Richard E. Grant Hailed as a Legend After Bold Traitors Reveal in Season Two Premiere

The Celebrity Traitors returned for its second season on Thursday 1 October, and Richard E. Grant instantly earned legend status after a tumultuous debut.

Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the show drops 21 celebrities into a Scottish Highland castle where they compete for a charity prize of up to £100,000. Most participants are “faithful,” collaborating to boost the prize pool, while a covert group of “traitors” eliminates them each night and strives to survive the public roundtable votes.

In the opening episode, host Claudia Winkleman selected TV presenter Maya Jama and veteran actor Richard E. Grant as the traitors after they both expressed enthusiasm for playing the deceitful role.

Later that night, comedian Joe Lycett teasingly queried Grant about his allegiance; Grant surprised everyone by openly declaring himself a traitor—a first in the series’ history. “You’re what?” Lycett exclaimed, before Grant reiterated his confession. He added, “What’s the point of playing if you’re not a traitor?” The exchange was witnessed by fellow stars James Blunt, Ross Kemp and Rob Beckett.

Lycett replied, “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” while other cast members briefed Grant on the rules. He continued, “I think you’ve done something unprecedented in the game—it’s a bold strategy.” Later episodes revealed a split among the contestants: some suspected Grant was double‑bluffing and could not be a traitor, whereas others were convinced of his guilt.

TV moment of the year already pic.twitter.com/nwD53M9j9B

— Billy (@_billyreid) October 1, 2026

One X user remarked, “TV moment of the year already,” sharing a clip of the exchange. Another commented, “Richard E. Grant might be my favourite traitor of all time.” A third added, “We all believed Alan Carr held the title of best worst traitor, yet on day one Grant openly declared himself a traitor—this show continually raises the bar.”

Elsewhere in the premiere, Ross Kemp grew convinced that fellow players were attempting to eliminate him after Bella Ramsey placed a pirate hat on his head and Leigh‑Anne brushed his arm.

The episode concluded with the traitors deliberating whether to recruit or eliminate comedian James Acaster and journalist Amol Rajan. Episode two broadcasts Friday 2 October at 8 p.m. on BBC One and iPlayer, with episodes three and four slated for the following week.

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