Chronological coverage updated 3rd October 2026 00:31.
Update 1 · 3rd October 2026
Amol Rajan Eliminated in Coffin as James Acaster Joins Traitors Castle Turret
A Shocking Early Banishment
The second series of The Celebrity Traitors claimed its first victim as television presenter and journalist Amol Rajan was removed from the game inside a coffin before reaching a single banishment vote. His elimination unfolded after traitors Richard E. Grant and Maya Jama convened in the turret to select their initial target while simultaneously offering an ultimatum to comedian James Acaster.
Acaster accepted the invitation to flip his allegiance to the traitors, acknowledging that refusing the offer would have guaranteed his own immediate murder.
BBC News reportedly quoted James Acaster (Comedian and Celebrity Traitors contestant) as saying: “I'm gutted to not be a faithful anymore, I don't like lying. But if I don't join them, they'll kill me.”.
Grant's Damage Control and Jama's Strategy
For Grant, the successful execution provided relief following an opening day in which the 69-year-old Oscar-nominated actor blurted out his traitor identity to Joe Lycett, Rob Beckett, and several other players in the bar. While Grant spent breakfast trying to deflect suspicion, Jama demonstrated far greater comfort in her deceitful role.
BBC News reportedly quoted Maya Jama (Television presenter and traitor) as saying: “I am quite shocked at my ability to just lie to everyone”.
Reflecting on his brief time in the castle, Rajan noted that a previous direct exchange with Grant might have contributed to his targeted departure.
BBC News reportedly quoted Amol Rajan (University Challenge host and first victim) as saying: “It's gutting to be the first out”.
Panic at the Burial Challenge
The episode also featured a mission led by host Claudia Winkleman, who announced Rajan's murder with a joke regarding a starter for 10. The contestants were taken to a field to be buried alive in paired plots, with only Ross Kemp and Romesh Ranganathan kept above ground to dig up gold or dig out their fellow players.
While most contestants endured the challenge, former model Jerry Hall panicked underground and shouted the emergency word Haggis to end her burial early, leaving her and partner Hannah Fry awaiting rescue.
- Amol Rajan was selected as the first murder victim of the season.
- James Acaster joined Richard E. Grant and Maya Jama as a traitor to avoid elimination.
- Jerry Hall halted her burial challenge early by using the safe word Haggis.