Celebrity Traitors fans are convinced that the "game is up" for Maya Jama after James Acaster's bombshell statement put his fellow traitors at risk in the BBC final.
The comedian left viewers and his fellow contestants stunned during Thursday night's penultimate episode when he openly admitted he had been working as a Traitor, despite insisting he had never wanted the role.
Acaster's confession under pressure
Acaster's shock decision came after Michael Sheen began questioning his involvement in the murder of former EastEnders actor Ross Kemp. Sheen pointed out that Acaster was the only contestant who had remained in the library during the murder in plain sight, putting him under increasing pressure at the Round Table.
Rather than continuing to defend himself, the 41-year-old decided to reveal the truth about his position in the game. He explained that he had originally entered the competition hoping to play as a Faithful and had struggled with being recruited by the Traitors.
He told the group: "I just want to explain my situation, I was made a traitor without wanting to be, I've had a unique experience on this that no-one's had before, where I wanted to be a faithful and that's all I've wanted to be. I couldn't just go, 'guys it's me, vote for me, but that's all I can do really'."
Filming halted amid welfare concerns
Acaster received the most votes and was subsequently banished from the castle. Reflecting on his unusual experience, he added: "I'm really proud to say that's what I've been able to do, under the circumstances. I am, reluctantly, a traitor."
A source told The Sun: "What you don't see is the moment when James got upset as he crumbled when he could see he was about to be caught. Both the producers and the other celebrities could see how he was struggling with the pressure of keeping his true identity secret and he reached some kind of breaking point when he was confronted."
"That saw the team feel compelled to intervene, and filming was brought to a halt as they assessed the situation. They spoke to both James and the rest of the stars and didn't allow filming to resume until they were sure everyone was in a fit state."
The BBC has now said contestants' welfare is their "highest priority". A BBC spokesperson said: "Our highest priority is always the safety and welfare of everyone taking part. Players are closely monitored and supported throughout by production which includes a dedicated and experienced welfare team."
Final lineup and fan reactions
His departure has left seven celebrities competing in Friday's grand final, including remaining Traitors Maya Jama and King Kenny, alongside Faithfuls James Blunt, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Michael Sheen, Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian Croft.
Acaster's dramatic exit has also divided the audience, with some praising his decision to remain true to himself rather than continue playing a role he clearly found difficult. However, others accused him of undermining the competition and potentially changing the outcome for his fellow Traitors. His departure comes after Richard E Grant also revealed his Traitor identity earlier in the series.
Now, viewers are convinced that Maya Jama will be the next to leave following James' extraordinary confession. On X @adamgrey50 wrote: "Michael knows that Maya is a Traitor. Maya knows that Michael knows she is a Traitor. I think they both know the game is up for them."
@jacka3d7 added: "James A folding under the pressure hasn't helped Maya or Kenny, the traitors only have themselves to blame. They should have killed Michael not Sharon. Heat would have been on Sharon not them. She'd have been banished then you kill James blunt. Easy win lost."
