James Acaster admitted he was a Traitor during tonight's episode of Celebrity Traitors, producing one of the most memorable moments of the series and giving the show a much-needed lift.
The comedian had appeared uneasy with his role throughout the series and, rather than bluff his way out of trouble as Michael Sheen began connecting the dots, he effectively threw in the towel and confessed. The admission was reminiscent of the shock when Alan Carr "murdered" Paloma Faith in the first series.
A Disappointing Second Series
This year's casting has not matched the first series, with stars described as more performative and knowing, and many clearly using the show to further their careers. The chemistry, characters and unpredictability that made the first series compulsive viewing have been harder to find, with the cast too clued up on the game and desperate for standout moments.
James explained he had not wanted to be a Traitor in the first place, and his honesty ensured he was banished. Michael Sheen also deserves credit, having largely lurked in the background before finally starting to connect the dots and putting the Traitors under real pressure.
Faithfuls Suffer Double Blow
The Faithfuls have suffered another devastating double blow, with Irish comedian Joanne McNally banished and Sharon Rooney murdered, leaving the group with fewer opportunities to get things right.
Maya Jama remains a different proposition, having stayed remarkably composed while suspicion swirled around other contestants, and she could still prove to be one of the most effective Traitors the show has seen.
Final Approaches
With the final approaching, there is very little room left for mistakes, and the remaining Faithfuls need to stop handing the Traitors opportunities to escape. James's confession was genuinely compelling and finally felt as though the game had been shaken up in a meaningful way, though the series has struggled to recapture last year's magic.
