Brief

Amol Rajan says he played “the wrong game” after early exit from Celebrity Traitors

The 43‑year‑old journalist was the first contestant to be murdered, and he later suggested he could have been a better traitor.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:00:27 GMT

Broadcaster Amol Rajan, 43, admitted on the spin‑off show The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked that he “played the wrong game” after becoming the debut participant to be murdered on the BBC reality series on Friday.

What happened

During Friday’s episode, secret traitors Richard E Grant and Maya Jama targeted Rajan, leading to his elimination. The following day, comedian James Acaster was introduced as the third traitor.

What the reports add

Rajan explained that, during Thursday’s broadcast, he and Acaster had met Grant and Jama to argue for recruitment rather than elimination. He also said he would have performed well as a traitor if given the chance to switch sides.

What was said

Rajan told the spin‑off, “It’s hard not to watch it and think… with 20/20 hindsight, I played the wrong game.” He added, “Obviously, I wish I’d been chosen, and I wish I’d been a traitor.” He also commented on Grant’s slip‑up, asking, “What was that about? I mean no one’s ever done that.”

How it came about

The series, launched on 1 October 2026, pits 21 celebrities against each other for a £100,000 charity prize. Earlier Felo coverage outlined the full cast and the first traitors named Maya Jama and Richard E Grant.

Key facts

Amol Rajan was the first contestant murdered on Celebrity Traitors. (independent.co.uk)
Richard E Grant and Maya Jama were the secret traitors who targeted Rajan. (independent.co.uk)
James Acaster was introduced as the third traitor in the following episode. (independent.co.uk)
Rajan said he would have made a good traitor if recruited. (independent.co.uk)
The show returned on 1 October 2026 with a £100,000 charity prize. (independent.co.uk)