Some viewers of The Celebrity Traitors believe host Claudia Winkleman was ultimately responsible for James Acaster's exit, following his surprising decision during the penultimate Round Table.
The comedian and podcaster astonished fellow contestants and audiences with an unprecedented action one day before the finale of the BBC series. The second celebrity edition had already featured unexpected developments and show firsts.
Acaster's bombshell admission
The pivotal moment came as actor Michael Sheen delivered an impassioned speech analysing Ross Kemp's murder. Sheen accurately determined that a perfume bottle was used in the killing and that it took place in the library, where James and fellow Traitor Maya Jama had been spotted with their victim.
Under mounting pressure, Acaster revealed: "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."
Viewer theory on Winkleman's choices
Some viewers now argue his downfall stemmed from Winkleman's original selection of Traitors. On The Traitors UK subreddit, one user wrote: "It's fascinating how 90% of the problems with this series comes down to Claudia not picking the first three. Picking Richard was a gamble that didn't work, but what's really caused the problems is them having no backup."
Winkleman selected just two original Traitors, Richard E. Grant and Maya Jama, before instructing them to choose a third member themselves. The original poster elaborated: "By not having Claudia picking three people that want to be traitors we've had: James A forced to be a reluctant traitor otherwise murdered, Hannah semi-force recruited when she wanted to be a faithful, only Kenny finally stabilised the ship but far too late, and James still didn't want to be there."
The issue had been raised earlier in the series, when another viewer remarked: "Once again, Claudia sadly drops the ball on her traitor choices."
Mixed reactions and alternative theories
However, a dissenting voice argued: "Chaotic traitors are genius TV, especially so the celebrity ones. Richard is undoubtedly one of the 'big dogs' among the cast. I was hoping he would be named, especially when he said how much he wanted it."
One individual agreed with the initial observation but maintained the strategic errors rested with the original Traitors, saying: "This (Claudia's picks) is definitely a part of it. On paper, Maya is a great shout for Traitor, but from day one, they needed a captain. Someone who wanted to be (a Traitor) but wasn't chaotic like Richard. Also, recruiting Acaster was an abysmal choice, and while I think it's given us some great TV, and happy he lasted 9 eps, having Amol or Lycett join the traitors early doors would've been much better gameplay."
Other explanations for Acaster's fate have emerged, including the suggestion that the Traitors squandered their advantage when one member switched their vote before failing to eliminate Michael Sheen. One viewer argued: "Kenny changing his vote to Joanne was the moment the traitors lost this. If they had banished Sharon, who was leading the perfume push, they would've nipped that in the bud before it got out of their hands."
Despite his self-sabotage, Acaster has received support. One individual wrote on social media: "Well done, James! ! ! I'm really proud of him for staying true to himself. I completely understand it must be so stressful for him to lie, and I think he did exceptionally well."
The Celebrity Traitors concludes tonight at 8pm on BBC One and streaming on iPlayer.
