Celebrity Traitors' brutal new twist sees James Acaster and Amol Rajan forced to plead for their lives as they battle to become a Traitor in explosive launch episode

Millions tuned in as deception, betrayal and backstabbing once again gripped the nation during the launch of Celebrity Traitors on Thursday. And the dramatic first episode saw Richard E Grant and Maya Jama chosen as Traitors, and producers introduced a new twist to shake up the programme’s format by telling the duo to choose a third Traitor.Only it wasn’t that simple; Richard and Maya were instead told to select two of their co-stars at Ardross Castle and make them plead to join their trio.Only the other would be banished. So, former Radio 4 host Amol Rajan and comedian James Acaster were forced to lie in coffins. And in what will surely be one of the show’s most memorable cliffhangers, viewers – along with Amol and James – were forced to wait for host Claudia Winkleman to reveal who would stay.‘It is you, me, and two coffins. That’s not great, is it?’ James quipped.Richard and Maya were then given the power to choose either Amol or James to join them as the third Traitor, while the other will be murdered.Claudia, 54, explained: ‘To survive, you will have to convince them that you are the best recruit.‘It is literally a decision of life and death.’ Millions tuned in as deception, betrayal and backstabbing once again gripped the nation during the launch of Celebrity Traitors on ThursdayAnd the dramatic first episode saw Richard E Grant and Maya Jama chosen as Traitors, and producers introduced a new twist to shake up the programme’s format by telling the duo to choose a third Traitor James, 41, who wanted to be a Faithful, said with a shaky voice: ‘I think currently everyone is convinced I’m a Faithful. I’ve been pushing your name [points to Grant]. I’m pretty confident I’m the right decision.’Amol, 43, then confidently said: ‘I have no heat on me whatsoever, and that is going to be useful. The second thing is I have established some good relationships. I know they’ll believe what I say.‘And that is why the third pillar, which is relevant to you, Richard, I do think I am uniquely placed to take the heat off you. I’m here because I sniff out lies for a living.’The tense scene then saw the actor, 69, and Love Island host, 32, deliberate in the chapel, with the two coffins in front of them.Claudia asked for their decision on who would be shut in the coffin and out of the game.But it was a huge cliffhanger, something viewers have become accustomed to, and the reveal will take place in Friday’s episode.Earlier in the episode, Claudia sprang into action, and at the first roundtable chose Maya and Richard as her treacherous Traitors – but quickly announced that ‘the course of the game is not totally set, as the Traitors line-up is not complete’.Instead of the presenter picking a third Traitor, she left that decision in the hands of Maya and Richard in a show first.And it couldn’t have worked out better for the pair, as Richard landed himself in hot water when he hilariously got overexcited and declared to his fellow celebrities that he is a Traitor.Celebrity Traitors' brutal new twist saw James Acaster (pictured) and Amol Rajan forced to plead for their lives as they battle to become a TraitorFormer Radio 4 host Amol (pictured) and comedian James were forced to lie in coffins while their fate was decided Claudia explained: ‘To survive, you will have to convince them that you are the best recruit. It is literally a decision of life and death' The tense scene then saw the actor, 69, and Love Island host, 32, deliberate in the chapel, with the two coffins in front of them James, who wanted to be a Faithful, said: ‘I think currently everyone is convinced I’m a Faithful. I’ve been pushing your name [points to Grant]. I’m pretty confident I’m the right decision' Amol, 43, then said: ‘I have no heat on me whatsoever, and that is going to be useful. The second thing is I have established some good relationships. I know they’ll believe what I say'Speaking in the Traitors' turret, Maya said: ‘We’ve basically got to work out how to save you… because you’ve dug yourself a humongous hole.’