Michael Sheen is proving to be a master of a different kind of performance on Celebrity Traitors - disappearing into the background. While Richard E. Grant put himself front and centre as a Traitor, Sheen has stayed notably quiet, a strategy that appears to be working.
A Quiet Game Plan
Sheen received one vote in both round tables after Traitor James Acaster threw his name into the mix, but he wasn't mentioned when it came to who was up for murder. When accused, Sheen confidently talked his way out of it, and attention quickly turned to Jerry Hall.
At the first round table, his biggest contribution was joking about Joe Lycett's comment on Julie Hesmondhalgh, asking: "You are saying she is not a phenomenal actress?" It was funny, but telling - Sheen wasn't trying to dominate the conversation.
Why Staying Quiet Works
At the start of the show, Sheen told Claudia Winkleman his strategy was essentially to "become the curtains". So far, he's doing a remarkably good job of it. In The Traitors, being memorable isn't necessarily an advantage, as constantly talking and accusing can paint a target on your back.
There was one moment of theatre when he gleefully shouted "Fight! Fight! Fight!" during the Ross Kemp-Leigh-Anne Pinnock drama, but otherwise he's been restrained and astute.
A Fascinating Test
This isn't what we expect from Sheen, who is known for being charismatic and speaking passionately about causes. The challenge is whether he can keep playing the character who "becomes the curtains" as the game becomes more personal and suspicion intensifies.
Miranda is astute and has already picked up on Hannah, while Acaster can be random and likes to throw names into the mix. The real question is whether Sheen can keep it up - because sooner or later, the curtains have to move.
