Series two of the BBC's Celebrity Traitors has been embroiled in controversy just over two weeks in, from an alleged race row to claims a celebrity compared the production team to "human traffickers" over phone restrictions, and reports that finalists have been leaked.
Race row and Myha'la's exit
Industry actress Myha'la became the second celebrity to be banished after a goodbye wink at Traitor Richard E. Grant, having defended him at the roundtable before voting for him to leave. After her exit aired, she faced claims that an "unconscious racial and cultural bias" was the real reason she was sent home.
The conversation had begun earlier when Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock was questioned at the roundtable by players who wouldn't believe Richard was a Traitor, despite his admission. One fan called the show "racist" after Myha'la's exit, but she acknowledged an "unconscious bias in the show" while insisting it wasn't why she left, defending her co-stars as not racists.
She replied: "I understand why you feel this way, and I may have agreed with you had I not winked at Richard effectively aligning myself with a known Traitor, found and concealed then seemingly reluctantly revealed I had a shield, or (what you really don't see much of) expressed my thoughts and feelings openly to literally everyone (which many people who get out early in this game do)."
'Human traffickers' jibe
The production team has reportedly been accused of being "like human traffickers" for preventing cast members from contacting loved ones whenever they wanted. A source claimed one star lashed out over not being allowed to speak to family and friends in breaks between filming, leaving producers and contestants confused as the rules were made clear before signing up.
Speaking to the Sun, the source said: "The celeb couldn't understand why they couldn't just call home – despite this being clearly explained to them at the start of the process. They kicked off and in a rant, compared the team on the show to being like human traffickers." Show insiders told the publication phone rules are in place to 'protect the integrity of the game'.
The Sun said participants can make calls at the discretion of producers, on a producer's phone with a production team member present. The Mirror understands limiting contact is usual practice for immersive shows, common in reality game shows, to protect against leaks and spoilers as filming occurs months in advance.
Leaked plotlines
It has been reported that the identities of the Celebrity Traitors finalists have been revealed at showbiz parties. "Because of the leak, who makes the final is now a hot topic at showbiz parties. It's also spread how certain players get on, not helped by the fact that another source has been suggesting who's been placed for interviews around the final," a source said to The Sun.
"It's vital the leaks don't make it to gossip forums online and on social media, where fans can find the information. The BBC is hoping that anyone happening upon the info or hearing it from friends will help keep the secrets of the castle and stay quiet."
Last year's final was also leaked, with an advanced copy appearing online in Canada. BBC executives are said to be on edge about leaks happening again, hoping those who hear the finalists' names won't reveal them publicly.
