James Acaster reveals himself as Traitor and is banished

Summarised from 5 outlets · 9 reports · Updated 30 Oct, 16:53 · Archive

Comedian James Acaster admitted during Thursday's roundtable on Celebrity Traitors that he was a reluctant Traitor and was subsequently banished.

James Acaster, 41, shocked the other contestants on Thursday's penultimate episode of Celebrity Traitors by publicly declaring himself a Traitor at the roundtable, a first in the show's history. Under intense suspicion after a discussion about former EastEnders star Ross Kemp's murder in plain sight, where Acaster struggled to defend himself, he decided to confess his status rather than continue the game.

Acaster told the other contestants: 'I just want to explain my situation. I was made a Traitor without wanting to be. I've had a unique experience on this that no one has had before, where I wanted to be a Faithful; that's all I wanted to be.' He explained he had deliberately pointed out the perfume bottles that killed Kemp. After his confession, the other contestants unanimously voted to banish him.

Unlike other contestants who expressed a desire to become Traitors, Acaster had wanted to remain a Faithful when he arrived at the Scottish Highlands castle. He was initially confirmed as a Faithful, but was later recruited as a Traitor by Maja Jama and Richard E Grant. According to reports, Acaster struggled with the pressure of the role throughout the series.

According to the Daily Mail and The Sun, filming was paused during the roundtable when Acaster became extremely anxious and distressed. Welfare teams rushed onto set to speak with Acaster and his fellow castmates at length. Cameras did not resume until all contestants were willing to continue. After the break, Acaster delivered his confession speech.

The BBC responded to reports of the incident, stating: 'Our highest priority is always the safety and welfare of everyone taking part. Players are closely monitored and supported throughout by production which includes a dedicated and experienced welfare team.' Acaster's representative declined to comment.

On The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, Acaster reflected on his decision, saying: 'I feel pretty good getting to episode nine, and now we've got a proper final on our hands. With three Traitors, it would have been a foregone conclusion that we were going to win.' He added that as a Traitor he sometimes felt uncomfortable when other players had strong reactions, reminding himself that the game depends on what the Traitors do.

The bombshell confession means Friday night's finale will see only two remaining Traitors competing against the Faithfuls, altering the dynamics of the final roundtable.

How it is being reported

• James Acaster Explains 'Unthinkable' Roundtable Move After Bombshell EpsiodeWarning: this article contains absolutely huge spoilers for season two, episode nine of The Celebrity Traitors When rumours suggesting The Celebrity Traitors was about to see a more “unthinkable” twist than Richard E Grant ‘s unbelievably chaotic day one admission began to swirl, it was hard to imagine how they might manifest. But by the end October 29’s bombshell episode, it’s safe to say most viewers’ jaws were firmly on the floor. Comedian James Acaster outed himself as a reluctant Traitor in the deliberation stage of roundtable discussions, after contestants like Michael Sheen began to…HuffPost UK · 30 Oct, 16:30
• BBC addresses James Acaster 'welfare' after shocking Celebrity Traitors confessionDuring the tense roundtable discussion, producers reportedly had to step in and interveneEvening Standard · 30 Oct, 16:24
• James Acaster was stitched upThis chaotic series of The Celebrity Traitors was sabotaged on day oneThe i Paper · 30 Oct, 12:49
• We didn't betray James Acaster, BBC insists: Producers criticised after Celebrity Traitors filming is halted due to star's huge bombshellThe BBC has denied accusations today it 'betrayed' comedian James Acaster, after his bombshell banishment from its flagship show Celebrity Traitors last night.Daily Mail · 30 Oct, 12:34
• Did James Acaster break the rules on Celebrity Traitors after making strict oath?Fans were in an uproar after the latest episode.Metro · 30 Oct, 12:10
• Welfare of Celebrity Traitors players is ‘highest priority’ after Acaster exitThe comedian was banished from the roundtable during Thursday’s semi-final after he came clean and admitted he was a traitor to his fellow players.Evening Standard · 30 Oct, 11:20
• James Acaster reveals why he capsized Celebrity Traitors after ‘becoming visibly stressed’‘Now we've got a proper final on our hands,’ he said.Metro · 30 Oct, 09:19
• James Acaster: Plan to reveal identity ‘got me through’ Celebrity TraitorsThe 41-year-old was banished from the castle during Thursday’s episode of the BBC reality gameshow.Evening Standard · 29 Oct, 21:55
• James Acaster says it is ‘quite nice’ to be fancied on Celebrity TraitorsThe 41-year-old appears on the hit BBC game show as one of the traitors alongside TV presenter Maya Jama and content creator King Kenny.Evening Standard · 29 Oct, 15:50

In this story: James Acaster · Ross Kemp · Claudia Winkleman · Maja Jama · Richard E Grant · BBC · Celebrity Traitors

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