Miranda Hart has defended James Acaster as viewers continue to debate his exit from the BBC series Celebrity Traitors. Speaking on The One Show hours before the final episode aired, she praised the comedian for trying something new in terms of his gameplay.
Final winners crowned
On Friday night (October 30), comedian Romesh Ranganathan and actor Sebastian Croft were crowned the winners of the celebrity version of the show. They left with £41,500 each for their charities.
During the final, traitor Maya Jama was banished at the roundtable before the End Game portion of the finale. King Kenny, singer James Blunt, Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian voted off former Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock first.
James Acaster's reveal
Maya's fellow traitor Kenny was the next to be eliminated. In a decision that drew criticism, James chose to continue banishing rather than end the game after Romesh aired his suspicions, despite Romesh revealing that a conversation with Sebastian had changed his opinion of the singer.
Both Faithfuls ultimately voted for James, leaving Romesh and Sebastian as the final two. This marked the first win for the faithful after traitor Alan Carr won the first series of Celebrity Traitors last year.
Miranda's praise
Much of the social media chatter regarding the series has centred on James Acaster. Many fans of the BBC series are adamant that the traitors would have won the series, had the comedian not revealed his true identity on Thursday night (October 29).
The 41-year-old had been a 'reluctant Traitor' after being recruited at the beginning of the competition, having wanted to play as a Faithful. He eventually revealed himself as a Traitor at the round table after Michael Sheen began questioning his involvement in the murder of Ross Kemp.
Speaking to Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo on The One Show, Miranda praised James. "Yeah, James Acaster – what a guy. I have so much respect for him, fascinating for the game, he's charming and funny and brilliant. I love that," she said.
Sharon Rooney disappointment
However, Miranda did note her disappointment in James, Maya and Kenny's decision to banish Sharon Rooney. Miranda has formed a close friendship with the Mad Fat Diary actress during their time in the Scottish Highlands.
"If she'd have been at that round table… she was getting there, she got there. Poundland Poirot was priceless. I was trying to Marple it, she was Poirot-ing it. She nailed it. So I did miss her at the Round Table, I wanted her to be there," she said.
Summing up her love of being part of the programme, Miranda said: "It's been incredibly moving to see these viral montages that people are doing of their moments of laughter and play. All the things we worry about and stress about, careers and that stuff is not what really matters and connection and laughter and joy is what really does."
