This article contains major spoilers for the first two episodes of The Celebrity Traitors season two.
It seems James Acaster might have an uphill struggle ahead of him on the rest of this season of The Celebrity Traitors, if his past comments about lying are anything to go by.
On his second day in the castle, James was picked by resident Traitors Richard E Grant and Maya Jama to join them on the dark side – despite his previous hopes to be a Faithful.
Since then, viewers have seen the comedian avoiding lying as much as possible, instead preferring to fib by omission when he can.
During an interview with the BBC ahead of the new season, James admitted: “I’m not good at lying and I don’t make a habit of it.
BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry
“Maybe the biggest lie I’ve ever got away with was telling Ed Gamble [his Off Menu co-host, who also fronts the Traitors spin-off series Uncloaked] I’m not doing The Celebrity Traitors.”
James also claimed during the same interview that the presence of so many comics on the line-up had given him pause, particularly after Alan Carr’s performance on last year’s series.
BBC/Studio Lambert/Cody Burridge/BBC Creative
Ahead of The Celebrity Traitors’ return, it was reported that filming on the new season was briefly halted to allow James to “have a breather” and collect himself, after his co-stars expressed concern that the pressure of the show was getting to him.
“The Traitors is a unique and immersive game, and we recognise that taking part can be intense at times,” a Celebrity Traitors spokesperson told HuffPost UK.
“Our highest priority is always the safety and welfare of everyone taking part. Players are closely monitored and supported throughout by production, which includes a dedicated and experienced welfare team.”
James’ team also insisted that they would not be commenting on the reports while the show was still on the air.
The Celebrity Traitors continues on Thursday and Friday at 8pm on BBC One.
Who is in the cast of The Celebrity Traitors 2026?
The full season two line-up is as follows:
- Amol Rajan
- Bella Ramsey
- Professor Hannah Fry
- James Acaster
- James Blunt
- Jerry Hall
- Joanne McNally
- Joe Lycett
- Julie Hesmondhalgh
- Kenny Oghenovo “King Kenny” Ojuederie
- Leigh-Anne Pinnock
- Maya Jama
- Michael Sheen
- Miranda Hart
- Myha’la
- Richard E Grant
- Rob Beckett
- Romesh Ranganathan
- Ross Kemp
- Sebastian Croft
- Sharon Rooney
