Sebastian Croft, winner of the latest season of "Celebrity Traitors," has spoken about the intense bonds formed with his fellow contestants, describing them as "trauma-bonded" after nearly three weeks of filming. The "Heartstopper" actor, 24, told "This Morning" hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shepherd that the secrecy surrounding the show meant he could only discuss the experience with those involved.
"Literally [out of a cult]," Croft said when asked if it felt like leaving a cult. "We've all slightly trauma-bonded over this insane thing that you go through. Over the past five months, they are the only people I've been able to talk about it with."
He specifically mentioned his fellow Faithful, Romesh Ranganathan, with whom he won the series. "He has just been so generous and warm and checked in to see if I'm okay and asked if I'm finding it overwhelming and reminded me it's okay to say no to things. He's just sort of taken me under his wing which is just so nice of him."
Croft reflected on his "dream stint" on the show, admitting he had a strong feeling that Romesh was a Faithful, though he acknowledged that the game often comes down to finding another Faithful to end with. He also discussed his co-star James Acaster's unmasking as a Traitor, noting the real friendships that develop and the intense responsibility felt by participants.
Unseen Challenges and Confrontations
During his podcast "The Sunday Scaries" with Bash Croft, the actor revealed he fainted during a taxing grave-digging challenge for the show. He was attended to by medics and given chocolate to boost his blood sugar, a moment he found embarrassing when witnessed by other contestants like Jerry Hall and Richard E Grant. Croft felt the producers did him a favor by not airing the incident, as it was a medical situation.
Further behind-the-scenes details emerged from "Celebrity Traitors" contestant James Acaster, who shared on "Life's a Beach" podcast that he had an un-aired, face-to-face confrontation with Jerry Hall. Hall had correctly deduced that Acaster was a Traitor, but instead of denying it, Acaster indirectly confirmed her suspicion during the exchange, which was ultimately cut from the broadcast.