Richard E Grant was left with his head in his hand after accidentally revealing he was a Traitor on the second season of The Celebrity Traitors, which kicked off tonight on the BBC. The 69-year-old actor was one of two celebrities chosen by host Claudia Winkleman to play as Traitors, alongside presenter Maya Jama, but confessed his role to fellow contestants within moments of leaving the round table.
Early confession shocks cast
At the top of the episode, the 21 celebrities discussed whether they would prefer to be a Faithful or a Traitor. The majority told Claudia they wanted to play as a Traitor, though only two were selected in the first round table. Richard spoke openly to comedian Rob Beckett about his wish, saying his plan is "to kill."
After being chosen, he said he was "absolutely thrilled" and shared a sweet anecdote about his late wife, Joan. Richard said: "My wife said to me four days before she died, 'Richard try and find a pocket full of happiness in each day,' and I feel like I've got a wheelbarrow full and then some."
"Biggest mistake I have ever made"
Shortly after the celebrities left the first round table, Joe Lycett asked Richard whether he was a Faithful or a Traitor. Much to the shock of the cast, Richard replied: "Traitor."
With his head in his hand, Richard later said to the camera: "That may be the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life. I was so thrilled to be made a Traitor that in my unguarded excitement I said 'of course I'm a Traitor'. I clearly need to diffuse all the heat that is coming in my direction."
His openness surprised his fellow contestants and made them sceptical of his Traitor status, becoming a continuous conversation throughout the episode. The celebrities are competing for a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.
