Richard E Grant has become a viewer favourite on the latest series of The Celebrity Traitors after making a huge blunder in the opening episode. Now Celia Imrie, who appeared in the first series and is a friend of Richard, has revealed the warning she issued him before he began filming.
Warning before filming
Celia, known for her role in dinnerladies, told The Times she had advised the Saltburn actor that it would be challenging to keep his "brain working" round the clock while filming the game show. She described the competition as "very strict" and said "it's hard always being on".
She said: "[He] rang me up and asked what it was like. I said I didn't quite know what I was letting myself in for. But it was good fun, although it's very strict and there is an element of cruelty about the game."
The blunder
In last week's opening episode, viewers saw Richard make a major mistake in front of fellow contestants including Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, James Blunt, Jerry Hall, and Joanne McNally. When questioned about whether he was a Traitor or a Faithful, he immediately admitted his genuine role before realising his error and attempting to retract his words.
Claudia Winkleman selected Richard and Love Island presenter Maya Jama as the two Traitors. She instructed the pair to choose two contestants who would each make their case for becoming the third Traitor, with the one not selected being immediately murdered.
Selection and reaction
After choosing Amol Rajan and James Acaster and listening to their pitches, Richard and Maya opted for the comedian to join their ranks, while Amol was consigned to the coffin.
Following Richard's blunder, Claudia commented on his reaction to being named a Traitor: "He was just so happy, he couldn't believe it."
Richard, 69, is clearly leaving a lasting impression on viewers, while Celia had also proved a firm favourite before him, most notably when she openly admitted to breaking wind during a challenge, sending her fellow contestants into fits of laughter.
Celebrity Traitors is on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
