James Acaster denies 'uncomfortable' Traitors clash claims
BBC and cast deny reports James Acaster felt uncomfortable during filming, calling claims 'categorically untrue' [1][2].
Claims that comedian James Acaster felt 'uncomfortable' during filming of Celebrity Traitors have been firmly denied by the BBC and the show’s cast. The controversy emerged after reports in The Mail on Sunday suggested that Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan’s jokes crossed a line, with an insider claiming Acaster became visibly stressed and even prompted a pause in filming [2].
The BBC has since issued a statement to Metro and The Independent, calling the allegations 'categorically untrue' and stating there were 'no incidents of this nature' and no evidence to support the claims [1][2]. Representatives for Beckett and Ranganathan echoed the denial, asserting that the reports were 'completely untrue and couldn’t be further from the truth'.
Acaster, 41, is one of the remaining Traitors alongside Maya Jama and King Kenny, who joined after Professor Hannah Fry was banished [2]. The show, which has broken records as the most-watched UK debut season to date with an average audience of 8.9 million, has seen five contestants banished so far, including two Traitors and three Faithfuls.
While some reports suggested Acaster was upset by what he perceived as targeted banter—particularly from Beckett and Ranganathan, who are close friends off-screen—insiders described the humour as a 'misunderstanding' rather than malice [2]. One source noted the pair were 'on the same page' due to their friendship, while Acaster, being a different character, didn’t always share their tone [1].
A claim that Acaster became visibly stressed during filming and shooting was paused has been reported by one source only and has not been confirmed by the BBC or production [2].
Acaster himself has previously spoken about the show’s intense rules, revealing he was reprimanded by producers for sharing too much during a supervised phone call with his partner [1]. He said he couldn’t even mention being outside during a mission, highlighting the strict isolation conditions.
Despite the controversy, the show continues to draw record viewership, airing Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm on BBC One [1].
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- Metro: Celebrity Traitors hits back at ‘categorically untrue’ James Acaster rumour
- The Independent: Celebrity Traitors labels James Acaster feud claims as ‘categorically untrue’
