Richard E. Grant accidentally revealed his role as a Traitor within minutes of being selected on the opening episode of Celebrity Traitors, leaving producers and host Claudia Winkleman astonished.
The actor, who was chosen as a Traitor alongside Love Island host Maya Jama, immediately confessed his true role when asked by fellow contestants whether he was a Traitor or a Faithful. He then tried to backtrack, but the other celebrities quickly noticed his gaffe, casting doubt on his game.
Claudia Winkleman's reaction to the slip-up
Winkleman, who returns to guide 21 famous faces through the game of betrayal and loyalty, said of Grant's response: "He was just so happy, he couldn't believe it." She added: "You couldn't not give it to him, you couldn't not because he wanted it so much and he's so compelling. And he's Richard E Grant, I couldn't believe that he was actually in the castle."
She continued: "He was giddy. And five minutes after he said it, he went, 'Ohhhh'. The genius of the game is everybody plays it completely differently and he took that to the next level."
Producers and spin-off host weigh in
Ed Gamble, who presents spin-off show Uncloaked, said: "It was absolutely incredible. He was vibrating with excitement in the turret. It felt like he'd been given a lead role in a film, and he just had to tell everyone. It was such an insane moment." He added: "What an amazing moment, such an insane way to start a brilliant series!"
Executive producer Sarah Fay revealed at a press event: "Within five minutes of being out of the round-table, he'd already mucked up. I still can't believe it now! Richard E Grant, how iconic!" She added: "But never in our wildest dreams did we think that we'd have a Traitor admit they were a Traitor within five minutes after the roundtable."
Grant's own thoughts on acting and suspicion
Grant explained how being an actor could be a disadvantage in the game. When asked if he was competitive, he said: "You have to be if you're an actor. You can't survive the profession without being so. It's too brutal." He added: "I think it'll make people more suspicious because they assume that you're a natural-born liar. Oh, you're an actor, so I can't believe anything that you say!"
The series features 21 celebrities including Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, James Blunt, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, King Kenny, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Maya Jama, Michael Sheen, Miranda Hart, Myha'la, Professor Hannah Fry, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Ross Kemp, Sebastian Croft, and Sharon Rooney. All are competing to secure funds for their chosen charities.
The Celebrity Traitors continues on Friday at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer, with episodes airing weekly on Thursdays and Fridays.
