Brief
Richard E Grant declares himself a Traitor on BBC’s Celebrity Traitors
Grant’s unexpected confession sparked a mix of amusement and disbelief among the celebrity cast.
By Felo News Desk · Published
During the premiere of BBC One’s reality competition Celebrity Traitors on 1 October 2026, actor Richard E Grant announced he was a Traitor, prompting gasps and laughter from the other contestants.
Grant made the claim moments after host Claudia Winkleman selected him in the secret round‑table. Comedian Joe Lycett, who was filming at his pub The Lycett Arms, asked, “What are you?” and received the reply, “A Traitor.” Lycett’s reaction, captured on camera, was a bewildered “You what?!” that quickly went viral.
Following the confession, Grant tried to backtrack, insisting he had said it as a joke and that he was actually a Faithful. He told the camera, “I thought it would be like an ‘I am Spartacus!’ moment,” and added that he was “so thrilled to be chosen as a Traitor that, in my unguarded excitement, I said, ‘Of course I’m a Traitor.’” The actor’s nervous laughter and a sigh of “Oh brother!” underscored the chaotic atmosphere.
Executive producer Sarah Fay, speaking at a press screening before the episode aired, described the moment as unprecedented. She said, “It was a mixture of a little bit of sick coming up in my mouth, and a punch of the air at the same time. We’ve never had anything like that happen before.” Host Winkleman struggled to keep a straight face when she asked Grant to vow secrecy about his identity and that of any fellow Traitors.
Former model Jerry Hall expressed disbelief, saying, “I just don’t believe Richard’s a Traitor.” The incident has sparked speculation about whether Grant’s confession was a genuine slip‑up or a strategic double bluff designed to mislead the other players.
Key facts
- Richard E Grant announced he was a Traitor on the first episode of Celebrity Traitors. (independent.co.uk)
- Joe Lycett reacted on camera with confusion, saying “You what?!” (independent.co.uk)
- Executive producer Sarah Fay called the moment unprecedented and described her reaction as a mix of nausea and a punch of air. (independent.co.uk)
- Grant later claimed he said he was a Traitor as a joke, likening it to an ‘I am Spartacus!’ moment. (independent.co.uk)
- Jerry Hall publicly doubted Grant’s status as a Traitor. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Richard E Grant just made the wildest move in Traitors history”
