Tensions reportedly emerged among contestants on the reality competition show Celebrity Traitors, particularly involving comedians James Acaster, Romesh Ranganathan, and Rob Beckett. Sources close to the production indicate that off-camera interactions became strained due to perceived class differences, contributing to a difficult environment for Acaster.
Filming for the show, produced by Studio Lambert, concluded recently, with Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian “Bash” Croft ultimately declared the winners. However, in the aftermath, it was revealed that Acaster, who was voted off in the penultimate episode after revealing himself as a Traitor, did not participate in the post-finale discussion on the companion program Uncloaked. Apart from Maya Jama, who was absent due to filming commitments on the Netflix series The Gentlemen, other cast members appeared to attend and celebrate the finalists.
According to sources, Acaster felt increasingly targeted by Ranganathan and Beckett, both from working-class backgrounds, who allegedly directed barbs at him related to his middle-class upbringing. Acaster reportedly confided that the dynamic made the experience uncomfortable, describing it as a form of bullying. A show insider characterized the situation as “toxic,” noting the cast’s enforced confinement with limited external communication heightened tensions. No formal complaint has been publicly confirmed.
The three comedians come from different socio-economic backgrounds. Ranganathan grew up in a council house in Crawley, West Sussex, with a father who served a prison sentence, while Beckett is the son of a lorry driver. By contrast, Acaster’s father was a science teacher, and he was raised in Kettering, Northamptonshire. Though Ranganathan and Beckett reportedly viewed their comments as lighthearted teasing, the impact on Acaster was said to be more significant.
Maya Jama’s absence from the Uncloaked episode was also notable. Her departure followed her elimination in the final round table, where she was banished by fellow Traitor King Kenny during an episode watched by 11.5 million viewers. Sources suggest Jama was frustrated by the outcome, with one insider noting her intense focus on winning and irritation at being ousted by an ally she had recruited.
The production company has denied reports of behind-the-scenes trouble and expressed displeasure over public airing of cast disputes. Nonetheless, the season was also marked by controversy related to race. Actress Myha’la claimed she encountered unconscious bias during the game, suggesting her expressions and behavior were viewed suspiciously due to cultural differences. While Studio Lambert reportedly sought to avoid direct criticism of these comments, the BBC defended the series, highlighting that four of the six finalists were non-white, including a winner, challenging accusations of racial bias.
Contestants reportedly faced significant psychological pressure during filming, compounded by isolation and restrictions on communication. Ross Kemp, a participant known for enduring demanding environments, compared the experience unfavorably to his time in Afghanistan. Mental health resources, including access to a psychiatrist, were made available, though stress reportedly remained high.
Industry insiders suggest that while some of the interpersonal conflicts were difficult for participants, the resulting public revelations contributed to the show's strong viewership and overall success.