Celebrity Traitors: Richard E. Grant Banishment and Hannah Fry's Recruitment Shake Up Game

Emotions ran high in the latest episode of Celebrity Traitors as actor Richard E. Grant became the first player to be banished at the round table, marking a significant moment in the UK version of the show. Grant's unusual strategy of revealing his traitor status to fellow contestants in the bar led to a landslide vote against him.

"Thank you for giving me an almost bingo full-house of votes," Grant said following his banishment. "I have always wanted to be a traitor, as you know, and sometimes in life your dreams do come true." His elimination was met with jubilation from some players, including Ross Kemp, who exclaimed, "get in there!"

While the faithful successfully identified a traitor, other players' actions at the round table immediately drew suspicion. Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh observed comedian Myha'la Sriskandar winking at Grant before casting her vote, leading Hesmondhalgh to mistakenly believe a traitor-to-traitor alliance was at play.

Following Grant's banishment, the remaining traitors, Maya Jama and James Acaster, debated their next move: either murdering a player or recruiting a new traitor. They ultimately chose to recruit mathematician Hannah Fry. Fry expressed surprise upon learning their identities, stating, "I had both of you down as faithful!"

Acaster humorously likened the shifting alliances to the band Sugababes. The following morning, the remaining contestants were surprised to find everyone present at breakfast, deducing that a recruitment had taken place. Hesmondhalgh noted a perceived nervousness in Fry, while Joanne McNally commented, "Poor Hannah, she's been recruited."

The contestants then participated in a mission involving a battering ram to break down crypt doors in search of money and shields. James Blunt took charge of the operation, with Miranda Hart joking about finding his command "mildly erotic."

Myha'la and Fry entered one crypt, securing a shield, which Myha'la initially took possession of before suggesting they keep it secret. Jama and Sharon Rooney also obtained shields, but two had to be surrendered to access the prize money chest. Traitor Jama retained her shield, a decision that could have future consequences.

During the drive back, an awkward conversation revealed suspicion between Myha'la and Hesmondhalgh. Later, at the second banishment, Myha'la became the target of suspicion due to her actions during the mission. Fry questioned Myha'la's motives for grabbing a shield only to offer it away.

Despite her pleas and visible emotion, Myha'la was banished, confirming her status as a faithful. Hart, however, remained suspicious of Fry, whom she believed was manipulating events. The episode concluded with the traitors discussing their next target, with James Acaster humorously suggesting murdering James Blunt to simplify introductions.

Celebrity Traitors continues on BBC One and iPlayer.