Richard E. Grant almost immediately blew his chances on this season of “Celebrity Traitors” in what he calls the “biggest mistake I’ve made in my life.”
In the first episode of the U.K. reality competition reality series, Grant was chosen as one of the first two Traitors, along with “Love Island” host Maya Jama. But then shortly after being chosen as a Traitor, Grant revealed his role to a room full of other competitors.
Speaking with host Claudia Winkleman before being tapped as a Traitor, Jama said she wanted to be an “unassuming, warm and misleading traitor.” Grant, however, said he was “utterly ruthless” and would feel no guilt. “If I was lucky enough to be a traitor, it would be a dream come true,” the actor said. “In this game, the only power you have is being a traitor.”
When asked about his status, Grant blurted out that he was a Traitor to several contestants, who appeared to be shocked. “What’s the point in being in the game if you’re not?” Grant asked rhetorically. (You can watch this scene on X as tweeted by U.K. TV journalist and Variety contributor Scott Bryan.)
Comedian Joe Lycett encouraged Grant to back down from the statement and reassure everyone he was a Faithful making a joke. “I think you’ve done something that’s never been done in the game,” he said. “It’s a bold strategy.”
After realizing his error, Grant told the camera, “That may have been the biggest mistake I’ve made in my life. I was so thrilled to be chosen that in my excitement I said I was a Traitor. I need to defuse all of the heat coming in my direction.”
Grant also said he was “absolutely convinced” he would be going home. But model and actress Jerry Hall did not believe him. “I’ve known him for over 30 years, and he says and does eccentric things,” she said. “I think he is acting out because he hasn’t been chosen.”
In spite of the slip-up, Grant survived until the end of the episode. The two Traitors were told they had a chance to recruit and could kill another contestant at the same time.
The duo selected comedian James Acaster and University Challenge presenter Amol Rajan, who met with Grant and Jama to plead their case. Both selected said they could deflect attention after Grant’s earlier mistake. The episode concluded on a cliffhanger before he made his decision.
Also competing on this season of “Celebrity Traitors” are actor Bella Ramsey, singer James Blunt, actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, content creator King Kenny, Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock, actor Michael Sheen, actor Myha’la, broadcaster and math professor Hannah Fry, actor and presenter Ross Kemp, musician and actor Sebastian Croft, actor Sharon Rooney and comedians Joanne McNally, Miranda Hart, Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan.
The celebs are competing to weed out the murderous Traitors among them for a cash prize of £100,000 for a charity of their choice in Ardross Castle in the Highlands. The first season of “The Celebrity Traitors” aired in October 2025, and later streamed in the U.S. on Peacock.