Celebrity Traitors viewers have urged Maya Jama and King Kenny to 'betray' their popular co-star after the latest episode of the BBC gameshow. Last night's (October 22) episode sparked online outrage after the Traitor trio, Maya, Kenny and James Acaster, were given a mission to accomplish right under the Faithfuls' noses.
Traitors' Lair Challenge
Host Claudia Winkleman returned to the castle and revealed that the latest challenge would take place in the Traitors' lair, where no Faithful has ever stepped foot before. For the game, each contestant had to build a shield with large puzzle pieces in hopes of securing safety from the next murder.
But it came with a twist: the Traitors could steal pieces from the Faithfuls' individual shields to build their own money shield. They could only do this when the castle bell chimed, prompting everyone to wear blindfolds. Traitors could then remove their blindfolds and attempt to complete their mission undetected.
James Acaster Refuses to Participate
While Maya and Kenny quickly sprung into action during the challenge, James refused to take part because he was "too scared" of being outed. The comedian thought it was too dangerous to move because he was positioned between Sebastian Croft and Michael Sheen during the challenge.
He later explained: "I'm in-between Bash and Sheen who are both eagle-eyed and eagle-eared and are gonna hear me. I immediately decided I ain't doing it."
But his decision left fellow Traitor Maya stunned as she later told the camera: "I knew James didn't want to be a Traitor but wow, he didn't even lift his blindfold. I'm speechless. Absolutely speechless."
Viewers Call for Betrayal
Viewers at home were just as baffled with some even calling for Maya and Kenny to 'betray' their ally. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one fan said: "Maya and Kenny need to get James Acaster out before it's too late #CelebrityTraitors," someone else agreed: "If I were Kenny or Maya in that challenge, I'd be doing all I can to stitch James up. Him not getting involved was cowardly. #CelebrityTraitors."
Yet another viewer added: "I want Maya and Kenny to turn on James. He doesn’t want to be there, is a liability…pack him up now #CelebrityTraitors." And another person joined in: "i’m gonna need maya and kenny to have a secret conversation to betray james acaster now!! #CelebrityTraitors."
Fans Defend Acaster
But other BBC fans have rushed to defend the comedian's controversial move. "I mean, ppl saying s**** things about James A when he was right like Michael was hearing Kenny coming to him AND KENNY WAS LIKE IN THE OTHER PART OF THE ROOM!!," posted one.
Another defender chimed in with: "Right I'm not gonna lie I think James A actually had the right tactic in that game.. I know they're supposed to get the money and it's for charity but that game was way too risky especially if you are stood next to people who are very good at the game #CelebrityTraitors."
And a third shared: "While he may get some public backlash, that mission was bullshit and James was right to sit it out. Michael and Bash were RIGHT next to him and they're some of the more dangerous faithfuls." The Celebrity Traitors continues tonight at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
