Julie Hesmondhalgh, known for playing Hayley Cropper on Coronation Street, has revealed why contestants on the BBC's Celebrity Traitors are forbidden from watching television or streaming music while filming the show. The 56-year-old actress, who was recently banished from the castle while playing as a Faithful, explained the reasoning behind the restrictions.
Why TV and Spotify Are Banned
Speaking to Good Housekeeping, Hesmondhalgh said: "You weren’t allowed televisions because of ways that you can ascertain who went to bed latest." She added: "You’re not allowed Spotify because you can talk to each other through it."
Despite the bans, the actress found solace in reading, telling the magazine: "[I had] a really good book to read when I was alone in my room at night."
Julie's Time in the Castle
During the first episode, Hesmondhalgh was voted the most "trustworthy contestant" by her co-stars. However, by episode four, she was banished after her fellow players suspected she was a Traitor, though she was actually a Faithful.
Singer James Blunt played a key role in turning others against her during the round table. Comedian James Acaster told The Times about a scene cut from the final edit: "In the edit, James Blunt's reason was that Julie was given the first shield."
Cut Scene Reveals Misunderstanding
Acaster explained that during the shoulder tap for the Traitors' pick, he told Julie who he thought was acting suspiciously. He later spoke to her, noting that before the traitors knew who the others were, they would not share theories to avoid incriminating an ally. He suggested they observe who was not forthcoming.
He continued: "Then Julie went into the room where James [Blunt] was, put this to everyone, and says, 'Like you, James. You're not sharing your theories with anyone', and James is thinking, 'Well that's not true, because I just shared mine with you at the table'."
