With Celebrity Traitors returning to BBC One tonight (October 8), it could be the public's last chance to see Richard E. Grant in the castle. The actor made a spectacular blunder in the first episode when he admitted he was a Traitor just moments after being recruited by Claudia Winkleman.
His slip-up has produced some of the funniest moments of the series so far. As other contestants spread the news around the castle, Richard left his fellow celebrities stunned, and viewers at home were left confused about what he was trying to achieve.
A Traitor too excited to hide
As the first two episodes unfolded, it became clear Richard was simply far too excited about being a Traitor. Although his confession could now come back to haunt him, the other celebrities should not rush to banish him just yet.
At the end of episode two, viewers faced a major cliffhanger as the celebrities gathered around the first round table. With the Traitors still hiding among them, the contestants debated who they believed could be working against them. Richard's name was thrown into the mix several times, with actress Julie Hesmondhalgh particularly keen for the group to vote him out.
Why keeping Richard could help the Faithfuls
Not everyone was convinced. Comedian Joanne McNally and model Jerry Hall appeared to believe Richard could simply be playing mind games with the rest of the castle. In my opinion, Joanne and Jerry are right, and they should keep Richard in the game for a bit longer.
Getting rid of Richard this early could be a very dangerous move. Even if he is a Traitor, he could be more useful to the Faithfuls alive than banished. With Richard having practically exposed himself and the celebrities still seemingly clueless about who else could be working against them, keeping him around could give them the perfect opportunity to catch out the other Traitors - Maya Jama and James Acaster.
Instead of rushing to banish him, the Faithfuls could use Richard to their advantage. Those who are adamant he's a Traitor could keep a very close eye on his every move, who he speaks to and who he appears to trust. If Richard starts protecting certain people, pushing suspicion towards particular contestants or suddenly changing his behaviour, the Faithfuls could use that information to work out who else is hiding among them.
A risky but potentially winning strategy
It could essentially turn Richard into their very own Traitor tracker. While it would be risky, the Faithfuls would be better off keeping him in the castle for now rather than letting a known Traitor slip through their fingers - especially when they have no idea who else they should be looking at.
There is also the possibility that banishing Richard could make things even harder for the Faithfuls. If the remaining Traitors are given the chance to recruit another celebrity following his exit, the group could find themselves back at square one, with a new Traitor hiding among them and one less person they know they can keep an eye on.
So, if I were sitting around that round table tonight, I wouldn't be voting for Richard just yet. He may have given the game away, but that could be exactly why the Faithfuls need to keep him around.
