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TV shows featuring prominent figures often stretch the definition of “celebrity.” However, the inaugural season of *The Celebrity Traitors* distinguishes itself with a roster of 19 stars, free of reality show retreads, and has launched to an impressive start.
“When they initially proposed a celebrity edition, I was hesitant,” admitted host Claudia Winkleman at the show’s premiere, only partially in jest, “I prefer the non-celebrity format.”
“Fortunately, my influence is limited, because they presented a list of interested individuals, and I was astounded.”
Admittedly, perspective is key. While it might not be Taylor Swift and Tom Cruise gracing Ardross Castle in Inverness, the inclusion of Kate Garraway alone is enough to pique our interest.
The ITV daytime mainstay was accompanied by Jonathan Ross, Celia Imrie, Sir Stephen Fry, and other recognizable faces as the series commenced on Wednesday.
Here are six standout moments from the premiere episode.
Spoilers ahead
Unsurprisingly, the celebrities’ comfort in front of the camera infuses a novel dynamic, revitalizing the show.
Many contestants had pre-existing relationships, fostering an immediate confidence absent in the regular series. All participants demonstrably appreciate the format, leading to several genuinely humorous exchanges as the stars attempted to elicit laughter from one another.
Casting a comedian as a traitor proved to be an inspired choice. (“How could you not?” Claudia remarked.)
In the debut episode, Carr was visibly agitated, sweating, and squirming under the weight of his traitorous role. “I feel sick,” he confessed. “It’s the worst secret ever; it’s consuming me, I’m so nervous.”
He is a joy to watch – even his attempts at a menacing hooded stroll through the corridors induce laughter.
“I’ve had to have my cloak altered because I’m so large,” he quipped during the initial traitors’ meeting in the turret.
Rounding out the traitors were chat show host Ross and singer Cat Burns – both appearing to possess the requisite cunning for the role.
However, Carr represents the truly ingenious selection. “My aim was to fly under the radar, but I think I’ve pole-vaulted over it,” he mused at one point. Expect a wealth of memorable memes.
Departing from tradition, the celebrities arrived at a graveyard and were tasked with unearthing six shields hidden in the soil.
Those fortunate enough to secure a shield included Ross, Garraway, rugby player Joe Marler, comedian Joe Wilkinson, and singer Charlotte Church.
The sixth shield was claimed by actress Celia Imrie, albeit with assistance from *Ted Lasso* star Nick Mohammed.
“My intention was to help Celia acquire a shield, as I admire her,” he explained. However, such acts of kindness can breed suspicion in this game, urging caution.
While altering the format can be risky – recall the disastrous “Seer” twist that marred the previous series’ climax – this task proved highly successful, especially Carr’s disappointment at mistaking a rock for a shield.
Contestants faced the challenge of hauling a colossal Trojan Horse up a hill and through a series of coded gates, ultimately setting it ablaze.
Regrettably, Balding entered an incorrect combination at the first gate before the contestants had even deciphered the puzzle, unaware that only one attempt was permitted.
“No! I didn’t realize I locked it in, sorry!” she exclaimed. “I’ve made a complete mistake there.”
She later clarified: “I thought we could try various numbers while they worked it out, so I just entered one.”
“I would have done the same,” Winkleman empathized. “She was mortified; I felt terrible for her.”
The mission sparked speculation – some questioned Church’s willingness to relinquish her shield in exchange for Balding’s error, while swimmer Tom Daley suspected Balding of intentionally sabotaging the task as a traitor.
Fortunately, the remainder of the task proceeded smoothly, partly due to Mohammed, whom Garraway lauded as a “puzzle ninja.” Ultimately, the contestants completed the mission, just barely.
While some fans expressed reservations about the celebrity spin-off, the result speaks for itself: it’s a success.
“It’s rare in our protected world to be placed in a situation where we have no idea how we’ll react,” Sir Stephen observed.
“I don’t want to incriminate myself, but I’ve always wanted to murder a celebrity,” Ross added.
However, the contestants’ notoriety paradoxically complicates strategizing.
“I considered entering and speaking Welsh, pretending I’ve always been Welsh – a reverse Charlotte,” quipped comedian Lucy Beaumont, alluding to the last traitor standing in series three.
The celebrities are vying for a £100,000 prize for their chosen charities (in addition to their appearance fees).
“You think you know these people,” Winkleman reflected, “but watching them play this game, I was awestruck by their empathy, wit, and genuine intelligence.”
Despite its extended runtime, the episode concluded without a murder or banishment, leaving numerous questions unanswered.
We remain uncertain whether the celebrities exhibit superior spelling skills at the round table or if another outbreak of players declaring “I’m voting for yourself” will occur.
However, drama is assured. “Did the roundtables become heated? Absolutely,” Winkleman confirmed.
“They maintain politeness, but they’re determined to unmask the traitors, while the traitors strive to remain undetected – both sides excel at their respective roles.”
Sir Stephen’s outright dismissal of “gut instinct” was particularly refreshing.
“The notion that one can accurately read people is utter nonsense, akin to astrology,” he asserted prior to entering the castle. “Woo woo. It’s simply impossible.
“We can all be swayed, even when facts contradict our perceptions. Ideas like ‘I just knew, it’s the way he lifted his glass, his eye doing that thing’ – all rubbish.”
As the episode drew to a close, the most pressing question became: which star would fall victim to Carr’s murder in plain sight?
“I can’t believe they’ve left me to it,” he lamented. “I have people I want to eliminate, but it won’t be easy. What am I going to do?”
We eagerly await the answer.
*The Celebrity Traitors* airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, continuing Thursday at 21:00 BST.
She said her “monstrous” character in the twisted drama has drawn odd responses on the school run.
George Gilbert, 23, had already been given warnings by Big Brother earlier in the series.
The comic says he understands why people feel they see a lot of him, but jokes: “I do say no to stuff.”
The filmmaker said it is not what her dad, who died in 2014, would have wanted.
It follows Spitting Image creating a parody version of the children’s character for its YouTube series.
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