The latest episode of Celebrity Traitors fell slightly flat, according to our Deputy Showbiz Editor, after two beloved stars were forced to leave the show. Julie Hesmondhalgh was banished by the faithfuls, while Bella Ramsey was murdered by the traitors, leaving the columnist disappointed and questioning whether the current series can compete with the bar set by Alan Carr.
Two stars exit in dramatic episode
Friday's episode ended on a cliffhanger, with a fresh twist: the promise of a deadly game of hide-and-seek for four chosen contestants. The traitors opted to stay out of the game themselves, before settling on Ross Kemp, Ranganathan, his comic pal Rob Beckett, and Little Mix and solo singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock.
Earlier in the show, the traitors murdered Last of Us actor Bella Ramsey, before the faithfuls banished Julie Hesmondhalgh. When Ramsey failed to arrive at breakfast, it became apparent the traitors had been up to their tricks overnight.
Hesmondhalgh's reaction raises suspicions
Hesmondhalgh's reaction to Ramsey's removal immediately raised suspicions. The former Coronation Street star had been voted the most trustworthy in the group by her peers in episode one and given a shield, but by episode four her cards were marked and she was sent packing. With parting words, she declared, "Alas," as tears appeared in eyes around the table: "It may mean I am not a phenomenal actor."
The columnist said their departures left her slightly disappointed because she believes they would have given the current traitors a run for their money while also providing entertainment value. So many great stars are leaving far too early in the game.
Concerns over traitor choices
With such a great mix of actors and comedians, it feels like Claudia Winkleman may have missed a trick by not recruiting personalities such as Julie or Miranda Hart from the very start. The latter is playing the game well, but would be better suited as a traitor. Even actors Michael Sheen or Ross Kemp would be a good choice.
While Maya Jama appears to love being a traitor, her two recruits including comedian James Acaster and Hannah Fry appear to have been thrown too far into the deep end. Their attempt at being "bad" doesn't seem to be in their nature, and the pair are clearly uncomfortable with having to lie to their contestants, while Alan Carr revelled in it.
Despite the disappointment, the columnist said she will continue to tune in, like the 10 million or more viewers, despite some favourite contestants falling victim at the dreaded roundtable.
