The premiere of series two of The Celebrity Traitors has sparked widespread discussion, driven by host Claudia Winkleman’s dramatic entrance and actor Richard E Grant’s unintentional spoiler. Released on October 1, the episode saw Winkleman emerge from a coffin carried by druids into a church, where she welcomed 21 celebrities.
Model Jerry Hall immediately drew comparisons to Cleopatra, coining the nickname “Claudiapatra” due to the host’s regal bearing and hairstyle. Winkleman, who admitted at press events she initially considered hiding inside a suit of armour instead, played along with the gothic theme.
However, the episode’s most significant moment belonged to Richard E Grant. Selected alongside presenter Maya Jama as one of the show’s three Traitors, Grant appeared to forget the core mechanic of deception. In a stunned silence that followed his announcement, he gleefully told fellow contestants, “Of course I’m a traitor.”
Grant later described the slip as potentially the “biggest mistake” of his life, attributing it to unguarded excitement. Despite the chaos, he eventually deferred to Jama’s calmer approach in subsequent strategy sessions. Comic Rob Beckett noted the boldness of the move, while singer James Blunt found humour in the situation.
Paranoia quickly set in among the Faithful. Journalist Amol Rajan confronted Grant the following day, but Grant remained adamant about his blatant admission. Rajan dubbed him the “Lord of Chaos,” though Jerry Hall defended her neighbour, stating she did not believe he was a Traitor.
During the mission segment, former EastEnders star Ross Kemp and ex-army captain James Blunt led the group to recover treasure on a pirate ship, securing £15,000 for their team. Yet, Kemp’s confidence faltered back at the castle. When Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock touched his arm, Kemp panicked, fearing he had been murdered by a traitor in the same manner Paloma Faith was eliminated in the previous series.
The episode concluded with a new twist requiring the two Traitors to select a third member. Amol Rajan and comedian James Acaster were summoned to argue their case. Rajan, describing himself as “90% nice, warm guy” and “10% psychopath,” convinced Grant that his lie-detector skills would be useful. Acaster argued that his conviction in Grant’s guilt made him a useful distraction.
Both men were laid in coffins to await their fate, mirroring Winkleman’s opening entrance. As the game continues, audiences will watch to see if Rajan’s Machiavellian side emerges from the box.
Jerry Hall calling her Claudiapatra was the highlight. She looks like a queen, not a game show host.
Claudia coming out of a coffin is iconic. The production value on this series is absolutely insane.
Wait, so they picked Amol Rajan as the third traitor? His ‘90% nice’ intro sounds like a red flag to me.
Richard E Grant literally cannot play this game. Best traitor reveal ever, hands down.