Richard E. Grant left BBC viewers speechless during the latest episode of Celebrity Traitors after a hilarious swipe at co-star Rob Beckett. The popular murder mystery programme has returned with a fresh series, featuring 21 well-known personalities heading to the Scottish Highlands.
Claudia Winkleman's ultimate test of loyalty and manipulation launched this week when she selected Richard E. Grant and Maya Jama as the Traitors. Richard wasted little time inadvertently exposing his true role to the Faithfuls in an amusing slip-up.
Traitors select their accomplice
A further development unfolded as Richard and Maya were required to select an additional accomplice to accompany them in the turret. James Acaster and Amol Rajan were subsequently called to the chapel, before the Traitors determined who would become part of their team in the turret and who would face elimination.
During the most recent instalment, it emerged that Richard and Maya had opted to enlist James as their murderous associate, while Amol became the first contestant to depart the castle. Prior to the announcement, the celebrities assembled in the breakfast room.
Fan reactions to Richard's remark
While anticipating who else might join them, Rob Beckett turned towards Richard and remarked: "Both of us wanted to be Traitors." Richard responded: "I know." Rob subsequently enquired: "How did you feel when you found out? Because I found there was a sense of relief, that I can just chill. But how did you feel? Because you really wanted to be."
Richard stated: "I know! So, I know that tonight, the slates will be 15 people [writing my name]," before Rob observed: "Oh, well, I think, yeah, I think there probably will be an expectation for you to sort of explain your workings. I suppose it was a bold strategy from a Faithful!"
Richard then rapidly steered the conversation elsewhere, launching a comical jibe at Rob by enquiring: "Do you have more teeth than a normal person?" The remark sent Rob into hysterics, while viewers were equally speechless.
Viewers praise Richard
"Getting the suspiciousness off him by asking Rob Beckett if he has more teeth than a normal person. Richard is so funny," one person posted on X. Another commented: "Incredible." A third remarked: "I am HOWLING." Someone else noted: "Richard needs to win."
A fifth viewer shared the sentiment, writing: "Richard E. Grant is on course to become the greatest Traitor ever. Poor Rob Beckett." Another fan pondered whether Richard had employed a new game plan. They posted: "No idea if that was a distraction technique or a genuine question from Richard."
Elsewhere in today's episode, the contestants were buried alive during the latest mission. However, it proved overwhelming for Jerry Hall, who exited the coffin before the challenge had begun - resulting in her being immediately placed up for murder, alongside her partner Hannah Fry. Celebrity Traitors is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
