Celebrity Traitors fans believe Claudia Winkleman may have 'missed a trick' when choosing her traitors as the much-anticipated new series got underway. The BBC One show follows 21 celebrity contestants as they try to identify the traitors among them, who eliminate players at night. Filmed at Ardross Castle in the Highlands, the celebrities compete for a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.
Richard E Grant and Maya Jama chosen as traitors
In the first episode of series two of the celebrity spin-off, broadcast on Thursday night (October 1), actor Richard E Grant and Love Island host Maya Jama were the first two selected as traitors. Shortly after being chosen to deceive fellow contestants, Richard admitted his role to several people. "What's the point in being in the game if you're not one?" he said to a room full of people.
Comedian Joe Lycett was stunned by the confession and said: "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that." He then encouraged Richard to back down and reassure everyone he was actually a faithful making a joke. "I think you've done something that's never been done in the game. It's a bold strategy," he added.
Richard's blunder and the recruitment twist
Realising his mistake, Richard told the camera: "That may have been the biggest mistake I've made in my life. I was so thrilled to be chosen that in my excitement I said I was a traitor. I need to defuse all of the heat coming in my direction." He added he was "absolutely convinced I am going home".
By the end of the episode, the traitors were told they had a chance to recruit – and could kill another contestant at the same time. They selected comedian Acaster and University Challenge presenter Rajan, who then had to meet the two traitors face to face and plead their case.
Fans react to Claudia's casting decision
But it was Claudia's decision to recruit Richard and Maya that got viewers talking. Some thought there was an obvious choice to make comedians Romesh Ranganathan or Rob Beckett one of the traitors, as the pair are friends in real life, while others praised the casting of the two pals.
@suhailpat said: "Missed a trick if you ask me by not picking Rob & Romesh as traitors... Woulda caused havoc!! #celebritytraitors #thetraitors." @Rayy16x replied: "I would've had one as a traitor and the other as a faithful. Would've been great and I don't understand why they didn't pick one of them instead. #TheTraitors."
@caseysouterxo cried: "Noooooo Rob and Romesh should have been picked!!! #celebritytraitors." @Fry11Ben shared: "THE TRAITORS IS BACK! What a first episode it was, happy with who the traitors are. However I lowkey wanted Romesh and rob Beckett to be a traitor duo but oh well #CelebrityTraitors."
@GrantSRivers posted: "Great to have both Rob & Ramesh in the Traitors castle together, what a pair! #TheCelebrityTraitors." @BethShhh shared: "Oh Rob and Romesh constantly thinking the other is a traitor whilst neither of them being traitors is going to be incredible tv #celebritytraitors." @Rosieelea added: "Signing both Rob and Romesh is pure brilliance #CelebrityTraitors."
