James Acaster is at the heart of the first Celebrity Traitors twist, but fans think the game has already been given away. Last night, the anxiety-inducing programme returned to BBC One with a fresh line-up of celebrities hoping to win a huge cash prize for their chosen charity.
Maya Jama and actor Richard E. Grant were chosen as Claudia Winkleman's trusted Traitors as a duo. Richard was over the moon, telling Claudia that he would be "ruthless". Richard and Maya were forced to make a brutal decision almost immediately – choose a third Traitor while murdering another co-star to send them packing from the castle.
Filming reportedly halted for James Acaster
Viewers were left hanging as to who was picked, but fans think leaked information about the rest of the series has spoiled the twist. It was reported over the weekend that the pressures of the show became too much for James, with his co-stars sharing how filming had to be halted so he could "have a breather".
The Sun reported that "production were in agreement" with James' co-stars and stopped the cameras, allowing him to "calm down" and continue the game. The source added that "one particular scene at the castle" left James "very anxious and panicked". At the time, 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."
James pleads for survival
During the intense moment when James pleaded for his survival to Richard and Maya, he explained that his co-stars were convinced he was a Faithful. He also defused the situation after Richard excitedly revealed that he was, in fact, a Traitor – despite the rules of the game stating that Traitors must convince everybody they are Faithful. When asked if he was a Traitor, Richard simply replied, revealing that he was, leaving his co-stars utterly gobsmacked.
During the intense moment with Richard and Maya in the church, James said: "I think currently, pretty much everyone's convinced I'm a Faithful. Also, I've been pushing your name really, really, really hard. Everyone knows that about me. If I go tonight, the first person they're looking at is you. You need help getting the heat off of you. And right now, everyone believes me because I've just gone in headfirst into being a Faithful. So all I have to do is keep that up. When we were in the car together today, we got on. You know that we work well as a team. I'm pretty confident that I'm the right decision."
Fans predict the twist
James had to go up against news broadcaster Amol Rajan. But the episode ended on a cliffhanger, with fans having to tune in to tonight's episode to find out who was recruited and who was brutally murdered. But many fans believe that James was recruited to be a Traitor, meaning Amol would have been murdered. As the episode ended, the comedian was seen grinning and waving his arms in the air, while Amol looked completely at a loss for words.
Celebrity Traitors returns tonight at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
