BBC viewers have highlighted a significant 'problem' with the celebrity version of The Traitors before its final episode. Audiences watched 21 well-known personalities enter the Scottish castle earlier this month, delivering some of the most memorable moments in the programme's history.
Actor Richard E. Grant was the first to shock audiences when he revealed to a chamber full of Faithfuls that he was a Traitor, moments after his selection. The 69-year-old later clarified that the error stemmed from the overwhelming thrill of being appointed a Traitor. He was then banished following an almost complete roundtable ballot, becoming the very first Traitor to be removed from the programme in the opening banishment vote.
James Acaster's Selfless Admission
This series delivered another groundbreaking first on October 29, when James Acaster admitted his status as a Traitor during the semi-final roundtable. James, 41, had been cornered by actor Michael Sheen, who accurately deduced that either Maya Jama or James were Traitors. In an act of selflessness, James said: "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 has had before."
Fans remain divided over whether the admission rescued Maya and fellow Traitor King Kenny or sealed their fate. However, numerous viewers have criticised James and Richard's respective revelations, arguing that this year's celebrity participants haven't approached the gameshow with enough seriousness, particularly when compared to players in the civilian version.
Viewers Criticise Lack of Stakes
One Reddit user expressed frustration: "It's the first time I've really felt the contestants are very perceptive of how they're seen on the outside world so they're containing their strategies. That's the major fall with the Celeb version as they don't need the money enough to do tactics such as throwing another Traitor under the bus or really going after someone in the roundtable. Also, it seems the players this year just haven't been taking the game seriously enough compared to previous years." The commenter also admitted that the series boasted "a strong cast".
Another person proposed that the famous participants lacked genuine motivation, stating: "It reminds me of playing poker without a buy in, everyone goes all in on c**p hands because nothing is at stake. Normal traitors is so great as people are more willing to lie through their teeth if £100k is at stake."
Another viewer commented: "Stakes are lower for winning but higher for turning into a villain. The last thing any of these people want is to be seen as a bad guy. If there is a 100k for your family and you are a normal person then yeah you will be a bit meaner to get it in the context of this game." A dissatisfied viewer added: "It's been a very poor series all round to be honest."
Defenders Point to Engaged Cast
Unlike the civilian version where contestants compete for a substantial cash prize, the Celebrity Traitors stars take part in the hope of securing £100,000 for a charity of their choosing. Other viewers have been quick to defend this series' cast, arguing that two significant blunders shouldn't cast a shadow over the remainder of the programme.
"I find the idea the contestants aren't taking it seriously baffling, Ross Kemp, James blunt, Sharon, James A are all taking it if anything too seriously, aren't they?," posted one. Another agreed: "Indeed, I think the celebs have been really into the game this series. People laugh at James Blunt and Michael Sheen for their incorrect theories, but I think every single one of them has held weight."
The Celebrity Traitors series finale airs tonight at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
