Richard E. Grant revealed his secret role to fellow contestants during the Celebrity Traitors premiere. The actor was selected as a Traitor alongside Love Island host Maya Jama.

Grant survived the episode despite telling a room full of competitors that he was a Traitor. The premiere ended before Grant and Jama completed a decision involving two other contestants.

According to Variety’s premiere report, Grant described the disclosure as possibly the biggest mistake of his life. The admission followed his excitement about being chosen.

Richard E. Grant during Celebrity Traitors
Richard E. Grant during Celebrity Traitors.

Richard E. Grant Reveals His Role

Before the selection, host Claudia Winkleman asked the contestants about becoming Traitors. Grant said he was “utterly ruthless” and would feel no guilt.

“If I was lucky enough to be a traitor, it would be a dream come true,” Grant said. Grant added that being a Traitor provided the game’s only power.

Jama described a different approach to Winkleman. The presenter wanted to be an “unassuming, warm and misleading traitor.”

Shortly after being chosen, Grant disclosed the role when other contestants asked about his status. Several competitors appeared shocked by the answer.

Comedian Joe Lycett encouraged Grant to retract the statement. Lycett suggested reassuring the group that Grant was a Faithful making a joke.

“I think you’ve done something that’s never been done in the game,” Lycett said. Lycett called the disclosure “a bold strategy.”

Richard E. Grant Tries To Defuse Suspicion

Speaking to the camera afterward, Grant explained that excitement had prompted the admission. Grant said he needed to defuse the attention directed toward him.

The actor also said he was “absolutely convinced” he would go home. Model and actress Jerry Hall, however, did not believe the confession.

Hall said she had known Grant for over 30 years. Hall described Grant as someone who says and does eccentric things.

“I think he is acting out because he hasn’t been chosen,” Hall said. Grant remained in the competition through the episode’s conclusion.

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Richard E. Grant Faces A Recruitment Decision

The two Traitors learned they could recruit another contestant and kill one at the same time. Grant and Jama selected comedian James Acaster and University Challenge presenter Amol Rajan.

Acaster and Rajan met the pair to plead their cases. Both said they could deflect attention following Grant’s earlier mistake.

The celebrities are competing at Ardross Castle in the Highlands. The cash prize is £100,000 for a charity of their choice.

Other contestants include Bella Ramsey, James Blunt, Michael Sheen, Myha’la and Julie Hesmondhalgh. The first Celebrity Traitors season aired in October 2025 and later streamed on Peacock in the U.S.

The premiere concluded on a cliffhanger. Grant’s choice involving Acaster and Rajan remained unresolved when the episode ended.