Romesh Ranganathan has spoken out about tensions within the Celebrity Traitors cast, confessing he felt unpopular with some of his fellow contestants while filming at Ardross Castle. The stand-up comic, who went on to claim victory in the BBC series alongside Sebastian 'Bash' Croft, opened up about his time on the show before the second series had even hit screens.
Feeling the 'wrong flavour'
Speaking at the end of September, Romesh admitted he had felt he wasn't everybody's cup of tea during his stint at the Scottish castle, despite being surrounded by famous faces he held in high regard. He described himself as the "wrong flavour for a certain type of people", saying it had been a peculiar feeling to realise that some of the people he looked up to might not particularly warm to him.
Romesh said: "I think to myself, I love you and the idea that they wouldn't like you feels really weird to me. But the truth is that there are some people whose personality just rubs people up the wrong way."
He went on: "So sometimes you have to accept that, however you are, it's not for someone else. I think in life we are all guilty of going, 'I just don't get it. I've been so nice to that person'. But they just don't vibe with you."
"Sometimes people just don't like you and that's okay," he added.
Renewed attention after reports
His remarks have garnered renewed attention following reports of friction between some of the programme's contestants after filming wrapped up. Comedian James Acaster was conspicuously absent from the show's final Uncloaked episode, with presenter Dan Walker among those questioning why he had neither appeared nor even been mentioned.
Dan wrote on social media: "I hope James Acaster is ok. No appearance and not even mentioned on the uncloaked show."
The BBC has previously dismissed claims of trouble behind the scenes, while production company Studio Lambert has also reportedly brushed aside suggestions of a wider bullying row. Romesh's remarks, made prior to audiences having watched the series, shed light on his feelings regarding the social dynamics within the castle, though he stopped short of naming the fellow contestants he felt had taken a dislike to him.
Victory in the finale
Despite the alleged friction, Romesh and Sebastian triumphed in Friday night's grand finale, scooping the £83,000 prize pot for their respective charities. Romesh is putting his £41,500 share towards the Refugee Council, while Sebastian has opted for Choose Love as the beneficiary of his winnings.
