Romesh Ranganathan has opened up about tensions among the Celebrity Traitors cast, admitting he felt disliked by some of his fellow contestants while filming at Ardross Castle. His comments have resurfaced following reports of backstage fallouts and alleged bullying involving James Acaster, with the BBC previously denying claims of a row between the celebrities.
The comedian, who went on to win the BBC series alongside Sebastian 'Bash' Croft, spoke about his experience on the show before the second series had even aired. Speaking at the end of September, Romesh admitted he had felt he was not everyone's cup of tea during his time at the Scottish castle, despite being surrounded by famous faces he admired.
Feeling like the 'wrong flavour'
He described himself as the "wrong flavour for a certain type of people", saying it had been strange to realise that some of the people he looked up to might not particularly like 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 continued: "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.
Reports of backstage tensions
His comments have attracted fresh attention following reports of tensions between some of the show's contestants after filming came to an end. James Acaster has been at the centre of several claims about the atmosphere behind the scenes, with reports suggesting he felt increasingly uncomfortable around fellow comedians Romesh and Rob Beckett.
According to reports, the alleged disagreements were linked to differences in their backgrounds, with James reportedly feeling singled out because of his middle-class upbringing. Romesh and Rob are said to have viewed some of their remarks as harmless banter, although James reportedly experienced the situation differently.
The comedian was also noticeably absent from the show's final Uncloaked episode, with presenter Dan Walker among those questioning why he had not appeared or even been mentioned. Dan wrote on social media: "I hope James Acaster is ok. No appearance and not even mentioned on the uncloaked show."
BBC and Studio Lambert responses
The BBC has previously denied claims of trouble behind the scenes, while production company Studio Lambert has also reportedly rejected suggestions of a wider bullying row.
Romesh's comments, made before viewers had seen the series, offer an insight into how he felt about the social dynamics inside the castle, although he did not name the contestants he believed disliked him.
Despite the reported tensions, Romesh and Sebastian emerged victorious in Friday night's final, securing the £83,000 prize pot for their chosen charities. Romesh is donating his £41,500 share to the Refugee Council, while Sebastian has chosen Choose Love as the recipient of his winnings.
