Richard E. Grant makes HUGE slip-up in entrance of Faithfuls simply minutes after being instructed he’s a Traitor

When Claudia Winkleman swore in Richard E. Grant and Maya Jama as Traitors, they formally took an oath and pledged to commit deception.

Yet just minutes after he promised to keep his identity a secret – Richard made the biggest slip-up in Celebrity Traitors history.

The actor, 69, who is tipped to be the nation’s favourite, has already caused a stir amongst the cast. 

Millions tuned in as deception, betrayal and backstabbing once again gripped the nation during the launch episode on Thursday night.

As Richard mingled with Faithful Joe Lycett in the lounge area, the comedian jumped straight in with the question: ‘What are you?’

‘A Traitor,’ Richard responded with a huge grin on his face. 

Unsure what to believe, Joe said: ‘I think you’ve just done something that has never happened in the game… bold strategy.’

Fans were left in hysterics with Richard’s game plan and suggested on social media that Richard’s slip-up was in fact carefully curated to call the comedian’s bluff.

They wrote on X: ‘Na he’s actually lost his head in the first 5 minutes bless him’,

‘If Richard double bluff works than fair play’, ‘half an hour in and i’ve decided richard is already a hall of fame traitors contestant #celebritytraitors #thetraitors’,

‘Richard being a traitor and then immediately telling everyone he’s a traitor’,

Jerry Hall was quick to defend Richard after co-stars began to question if he was one of the Traitors.

‘I just don’t believe Richard is a Traitor,’ she insisted. ‘I know Richard, I’ve known him 30 years, and he’s my neighbour. 

‘He says and does eccentric things. He is an amazing guy, but he is acting out because he wasn’t chosen.’

‘That may be the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life’, Richard said while contemplating his game tactics.

He added: ‘I was so thrilled to be picked as a Traitor but I clearly need to diffuse all the heat coming in my direction.’ 

After both expressing an interest in exploring their murderous potential, it was the legendary actor and Maya Jama, 32, who took to the turret. 

A giggling Maya said to the camera: ‘Goodness. I don’t even know what to say! I’m so excited. I wanted to bring a different side of me out, and here she is. My villain era has begun.’

Richard added: ‘Yes! Absolutely thrilled, and I can’t wait to start murdering. I cannot wait!’ 

Later in the episode, Richard opened up about the loss of his late wife Joan Washington.

The actor met his late wife, Joan, in 1982, and they went on to tie the knot in 1986. They shared daughter Olivia, 34.

Joan tragically passed away aged 74, in September 2021, eight months after she was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

Richard opened up on his grief five years since his wife of 38 years died, sharing a sweet message she told him just days before she passed away.

He said: ‘My wife said to me four days before she died, “Richard, try and find a pocket full of happiness in each day and I feel like I’ve got a wheelbarrow full and then some”.

This series has attracted some huge names including James Blunt, Miranda Hart, Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett.

However it is Michael Sheen who emerged as the surprise favourite to win the show, in odds revealed hours before the BBC hit made its long-awaited return.

Odds have now given a hint of how this new series could play out, with Michael currently the bookies’ favourite to win the entire show.

Figures published by ActionNetwork.com say the Good Omens star has odds of 7/2 to triumph, though whether he is chosen to be a Traitor remains to be seen.

In second place is actor Richard E Grant with odds of 9/2, while The Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey rounds out the top three with 5/1.

Singer James Blunt and actress & comedian Miranda Hart are tied in fourth place as the next most likely to win The Celebrity Traitors, both with odds of 11/2.

An ActionNetwork.com spokesman said: ‘Ahead of the start of series 2 of The Celebrity Traitors, Michael Sheen tops the winner odds list at 7/2, and it’s easy to see why – as an accomplished actor, he has the range to convincingly play a traitor, and could well end up filling the ”big dog” role Jonathan Ross took on last series.

‘Meanwhile, Richard E. Grant follows closely with winning odds of 9/2; Grant has shades of Stephen Fry about him – the wise-figure archetype who went far last time round, equally capable of playing a cunning traitor or being a trusted faithful.

‘Turning to the most likely contestants to be named a traitor this series, since Claudia & the producers might again lean on a comedian for that role, Romesh Ranganathan leads that market at 5/2 – though with Alan Carr’s victorious traitor run still fresh in everyone’s minds, the comedians on this cast may find themselves facing extra suspicion from the start.’

Last year’s launch episode attracted more than six million viewers.

And with anticipation building, fans are already making plans to watch the first episode together, with pubs, bars and private venues across Britain preparing for a night of scheming and suspicion.

In London, ticketed viewing events are being held at venues including BrewDog bars, the Fulham Pier, and the Arch Clapham, where fans can watch the drama unfold on a big screen and win prizes.

The London Art Bar is also getting in on the action, promising an evening of ‘scheming, suspense and snacks’ and encouraging guests to turn up dressed as their best Claudia Winkleman – ‘fringe, eyeliner, and all’.