Former "Traitors" Contestants Weigh In on Richard E. Grant's Early Game Blunder

The dramatic confession of Richard E. Grant in the debut episode of Celebrity Traitors has sparked considerable discussion, with former contestants Ellie and Ross offering their insights into the actor's potential elimination. Grant appeared to inadvertently reveal his identity as a Traitor when directly questioned by fellow contestant Joe Lycett, a move described by Lycett as a "bold strategy."

Ellie and Ross, who competed in the non-celebrity version of the show, believe Grant's fate may already be sealed. "It will be tough. It's clear to me the players are divided between those who just think, 'Wow, you've just told everyone the truth'," Ellie told the Daily Mail. "Then some people are second-guessing themselves and going, 'No, it's just a strategy. He's just being really bold'." She added that in the early stages of the competition, when players are less confident, "you don't need many people to latch on to vote you out."

Ross echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the sheer unexpectedness of Grant's apparent admission could be its downfall. "It's because it was so ridiculous. Ultimately, I understand the rationale and people being like, 'Surely he didn't forget; he wouldn't just break the rules of the game'. And that’s actually exactly what he did. That's the grace he's gotten," he explained. "But, you don't need many people to latch on to vote you out."

The former contestants also shared their empathy for the paranoia exhibited by celebrity contestant Ross Kemp. Kemp has been seen voicing suspicions about fellow players, including Bella Ramsey and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, which Ross understands from his own experience on the show. "I feel sorry for Ross Kemp at the moment. I'm a big fan of him, and watching The Celebrity Traitors, I'm like, 'Bro, Ross to Ross, I know what you're going through. And it is paranoia'," he confessed. Ross recalled feeling hyper-aware during his season and being told he was making himself seem guilty, drawing a parallel to Kemp's current predicament.

The tension in the show was amplified by an abrupt ending to the second episode, which concluded mid-roundtable before a vote was cast. This cliffhanger left viewers frustrated, anticipating the reveal of who would be banished next.

In other developments from the episode, news anchor Amol Rajan was eliminated early in the game, having been murdered by Traitors Richard E. Grant and Maya Jama. Rajan expressed his disappointment at his swift exit, calling the experience "unforgettable" but also acknowledging a sense of grief over what might have been.