Celebrity Traitors had to pause filming when James Acaster became "very anxious" on set. The comedian, 41, is one of several names who filmed their stint on the BBC game show over the summer, and he will be seen on screen when the show goes to air on October 1.
The star will be seen alongside the likes of Coronation Street legend Julie Hesmondhalgh, Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock and fellow comedian Rob Beckett amongst a host of others on the show, but it has now emerged that the comedian had something of a panic attack whilst filming.
Panic on set at the castle
A source said: "The show is incredibly intense and during one particular scene at the castle, James became very anxious and panicked."
"Some of the other celebrities on the show spoke up and said cameras should stop rolling so he could calm down, and production were in agreement as well."
Speaking to The Sun, the insider added: "Everyone looks out for each other and there is a proper sense of camaraderie. It was good for James to have a breather, as everyone felt it was for the best."
Welfare priorities and fan praise
As part of the format of the hit series, which is hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the players in the castle are all presumed to be Faithfuls, but the true Faithfuls amongst them must work out who is in fact a Traitor.
Bosses at the show were quick to insist that their priorities lie with the health and wellbeing of their participants. A spokesperson for The Traitors said: "The Traitors is a unique and immersive game, and we recognise that taking part can be intense at times. Our highest priority is always the safety and welfare of everyone taking part. Players are closely monitored and supported throughout by production, which includes a dedicated and experienced welfare team."
Just ahead of his debut on the show, James was keen to stress that he is a big fan of The Traitors. He said: "I just love it. I'm a huge fan and have been since series one. I instantly got addicted to it when I started watching."
"I think I started watching it halfway through the first series, so I was catching up on iPlayer. I did all of it in one night and then got really frustrated that I had to wait for all the other episodes. And then I really loved the first Celebrity series and instantly became jealous that I wasn't doing it. I had to get in here!"
Asked if he was looking forward to the missions that lay in store for him, he said: "I am actually because I think that we're doing a lot of knocking around a castle and it will be nice to just get outside. It's a beautiful part of Scotland. Growing up, I was in the Scouts so it's going to be nice to get back to that. I haven't had that in my life for a long time."
The Mirror has contacted James Acaster's representatives for comment.
