Claudia Winkleman Explains Why Richard E. Grant Was Chosen as a Traitor

Host Claudia Winkleman has revealed the reasoning behind casting actor Richard E. Grant as a Traitor on the BBC show, even after he made what has been described as one of the program's most significant blunders. Winkleman discussed the decision on the Celebrity Traitors spin-off show, Uncloaked, following the series finale.

When asked by host Ed Gamble why Grant was selected and how she reacted to his confession, Winkleman stated that his earnest desire to be a Traitor made him an unmissable choice. "We couldn't not pick him," she explained, comparing the situation to acquiescing to a child's persistent request for ice cream. "He really wanted to be a Traitor and he was excellent - at the beginning."

Winkleman recalled the surprising moment when Grant revealed his Traitor status to his fellow contestants. "He was even excellent when he said: 'I am a Traitor'. We've never had that before. I dropped my jacket potato. That was huge. I dropped it next to the clothing rail, every single item was sent back with flecks of tuna," she said, recounting the chaotic aftermath.

Grant, 69, was the first contestant banished in the recent series after he inadvertently revealed he was a Traitor to the Faithfuls. The actor attempted to backtrack by claiming he was merely "manifesting" being given a Traitor's cloak after comedian Joe Lycett, 38, questioned him.

Reflecting on the incident, Grant expressed gratitude for public forgiveness, telling Winkleman, "Thank you that I don't have to go and live in Greenland because I have been forgiven by the public for my absolutely moronic, idiotic, mistake. I should have said, I was joking Joe Lycett."

The grand finale saw Faithfuls Romesh Ranganathan, 48, and Sebastian Croft, 24, crowned the winners. They successfully outwitted Traitors Maya, 32, and Kenny, 29, who had managed to evade detection until later in the game. A surprising twist occurred when fellow Traitor James Acaster revealed his identity first on Thursday's episode.

Ranganathan and Croft will split the £83,000 prize money between their chosen charities. Croft expressed his disbelief and joy, calling it possibly the "best day of my life."

Earlier in the finale, Maya was banished after receiving the most votes at the roundtable, with even her fellow Traitor, Kenny, voting against her. Michael Sheen was murdered by the Traitors Maya and Kenny at the beginning of the final episode.

Acaster's decision to reveal himself as a Traitor on Thursday was a first for the show. He explained that he had been made a Traitor against his wishes and found the experience increasingly difficult. The pressure led to filming being paused as Acaster became anxious. Upon revealing his identity, he stated, "I am, reluctantly, a Traitor," adding that a "weight has been lifted off his shoulders."