A Celebrity Traitors star has reportedly clashed with production staff after being refused permission to call family members during breaks in filming. The contestant is said to have accused the team of being "like human traffickers" over the restrictions on contacting loved ones.
Outburst over phone rules
A source claimed the celebrity lashed out over not being able to speak to family and friends between takes. Producers and fellow contestants were said to be confused by the reaction, as the show's strict rules were made clear before participants signed up to the BBC programme.
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 that phone rules are in place to 'protect the integrity of the game'."
Call restrictions explained
The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment. The Sun reported that participants are allowed to make calls, but only at the discretion of producers and at select times, using a producer's phone while a production team member is present.
This is to prevent leaks and spoilers, as the show is filmed months in advance. The row follows reports that the identities of the finalists have been revealed at parties attended by the celebrities.
Leak concerns
"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.
"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."
"The problem is a small group will be aware of The Celebrity Traitors' secrets, including those who work on the show, the celebrities who ran the course and possibly their close family and friends."
Love Island star Maura Higgins has also revealed how she managed to sneak messages out to her team during her time on The Traitors US, which is not created by the BBC. She said she used her one call a week to talk to her manager and wasn't allowed to say if she was a Faithful or a Traitor, but still managed to get the information across through code words.
"She wanted to know if I was a traitor or a faithful, and obviously the producers are in the room listening to your calls, so I knew I wasn't going to be able to tell her," she said. "But I had a secret way of telling her. I told her if I mention a series on Netflix, it means I'm a Traitor. If I don't mention it, I am a Faithful."