‘The time I have left is entirely dependent on choosing who the best person is to recruit and deflect,’ Richard added.The 75-minute episode began in the church where Claudia made her grand entrance carried by cloaked and masked figures inside a coffin.She then asked the 21 celebrity contestants to pick the most trustworthy player – and it was Coronation Street legend Julie Hesmondhalgh who won the vote, after hilariously becoming ‘starstruck’ over her fellow celebrities.It meant she won a shield, and a second for a fellow player, which she gave to comedian Joe Lycett, meaning they are safe from the first murder.They were then chauffeured through the picturesque Scottish Highlands to Ardross Castle in six black Land Rover Defenders.Elsewhere in the episode, the players took part in their first mission.Set against a picturesque backdrop, contestants had to get in freezing water and find gold treasure chests in a shipwreck that blew up when the time ran out.Ross Kemp and James Blunt took charge and led them to victory – bagging £15,000 for the prize fund. The celebrities can win up to £100,000 for their chosen charity. The series began with its most dramatic opening yet as the celebrities filed into the pews of a church before Claudia arrived via coffin Warning the stars that their celebrity status won't save them inside the castle, she added that they should all be used to the 'fickle' and 'backstabbing' world of showbusiness Elsewhere in the episode, the players took part in their first mission Set against a picturesque backdrop, contestants had to get in freezing water and find gold treasure chests in a shipwreck that blew up when the time ran outFaithful Ross was a standout star not only for his leadership skills, but for his comical paranoia throughout the game.When Bella Ramsay put a sailor’s cap on Ross's head at the end of the mission, he thought he had been ‘murdered in plain sight’.Back at Ardross Castle, the celebrities unwound and enjoyed drinks, but Ross was still suspicious, and in another hilarious moment he accused Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock of also ‘murdering in plain sight’ when she rubbed his shoulder.He quipped, ‘I’m so paranoid, can you not get it!’The games will continue tonight, as Maya and Richard will claim their first victim, and the Traitors will be complete.And as Claudia pointed out: ‘They may be celebrities, but they have absolutely no power here.’The Celebrity Traitors line-up 2026 Jerry HallJerry Hall, 70, rose to fame in the Seventies and became one of the era's most recognisable fashion icons Richard E GrantRichard E Grant, 69, is celebrated for his roles in everything from the cult classic Withnail & I to modern flicks such as Everybody's Talking About Jamie James BluntJames Blunt, 52, shot to global fame with his debut album and the hit single You're Beautiful Ross KempRoss Kemp, 62, who recently returned to EastEnders to reprise his role as hardman Grant Mitchell, is said to want to challenge himself Michael SheenMichael Sheen, 57, is celebrated for his incredible performances across stage and screen, particularly his work in Good Omens and The Queen Rob BeckettBest friend of fellow Traitors star Ranganathan, comedian Rob Beckett, 40, is known for his high energy and booming laugh Sharon RooneySharon Rooney, 37, is best known for her breakout role as Rae Earl in the acclaimed series My Mad Fat Diary Joanne McNallyJoanne McNally, 43, is known for her brutally honest humour and hilarious takes on dating, chaos and modern life Amol RajanJournalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, 43, has carved out a successful career across major UK media, including radio and television King KennyKing Kenny, 29, is a content creator known for his prank videos and street-style social experiments Sebastian CroftSebastian Croft, 24, is best known for his breakout role as Ben Hope in the Netflix series Heartstopper Maya Jama Maya Jama, 32, is quickly becoming one of the UK's most popular stars and famously fronts Love Island Miranda HartMiranda Hart, 53, broke through with her hit sitcom Miranda, which became a resounding success and cemented her as a comedy legendRomesh RanganathanRomesh Ranganathan, 48, has been taking British TV by storm in recent years is known for his deadpan delivery James AcasterComedian James Acaster, 41, is good friends with Ed Gamble, who hosts The Traitors: Uncloaked. The duo present the hit food podcast Off Menu Bella RamseyBella Ramsey, 22, rose to fame as Lyanna Mormont in Game Of Thrones and gained global acclaim for their leading role in The Last Of Us Leigh-Anne PinnockLeigh-Anne Pinnock, 34, is known as a member of the girl group Little Mix, which found fame on The X Factor in 2011 Joe LycettFrom TV stunts to clever public pranks, Joe Lycett, 38, has built a reputation as one of Britain's most inventive comics Hannah FryMathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, 42, is known for turning complex data into engaging content for viewers Julie HesmondhalghJulie Hesmondhalgh, 56, is best known for her long-running role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street – the first transgender character in a British soap opera Myha'laMyha'la, 30, is known for her striking portrayal of brutal fintech expert Harper Stern in the HBO drama Industry