The BBC has issued a statement on player welfare following James Acaster's dramatic exit from the Celebrity Traitors castle. The 41-year-old comedian was eliminated from the roundtable on Thursday (October 29) after admitting to being a Traitor.
Welfare Statement and Production Response
A BBC spokesperson told the Mirror: "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."
James reportedly became upset during the heated roundtable, prompting producers to halt filming and intervene. He was also understood to have received a welfare check prior to the roundtable commencing. A representative for James declined to comment, reports the Mirror.
James's Admission at the Roundtable
James started the game as a Faithful before being recruited as a Traitor, a role he found challenging. Speaking during his final roundtable, he said: "I just want to explain my situation, I was made a Traitor without wanting to be."
He added: "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."
James then revealed he had deliberately highlighted the perfume bottles, which resulted in Ross Kemp's departure. After receiving the highest number of votes, he explained: "When I came into this experience I told Claudia [Winkleman] 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."
Series Developments and Remaining Players
James is the second Traitor this series to expose his genuine identity before being discovered, after Richard E. Grant accidentally disclosed that he was a Traitor shortly after being selected. During Thursday's episode, actress Sharon Rooney was murdered and comedian Joanne McNally was banished from the castle.
Seven players remain: Traitors Maya Jama and King Kenny, alongside Faithfuls James Blunt, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Michael Sheen, Romesh Ranganathan, and Sebastian Croft. During Thursday's challenge, the celebrities secured £5,000 for the prize fund, taking the total to £64,500. A total of 21 celebrity contestants have appeared on the programme, with Faithfuls attempting to root out the Traitors. The Celebrity Traitors is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
