BBC addresses James Acaster 'welfare' after shocking Celebrity Traitors confession

The BBC has stepped in to address reports that Celebrity Traitors filming had to be paused after James Acaster became upset during Thursday’s episode.

“I was made a Traitor without wanting to be,” he confessed after coming under intense suspicion. “It’s me. Vote for me.”

Traitors King Kenny, Maya Jama and James Acaster

BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry

Acaster, who declared himself the reluctant Traitor, was subsequently banished by his fellow contestants ahead of the finale.

During the tense discussion, the 41-year-old reportedly became upset and producers had to step in and intervene, The Sun reports.

He was also reportedly given a welfare check before the roundtable began.

A BBC spokesperson has since responded to the reports. It said: “Our highest priority is always the safety and welfare of everyone taking part.

The BBC has issued a statement

PA Archive

“Players are closely monitored and supported throughout by production which includes a dedicated and experienced welfare team.”

Unlike many of his fellow contestants, who expressed their strong desire to be Traitors, Acaster had no such ambition.

His wishes were granted when he did not receive a tap on the shoulder from host Claudia Winkleman shortly after arriving at the castle, meaning his status as a Faithful was confirmed.

However, later that same episode, he was recruited by original Faithfuls Maja Jama and Richard E Grant. From that point on, he struggled with the new role and the pressure to be treacherous.

Richard E Grant and Maya Jama recruited James Acaster

PA Media

In the penultimate episode, Acaster and his fellow Traitors fell under suspicion after Michael Sheen questioned their role in the murder of Ross Kemp, who was killed in plain sight in a secret task.

After receiving the most votes at the roundtable, the comedian said: “When I came into this experience I told Claudia (Winkleman, the show’s presenter) that all I wanted to be was a faithful, and all I wanted to do is go around this castle and try and help the faithfuls as much as possible catching traitors.

“I’m really proud to say that’s what I’ve been able to do, under the circumstances. I am, reluctantly, a traitor,” he said before leaving the castle, leaving his fellow Traitors Jama and King Kenny shocked and diminished.

Will they lick their wounds and go on to outwit the Faithfuls to win the prize pot? Find out during The Celebrity Traitors final, which will air on BBC One at 8pm on Friday.