The BBC has issued a statement after filming of Celebrity Traitors was paused for comedian James Acaster, who was banished from the round table during the semi-final after revealing he was a traitor. Under pressure from fellow contestant Michael Sheen, Acaster admitted his true identity in an episode that aired last night.
Acaster began the game as a faithful but was recruited as a traitor, a role he said he struggled with. At the round table, he explained: "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.'"
Acaster's reluctant confession
Acaster continued: "When I came into this experience I told Claudia 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 was the second traitor this series to reveal their identity before being caught, following Richard E Grant, who accidentally revealed he was a traitor moments after being chosen in the first episode.
BBC prioritises safety and welfare
Following the episode, 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."
An insider reportedly told the Daily Mail that filming was paused because Acaster became "anxious" and needed to gather himself before making his speech. Production paused to allow him to calm down before addressing the group.
In his post-show interview on The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, Acaster said he had planned the reveal in advance. He said: "The idea of doing that got me through the whole experience because you feel as a Traitor sometimes, when you see people have real-life reactions that are bigger than the game, you feel bad." He added: "And I would have to remind myself they don’t have a game without you, literally, if no one's doing this stuff, they can't play, and they all want to play."
Final line-up confirmed
Reflecting on reaching episode nine, Acaster said: "I feel pretty good getting to episode nine, and now we've got a proper final on our hands. With three traitors, it would have been a conclusion that we were going to win." He added: "Don't get me wrong, I thought it was hilarious at one point that we were just going to walk our way to the final and win the whole thing, but this is much better, isn't it?"
The two remaining traitors, TV presenter Maya Jama and social media star King Kenny, will compete in the final. Faithfuls singer James Blunt, Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock, actor Michael Sheen, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, and actor Sebastian Croft are also set to take part in tonight's final.
