Rob Beckett has denied reports that he and Romesh Ranganathan teased fellow comic James Acaster during Celebrity Traitors, saying the claims upset him. Speaking on the Parenting Hell podcast, which he co-hosts with Josh Widdicombe, Beckett discussed his time on the BBC show and his reaction to the reports.
Beckett on the allegations
Rob said: "It actually did upset me a little bit. Teasing and whatever you want to call it, bullying, it's the worst thing to do to anyone. And when you know it's categorically not true, and everyone's denied it, but it still exists out there."
The report, published in the Mail on Sunday, claimed James had complained to producers that he was being "teased and mocked" by long-standing friends Rob and Romesh while filming at Ardross Castle in Scotland. James himself described the reports as "completely fabricated" during an appearance on the Life's A Beach podcast.
Denials from all involved
Rob, who was knocked out of the competition early on, said the claims had been denied by all three comedians and the BBC. He said: "Apparently James made an official complaint about me and Romesh teased him for his middle class upbringing. We were like 'obviously not, no. He's my mate, known him 10 years, we've been texting each other as the show has been going on,'" reports the Mirror.
"I didn't say that, I was like, 'absolutely not, that's completely wrong.' Romesh and his agent, me and my agent and so did he, James and his agent, said 'absolute nonsense'. The BBC said absolute nonsense. Printed it anyway."
Acaster's dramatic series moment
James featured in one of the series' most dramatic sequences when he revealed himself as a traitor following his reluctant recruitment. He subsequently reported suffering from severe anxiety and production was suspended to allow welfare staff to intervene and assess his wellbeing. James was also notably absent from the live reunion programme.
Beckett's advice to celebrities
Meanwhile, Rob has offered further insight into his experience on the popular reality television programme. He quipped that celebrities considering participation should opt for I'm A Celebrity instead as "it's an easier gig". The comedian previously hosted the spin-off programme I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! NOW!, giving him inside knowledge of how the show operates.
While he refrained from divulging specifics – Celebrity Traitors participants must sign NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) regarding production processes – he hinted that behind-the-scenes work proves demanding. Rob explained: "So Traitors has been and gone. The problem with Traitors is you cannot talk about it, you sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement). I've never had to do this for any show I've done about the way a show is made."
"I can't talk about it, to any celebrities who want to do it. Take the money in the jungle. It's an easier gig. Take the money in the jungle, donate what you could have won on Traitors and enjoy your life. Because I've been in both shows, I've watched the jungle being made, the jungle is an easier gig, I'll tell you now. And I can't tell you why, because I'm not allowed to, I'm sure one day I'll be able to."
