Joe Lycett has spoken for the first time since his banishment from Celebrity Traitors, revealing the experience left him with a renewed appreciation for his life. The comedian, 38, was the latest Faithful to be eliminated from Claudia Winkleman's murder mystery gameshow.
Although he successfully identified Traitors through his investigative abilities and prompted Richard E Grant's candid slip-up after directly questioning the actor, Joe raised eyebrows at the roundtable after eagerly pleading with the Traitors to recruit him. Instead, Maya Jama and James Acaster welcomed King Kenny into their ranks following Professor Hannah Fry's departure.
Farewell message and gratitude
Delivering his farewell message during Friday 16 October's episode, Joe said: "Absolutely loved it, like total dream. I do sort of feel like we're all a family now, and as such, expect to be in all of your wills."
He added: "Very sad to be going, but what a wonderful group of people. I always wanted to start as a Faithful and end as a Traitor. I started as a Faithful, I did not get my wish. I am a Faithful."
The comedian has now addressed his elimination, explaining: "It was beyond what I was expecting. It was so much more immersive, and I cared so much more about it than I thought I would."
He continued: "Obviously, when you watch the show and people really get into it and they start crying, you think get over yourselves, it's just a game. But when you're in it, it is your whole life."
Close bond with Miranda Hart
Joe spoke about the strong connections formed with fellow contestants, including Miranda Hart, who became emotional after his departure, breaking down in tears to the camera. He remarked: "Miranda is someone that I've met briefly in the past and I've always loved."
He added: "I'm really pleased that I got a chance to play with her, do some sort of an improv, essentially, and kind of mess about. So I got very close with her, and then all the comics, of course."
Reflecting on the experience, he said: "I loved having my phone taken away from me, and I'm really grateful for the fact that I have a lovely life to miss. It has been a life changing experience in lots of ways, and made me more grateful and happier about the life that I live."
Viewer reaction and next episode
Audiences confessed they were moved to tears by Joe's departure, with one viewer posting: "I can't believe I've just cried at Joe Lycett being banished, what has this show done to me???" Another commented: "Can't believe they banished national treasure Joe Lycett he was the most Faithful of them all."
Celebrity Traitors is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and continues on Thursday at 8pm on BBC One.
