Brief
Ed Gamble discusses unconscious bias after Myha’la’s banishment on Celebrity Traitors
Gamble says the show must confront bias while Myha’la acknowledges her own role in her elimination.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ed Gamble, host of the after‑show "Traitors Uncloaked", spoke to The Guardian about accusations of unconscious racial and cultural bias on the BBC reality series "Celebrity Traitors" after contestant Myha’la was banished earlier this month.
Since the programme began in 2022, observers have noted that ethnic‑minority players are often labelled more "suspicious" than white contestants. The issue resurfaced when Myha’la, a Black actress, was eliminated after a playful wink at fellow contestant Richard E. Grant prompted speculation that she was a Traitor.
In her statement after leaving the game, Myha’la wrote that she understood why viewers might suspect her and said she had "signed her own death warrant with the wink". She added that unconscious bias exists in the game, noting that her authenticity and manner of expression were judged as suspicious by some.
Gamble told The Guardian, "I certainly wouldn’t like to counteract anyone’s lived experience. I also think Myha’la said that she signed her own death warrant with the wink, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s not true, and it’s something that needs to be discussed and looked at." He further argued that reality‑game formats should allow more conversation about unconscious bias, observing that under pressure people tend to gravitate toward the familiar and push away the unfamiliar.
When a fan expressed exhaustion at the suspicion cast toward Black players, Myha’la replied, "I totally agree! It is exhausting, and we have every right to be tired of it. Sending love to you." The Independent notes that similar bias concerns have been raised about other UK reality shows, citing a Guardian report that non‑white dancers on "Strictly Come Dancing" were 71 % more likely to land in the bottom two.
Gamble concluded by thanking supporters and emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue about bias in high‑pressure competition formats.
Key facts
- Ed Gamble addressed claims of unconscious racial bias on Celebrity Traitors in a Guardian interview. (independent.co.uk)
- Contestant Myha’la was banished after a wink at Richard E. Grant sparked suspicion of her being a Traitor. (independent.co.uk)
- Myha’la said she understood why viewers might suspect her and acknowledged unconscious bias in the game. (independent.co.uk)
- A Guardian report found non‑white dancers on Strictly Come Dancing were 71% more likely to be voted into the bottom two. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Celebrity Traitors host addresses claims of unconscious racial bias on show”
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