The BBC has responded to reports that Celebrity Traitors filming had to be paused after James Acaster became upset during Thursday's episode.
On the penultimate episode of the BBC show, the comedian performed a series-first and revealed that he was a Traitor at the roundtable.
“I was made a Traitor without wanting to be,” he confessed after coming under intense suspicion. “It’s me. Vote for me.”
Producers intervene
Acaster, who declared himself the reluctant Traitor, was subsequently banished by his fellow contestants ahead of the finale.
During the tense discussion, the 41-year-old reportedly became upset and producers had to step in and intervene, The Sun reports. He was also reportedly given a welfare check before the roundtable began.
A BBC spokesperson has since responded to the reports. It 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.”
Reluctant Traitor
Unlike many of his fellow contestants, who expressed their strong desire to be Traitors, Acaster had no such ambition.
His wishes were granted when he did not receive a tap on the shoulder from host Claudia Winkleman shortly after arriving at the castle, meaning his status as a Faithful was confirmed.
However, later that same episode, he was recruited by original Faithfuls Maja Jama and Richard E Grant. From that point on, he struggled with the new role and the pressure to be treacherous.
In the penultimate episode, Acaster and his fellow Traitors fell under suspicion after Michael Sheen questioned their role in the murder of Ross Kemp, who was killed in plain sight in a secret task.
Final words
After receiving the most votes at the roundtable, the comedian said: “When I came into this experience I told Claudia (Winkleman, the show’s presenter) that all I wanted to be was a faithful, and all I wanted to do is go around this castle and try and help the faithfuls as much as possible catching traitors.
“I’m really proud to say that’s what I’ve been able to do, under the circumstances. I am, reluctantly, a traitor,” he said before leaving the castle, leaving his fellow Traitors Jama and King Kenny shocked and diminished.
The Celebrity Traitors final will air on BBC One at 8pm on Friday.
