The Celebrity Traitors returned to UK screens last week for its second series, and Ross Kemp's heightened suspicions during the opening episodes suggest he may know too much about the game, according to an opinion piece by Shivon Watson.
Host Claudia Winkleman introduced a new cast of famous faces, including Love Island's Maya Jama, actor Richard E Grant and Hollywood icon Jerry Hall. With contestants well-versed in the game's mechanics, the show is no longer in its infancy but a well-oiled machine with a dedicated fan base.
Familiarity Fading the Mystery
When The Traitors UK first aired in November 2022, viewers were unaware of what was to come. The plot twists made for compelling viewing, and the pace built genuine excitement. Now, with two celebrity versions and a four-series with non-celebrity participants, plus American, Indian, Canadian and Irish versions on BBC iPlayer, the current players seem too self-assured, as if they know what's next, diluting the show's mystery.
Ross Kemp, the EastEnders legend, highlights this issue. In episode one, he appeared anxious and convinced he might be a target, holding onto the idea that he could have been "murdered in plain sight" by fellow faithful Bella Ramsey after she placed a hat on his head. A slight brush of the arm by singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock also rubbed him up the wrong way, as he told people he may have been killed off.
Early Revelations Spoiling the Pace
Speaking openly about being murdered indicates everyone knows too much about the game. Being murdered in plain sight usually happens further into the series, but Ross's knowledge pops the balloon on the show's illusion. Journalist Amol Rajan also diluted the mystery; when selected by The Traitors to learn his fate, his constant huffing and puffing suggested he knew what was to come.
Richard's mishap in revealing himself to be a Traitor, with some faithfuls believing him, also opened the game up too early, with suspicions rising and spoiling the pace.
Hope for Fresh Format
The Traitors UK has been brilliant at keeping the show fresh, with producers ensuring every series is slightly different. The hope is that this new series embodies this too; if not, it may fall victim to countless other reality shows before it.
The Celebrity Traitors airs Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 PM on BBC One.
