Celebrity Traitors winner Sebastian Croft has suggested that being gay could be an advantage for contestants taking part in the BBC reality game show. The 24-year-old actor, who was crowned a joint winner alongside comedian Romesh Ranganathan, 48, shared his views in an interview with The Times.
Croft on Queer Contestants' Strengths
Croft, known for his role in Heartstopper, said that "there's an element of not being sure whether you're gonna be accepted as a queer person entering any room, lots of [gay] people become good at having coping mechanisms for getting to know people, or feeling like they're not a threat".
He joins other gay Traitors winners, including comedian Alan Carr from the first celebrity version and Leanne Quigley and Stephen Libby from the civilian series.
Personal Experience and Charity Donations
Speaking about his own experience coming out, Croft said that "on the whole, everyone was supportive" when it came to sharing his sexuality with his family. However, he added: "I've been emotionally and physically threatened because of my sexuality, had people reject me as a person. And that's the good end of the spectrum. Which is why I've ended up wanting to champion queer refugees."
After winning the £83,000 prize pot for their chosen charities, Croft donated his £41,500 share to Choose Love, while Ranganathan donated to the Refugee Council. Choose Love, a global humanitarian organisation formerly known as Help Refugees, supports refugees and displaced people through emergency aid and long-term support. The pair received criticism online for their chosen charities, with the BBC confirming it received complaints.
Career Moves and Upcoming Appearances
Croft began his acting career while still at school, making his television debut as young Ned Stark in Game of Thrones. He said he was then "ostracised and bullied" over his sexuality and acting, eventually leaving school aged 16.
After leaving Heartstopper in 2023, he turned his attention to music and on Friday released his debut EP, The Great Forever, and announced his first European tour. On Sunday night, he will make his debut television performance on Strictly Come Dancing, where he will sing his recent single Everything Always Now.
