Celebrity Traitors star James Acaster reveals why he made bold twist decision as BBC responds to reports of unseen "upset"

James Acaster has explained the thinking behind his dramatic decision to confess he was a Traitor at the roundtable in the penultimate episode of The Celebrity Traitors season 2, a move that may have left his fellow Traitors at risk of being exposed.

Acaster was banished in the latest episode of the BBC series, becoming the eighth contestant sent home and the third Traitor to be banished from the castle.

His exit followed a roundtable admission that he was, in fact, one of the Traitors that had been part of murdering Ross Kemp in plain sight.

It all came down to Michael Sheen's theory about the perfume bottle being instrumental in the plain sight murder – and though he didn't get everything correct, Sheen managed to dissect what could've happened that fateful night.

In response to Sheen, Acaster said: "I’m going to continue to do what I’ve done this entire game and continue to be honest. I just want to explain my situation. I was made a Traitor."

In his exit interview, the comedian said the plan to reveal himself was what carried him through the experience.

"The idea of doing that got me through the whole experience," he said, explaining that as a Traitor he sometimes felt bad when fellow contestants had "real life reactions that are bigger than the game".

He reasoned that the Traitors are essential to the whole format. "They don't have a game without you," he said. "If no one's doing this stuff, they can't play, and they all want to play.

"So you are doing an important job here, so they all have something to do, and when they catch you, they'll be really happy and they'll like it, and it will feel good to just tell them and see that reaction."

Acaster insisted he went into the roundtable feeling safe. "I went in thinking, 'I've got no heat on me whatsoever.' It was a surprise, but I was glad that they caught me," he said.

Following the episode airing, a report from The Sun claimed that filming had been halted during the roundtable after Acaster reportedly became distressed, with little of the interrupted footage making the final edit.

A spokesperson told Radio Times: "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."

With Acaster gone, just seven players remain in the race to win the show, as Traitors Maya Jama and King Kenny remain in the castle alongside Faithfuls James Blunt, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Michael Sheen, Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian Croft.

Acaster backed his remaining Traitors – but flagged one obstacle. "They're excellent Traitors, but you still have James Blunt," he said.

"James Blunt is ferocious in this game. He is a man, possessed."

The Celebrity Traitors concludes on Thursday 30 October at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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