Ross Kemp has insisted he had his “game face” on during the second series of Celebrity Traitors, despite his noticeable paranoia in the early episodes leaving viewers in hysterics.
The actor and documentary maker is proving a hit with younger TV audiences who may not remember him from his time on EastEnders.
Kemp on his experience
Kemp said he loved every second of the blockbuster BBC One show, but remained tight-lipped about any spoilers, describing the disclaimer as “longer than the Bayeux Tapestry”.
He has visited some of the most dangerous places in the world, including Afghanistan, and interviewed members of drug cartels and street gangs.
Kemp said he was not nervous about appearing in the show.
“It’s not like getting eight contacts in Afghanistan in the Sangin Valley before 8am,” Kemp told the Press Association.
“No, no, no, no, it was fine. I enjoyed every second of it.”
Strategy and public attention
Asked about his noticeable paranoia in the first two episodes, the actor replied: “I was wary because that’s what you do.
“Well, you know, I had my game face on.”
Kemp said he went into the show with a strategy and was not giving away any secrets.
“Yes, I wanted to be a Faithful, and wanted to be as good as I possibly could be,” he said.
“I can’t say any more than that.”
Kemp said that since the second series, which is presented by Claudia Winkleman, was aired he has received a lot more public attention.
“I’ve been going to the same petrol station for 12 years and never have I been asked for five selfies,” he joked.
Charity engagement and show details
He was speaking during a charity engagement in Somerset for the National Emergencies Trust, of which he is an ambassador.
Kemp and 20 other celebrities, including Richard E Grant, Maya Jama and Jerry Hall, are trying to win £100,000 for a charity of their choice.
The show sees contestants try to detect the traitors in the group while completing a series of challenges to win funds to contribute towards the prize pot.
If, at the end of the series, at least one traitor is left among the finalists when they collectively decide to end the game, the faithfuls – those who are not traitors – lose out on the money and the traitor or traitors win the full prize.
The show, which is recorded at Ardross Castle in the Highlands, returns on BBC One and iPlayer on Thursday at 8pm.
