Comedian Joanne McNally has offered a glimpse into her experience on the upcoming series of "Celebrity Traitors," sharing behind-the-scenes moments and insights into her interactions with fellow contestants. McNally, known for her podcast "My Therapist Ghosted Me" with Vogue Williams, hinted at her approach to the game, even admitting to taking up smoking to spend more time with Jerry Hall.
"We shared a lot of cigarettes. I took up smoking just to hang out with her," McNally told the Mail about Hall, whom she described as "super glam, and super sound."
Filmed in May and set to air later this year, the BBC reality competition sees 21 celebrities gather at a Scottish castle to win a cash prize for charity. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the show involves contestants attempting to identify the "Traitors" among them who eliminate others.
McNally also spoke about her impressions of actor Ross Kemp, highlighting his extensive life experiences. "He’s a fascinating man who’s led a billion lives. He has stories about cartels and guns," she said. "I’d be saying, ‘I was in a restaurant having a kebab…’ and he’d say, ‘I was in Venezuela with a gun to my head…' He’s great company. You wouldn’t mess with him, but he’s also a softie."
Despite her friend Vogue Williams' assertion that McNally struggles to keep secrets, the comedian indicated she might surprise viewers. "I’ll lie," McNally admitted, "But I’ll rat myself out almost immediately."
McNally was speaking ahead of the launch of a new panel show called "Unacceptable," which she co-fronts with Ed Gamble. Gamble, who is also a presenter on "Celebrity Traitors," noted McNally's discretion regarding the show during their filming of "Unacceptable." "I knew you were in it. I was astonished you didn’t say a thing," he told her.
McNally also shared that she anticipated Danny Dyer's presence on "Celebrity Traitors," a detail that prompted a quick interjection from Gamble. "I spent the whole time thinking he was going to be in it," she stated. Gamble responded, "He still might be…" to which McNally backtracked, "Oh yes."
"Unacceptable" is described as a show built around debating opinions that might typically be kept private, drawing parallels to the format of a pub conversation. McNally and Gamble, both having started their careers in podcasting, find the show's intimate feel reminiscent of that medium. McNally expressed that "Unacceptable" makes her feel "legitimised as a comedian," seeing it as a significant step in her television career.