Journalist Amol Rajan was “murdered” by traitors Maya Jama and Richard E Grant as the second episode of The Celebrity Traitors began, while comedian James Acaster was recruited to become the third traitor.
Thursday’s launch episode of the BBC reality game show ended on a cliffhanger, where viewers saw Acaster and Rajan meet TV presenter Jama and actor Grant face to face to plead their case to be seduced into becoming a traitor rather than being murdered and leaving the game.
After discovering his fate on Friday’s episode, University Challenge presenter Rajan said: “It’s game over, it’s gutting to be the first out, but James is a fantastic player, and I guess people aren’t going to suspect him, and they might suspect me.”
After being seduced, Acaster said: “I can’t believe I’m a traitor, I’m gutted to not be faithful anymore, I don’t like lying, but if I don’t join, then they kill me.”
Following Acaster’s return to the castle as a traitor, former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh said she suspected someone had been recruited and suggested he would be a potential choice, while US model and actress Jerry Hall also said she suspected the comedian.
In one of the pivotal moments of the opening episode on Thursday, Grant accidentally revealed to multiple people he was a traitor and then had to try to cover up his gaffe.
Acaster said after discovering who was in the traitorous team: “I was quite relieved to see Maya, no one suspects her, but Richard is a loose cannon.
“Now tomorrow, I’ve got to decide how to play it in order to survive, and also to try and protect him.”
Hesmondhalgh and comedian Joe Lycett received shields in Thursday’s episode, granting them immunity from the first murder, while contestants amassed £15,000 for the charity prize pot.
The opening show was the most-watched debut episode of any series of the Traitors franchise in the UK, with an average audience of 8.9 million viewers, peaking at 9.1 million at one point.
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman at Ardross Castle in the Highlands, 21 celebrity contestants are playing for a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.
Those assigned as faithfuls must try to work out who has been designated as the traitors, who in turn “kill off” their fellow players in the middle of the night.
