Richard E Grant Discusses Maya Jama Betrayal on Celebrity Traitors

Richard E Grant discussed his elimination from The Celebrity Traitors after Maya Jama and James Acaster, his fellow traitors, voted to banish him from the game at the Scottish castle. The actor shared his reaction on the spin-off show The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked after his secret role was exposed.

According to the Evening Standard, Grant received votes from the majority of contestants, including both of his allies. After his exit, Maya Jama and James Acaster recruited mathematician Hannah Fry as a new traitor.

Grant said he understood Maya Jama's decision because his actions had placed her in a difficult position.

"Poor Maya, she had to contend with [me]." said Richard E Grant.

Grant also described Jama's vote as a complete break from their alliance during the roundtable.

"And of course, she stabbed me right in the... you know, hung, drawn and quartered." said Richard E Grant.

He said he expected Jama to turn against him but was more surprised by Acaster's choice during the vote.

"I thought Maya would definitely stab me because I put her in an untenable position so I perfectly understood." said Richard E Grant.

Grant explained that he believed Acaster might protect him after previously appearing supportive.

"I was so convinced by James Acaster’s determination not to kill me off when he gave his big plea in the church after Amol, I naively thought, ‘Oh well, maybe James, because he’s so trustworthy, he would come through for me,’" said Richard E Grant.

He added that Acaster did not speak in his defense during the discussion.

"Not one word came out of James’s mouth to support me." said Richard E Grant.

Grant was shown footage of contestants celebrating his departure, prompting a brief joke about Jama's role in his downfall.

"Thanks Maya" said Richard E Grant.

The actor also addressed his decision to reveal his traitor status to Joe Lycett, saying it was caused by excitement rather than strategy.

"When I walked into the bar, I was in such a state of genuine shock that I had no memory it was Joe Lycett who asked me that question." said Richard E Grant.

He said his reaction came after being selected for the role.

"There was no tactic, it was my 69th birthday present. When Claudia tapped me on the shoulder, I went, yes!" said Richard E Grant.

Grant said Miranda Hart had already noticed his reaction before the mistake that exposed him.

"The roundtable bit, by the time Claudia has walked round four times, you think by that point, there’s no chance now." said Richard E Grant.

He described trying to hide his emotions after being chosen.

"When she tapped me on the shoulder, I thought ‘Don’t show any emotion whatsoever and you try your best not to.’" said Richard E Grant.

Grant said Hart quickly noticed his excitement during the selection process.

"Of course, Miranda Hart, sitting right next to me, I think she said she could immediately feel the vibrations of joy coming out." said Richard E Grant.

After the vote, Grant revealed his identity to the remaining contestants before leaving the castle.

"I am… an unfaithful traitor." said Richard E Grant.

He later described his elimination as an unusual outcome in the game.

"I have been annihilated. I have managed to checkmate myself, which, as far as I’m aware, has never been done." said Richard E Grant.

Following Grant's departure, Hannah Fry joined Maya Jama and James Acaster as a traitor after the recruitment decision.

"I was sure you were faithfuls, you absolute legends. Oh, it’s going to be so fun!" said Hannah Fry.