrie, Alan Carr, David Olusoga and Cat Burns.

This evening, another celebrity will face banishment - but will it finally be a traitor?

Celebrity Traitors continues tonight at 9pm on BBC One.