Rob Beckett has spoken out about reports claiming he and Romesh Ranganathan teased fellow comedian James Acaster during Celebrity Traitors, saying the allegations upset him and were "absolute nonsense".
Appearing on the Parenting Hell podcast, which he co-hosts with Josh Widdicombe, Beckett discussed his time on the BBC show and the impact of the stories. He said: "It actually did upset me a little bit. Teasing and whatever you want to call it, bullying, it's the worst thing to do to anyone. And when you know it's categorically not true, and everyone's denied it, but it still exists out there."
Claims dismissed by all parties
The story, published in the Mail on Sunday, alleged that Acaster had complained to producers about being "teased and mocked" by Beckett and Ranganathan while filming at Ardross Castle in Scotland. Acaster himself branded the reports as "completely fabricated" during an appearance on the Life's A Beach podcast.
Beckett, who was eliminated from the competition early, said the allegations had been rejected by all three comedians and the BBC. He said: "Apparently James made an official complaint about me and Romesh teased him for his middle class upbringing. We were like 'obviously not, no. He's my mate, known him 10 years, we've been texting each other as the show has been going on.'"
He added: "I didn't say that, I was like, 'absolutely not, that's completely wrong.' Romesh and his agent, me and my agent and so did he, James and his agent, said 'absolute nonsense'. The BBC said absolute nonsense. Printed it anyway," reports Wales Online.
Acaster's dramatic series moment
Acaster featured in one of the series' most gripping moments when he unmasked himself as a traitor following his reluctant recruitment. He later spoke about battling severe anxiety, prompting production to be halted so welfare staff could check on his wellbeing. Acaster was also notably absent from the live reunion show.
Beckett's advice to celebrities
Beckett also offered advice to celebrities considering taking part in reality shows, joking they should choose I'm A Celebrity instead, as "it's an easier gig". Having previously fronted the spin-off I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW!, he has insight into how that programme works.
While he stopped short of revealing details, as Celebrity Traitors contestants must sign NDAs about production processes, he hinted that life behind the cameras is challenging. He explained: "So Traitors has been and gone. The problem with Traitors is you cannot talk about it, you sign an NDA. I've never had to do this for any show I've done about the way a show is made."
He added: "I can't talk about it, to any celebrities who want to do it. Take the money in the jungle. It's an easier gig. Take the money in the jungle, donate what you could have won on Traitors and enjoy your life. Because I've been in both shows, I've watched the jungle being made, the jungle is an easier gig, I'll tell you now. And I can't tell you why, because I'm not allowed to, I'm sure one day I'll be able to."
