Richard E. Grant Confesses Traitor Status Minutes After Swearing Oath
The actor, chosen as a Traitor on "Celebrity Traitors," immediately revealed his identity to fellow contestant Joe Lycett.
Richard E. Grant made an immediate and significant misstep on the premiere of "Celebrity Traitors," revealing his status as a Traitor just minutes after taking an oath to deceive. The actor, 69, was selected as one of the Traitors by host Claudia Winkleman alongside Maya Jama. Shortly after the formal induction, Grant encountered comedian Joe Lycett, who directly asked him about his role.
"A Traitor," Grant responded with a grin, a statement that Lycett noted as an unprecedented move in the game's history. "I think you've just done something that has never happened in the game... bold strategy," Lycett remarked. Social media reactions ranged from amusement to speculation that Grant's apparent slip-up was a calculated double-bluff.
Grant himself acknowledged the tactical error, stating, "That may be the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life." He added, "I was so thrilled to be picked as a Traitor but I clearly need to diffuse all the heat coming in my direction." Fellow contestant Jerry Hall defended Grant, expressing disbelief that he was a Traitor and attributing his behavior to his eccentric personality.
Later in the episode, Grant opened up about the grief he experienced following the death of his wife, Joan Washington, in 2021. He shared a poignant message his wife had given him shortly before she passed away: "Richard, try and find a pocket full of happiness in each day and I feel like I've got a wheelbarrow full and then some."
Maya Jama also expressed her excitement about her role as a Traitor, stating, "My villain era has begun." Grant, equally enthusiastic, declared, "Yes! Absolutely thrilled, and I can't wait to start murdering. I cannot wait!"
The new series features a cast that includes James Blunt, Miranda Hart, Romesh Ranganathan, and Rob Beckett. Michael Sheen is considered the favorite to win the show, with odds of 7/2, followed by Richard E. Grant at 9/2 and Bella Ramsey at 5/1. Bookmakers suggest Sheen's acting range makes him a strong contender, while Grant's demeanor is compared to Stephen Fry's performance in the previous season.
The launch episode of "Celebrity Traitors" drew millions of viewers. Viewing events were organized across Britain, with venues like BrewDog bars and the London Art Bar hosting public screenings and themed nights.