Prince William and actor Ross Kemp took part in a lighthearted exchange at an event promoting emergency preparedness while reflecting on Kemp’s recent appearance on the BBC game show *Celebrity Traitors*. The event, held in Ilminster, Somerset, focused on the launch of the online emergency toolkit Ready Together, designed to help communities organize plans for disasters such as the flooding experienced in the region during winter months.
William, who is royal patron of the National Emergencies Trust, and Kemp, an ambassador for the organization, joined local youth in discussions about how to stay safe during emergencies like the River Isle bursting its banks. During the visit, the Prince interacted with members of the Ilminster Under-16s football club, emphasizing practical steps young people can take to protect themselves and their community.
The conversation naturally shifted to Kemp’s role on *Celebrity Traitors*, a popular BBC show watched by around nine million viewers, including the Prince and his wife, Kate. Kemp recounted moments of paranoia experienced while filming, describing how he suspected fellow contestants, including actress Bella Ramsey and singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock from Little Mix, of “marking him for death” in the game. His suspicions began after Ramsey placed a captain’s hat on his head during a treasure hunt sequence filmed on a ship, coupled with unexpected physical contact from Pinnock. Kemp likened the heightened alertness required on the show to the vigilance needed in emergency situations, noting, “You need to be paranoid in an emergency. It means you’re ready for what’s coming.”
Kemp also commented on the level of public attention following his participation in the show, saying he had never experienced such recognition in his 43-year television career. He described incidents such as fans at local businesses requesting selfies, reflecting the program’s success.
Further insights into the show emerged when journalist and presenter Amol Rajan, the first contestant to be “murdered” on this year’s series, suggested that his elimination was influenced by an on-set misunderstanding with actor Richard E Grant, another Traitor. Rajan revealed that he repeatedly called Grant “Withnail” in reference to a cult 1980s film, which he believes may have contributed to tensions leading to his exit. However, the pair have since reconciled.
Overall, the event combined elements of entertainment and public service, with William and Kemp using their high profiles to raise awareness about disaster preparedness while engaging in discussions about the popular reality show. The National Emergencies Trust’s Ready Together toolkit aims to equip communities like Ilminster with resources to better withstand emergencies, underscoring the importance of proactive planning.