Celebrity Traitors Fans Hail ‘Legend’ Ross Kemp for Explosive Reaction to Round Table Result

Richard E Grant’s Early Exit on Celebrity Traitors

The second series of Celebrity Traitors kicked off with instant drama when acclaimed actor Richard E Grant found himself unmasked almost as quickly as his cloak was fitted. Chosen to play as a Traitor alongside Love Island host Maya Jama and comedian James Acaster, Grant did little to hide his allegiances from the watchful gaze of his fellow contestants. When comedian Joe Lycett initiated an impromptu interrogation around the group, asking whether people were Faithfuls or Traitors, Grant responded without hesitation.

Instead of deflecting suspicion, Grant smiled and offered an unforced confession, answering: “Traitor.” He doubled down on his statement by questioning: “What’s the point in being in the game if you’re not one?” While delivered in good humor, the blunt admission gave the group all the ammunition they needed when the contestants gathered for their very first Round Table showdown.

A Landslide Round Table Vote

Grant’s self-inflicted tactical blunder made the banishment vote an easy decision for the Faithfuls, while leaving his co-conspirators with no viable way to defend him. In an overwhelming show of consensus, Grant was banished by a landslide tally of 16 out of 20 votes, with both Maya Jama and James Acaster voting against their fellow Traitor to protect their own covers.

Reflecting on his immediate departure from the castle, Grant did not contest the logic of the group’s decision, calling his slip-up a ‘completely catastrophically idiotic’ mistake. He noted that he ‘expected’ the outcome and was not ‘surprised’ by the verdict. Elaborating on the blunder, Grant explained: “I had botched the role so staggeringly by saying ‘I am a Traitor,’” he said.

Ross Kemp Celebrates the First Successful Banishment

While the elimination was predictable to those at the table, former EastEnders hard man Ross Kemp responded with sheer elation. Thrilled to see a Traitor rooted out so early, Kemp clenched his fists and cheered: “Come on! Get in there!” The impassioned outburst, echoing a football supporter celebrating a match-winning goal, visibly startled table neighbors James Blunt and Hannah Fry, who watched Kemp’s animated display in amusement and bewilderment.

Viewers took to social media to celebrate Kemp’s intense emotional investment in the gameplay. One viewer remarked on X, “Ross Kemp is absolute gold,” while another echoed the sentiment, posting, “Please give whoever booked Ross Kemp for this a raise.” Others agreed that the display made up for Grant’s swift exit, with comments including “Another day, another 10/10 Ross Kemp moment,” and “I don’t care that Richard has gone after seeing Ross Kemp’s reaction. He is comedy GOLD,” circulating online.

Royal Reactions to Kemp’s Castle Jitters

Kemp’s highly jumpy, hyper-vigilant demeanor has quickly become one of the signature comedic elements of the season. Despite his tough-guy television reputation, the investigative documentary host has exhibited extreme nervousness inside the Scottish castle, suspecting that betrayal lurks around every corridor. The performance was so striking that even Prince William brought it up in person.

During an appearance alongside Kemp in Somerset to launch the National Emergencies Trust’s Ready Together initiative, the Prince of Wales leaned into the joke. Placing his hand on Kemp’s shoulder, Prince William teased: “Am I allowed to touch you there?” Kemp took the royal banter in his stride, replying: “Yeah, I’m not going to freak out, not today.”

Why This Matters

The quick downfall of Richard E Grant illustrates the immense social and strategic pressure that defines Celebrity Traitors, where a momentary slip of the tongue can derail an entire game plan within minutes. As one Traitor departs on night one, the remaining schemers—Maya Jama and James Acaster—face an altered playing field where they must recruit or navigate intense scrutiny alone. Meanwhile, Ross Kemp’s uninhibited reactions highlight how the show’s psychological tension can bring out unexpected, viral personality shifts even in seasoned television figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Richard E Grant banished so quickly on Celebrity Traitors?

Richard E Grant was eliminated after receiving 16 votes at the Round Table because he directly outed himself to Joe Lycett during the premiere, stating that he was a Traitor and remarking that there was no point in playing if you were not one.

Who are the remaining Traitors following Grant’s departure?

Following Richard E Grant’s exit, television presenter Maya Jama and comedian James Acaster remain in the castle as the active Traitors who voted against Grant at the Round Table.

What did Prince William say about Ross Kemp’s appearance on the show?

While meeting Ross Kemp at a National Emergencies Trust event in Somerset, Prince William jokingly referenced the star’s jumpy behavior on the show by placing a hand on his shoulder and asking: “Am I allowed to touch you there?”