Julie Hesmondhalgh Banished from Celebrity Traitors, Bella Ramsey Murdered
The former Coronation Street star became the third contestant eliminated following a contentious round table discussion, while Bella Ramsey was targeted as the 'biggest threat.'
Julie Hesmondhalgh was banished from Celebrity Traitors on Friday night, marking the third elimination of the season. The former Coronation Street actress received nine votes out of 17 during an intense round table discussion, narrowly losing to Professor Hannah Fry, who was also under scrutiny.
Following her exit, Hesmondhalgh expressed her enjoyment of the experience, stating, "It has been immense, even chuffed to bits standing here because it is iconic. Alas, it may mean that I am not a phenomenal actor. I am indeed a Faithful."
Her departure followed the murder of Bella Ramsey, who was identified by the Traitors—Maya Jama, James Acaster, and Hannah Fry—as the "biggest threat" to their mission. Ramsey acknowledged the strategic decision, stating, "This is a clever move by the Traitors because I was going to reset and start from the beginning." Ramsey added that they believed they might have uncovered the Traitors' identities.
The Traitors' decision to recruit Hannah Fry had already raised suspicion among the Faithful contestants. Following Ramsey's elimination, Hesmondhalgh voiced her suspicions about Fry to Maya Jama, who admitted to playing a role.
The contestants also participated in a challenge set in a haunted cabin, where they were tasked with fulfilling the dying wishes of spirits to earn money for the prize fund and find shields. The celebrities successfully added £4,500 to the prize pot, with Sebastian Croft and King Kenny securing the shields.
During the challenge, Fry's hesitation in grabbing a shield, an item she desired in a previous challenge, did not go unnoticed and reportedly fueled further suspicion from the Faithfuls. Meanwhile, James Blunt's participation in a shower scene during a previous episode generated significant online reaction from viewers.
Claudia Winkleman, the host, commented on the outcome of the round table, telling the remaining Faithfuls, "Faithful, you have just banished an innocent victim. You are doing the Traitors' work for them. I’d say enjoy your evening, but I think that is going to be a little bit tricky.”