If you’re obsessed with life behind the scenes in The Celebrity Traitors (such as, do they actually sleep there and are the croissants at breakfast fresh or just props) then Richard E. Grant has given a tantalising glimpse into life behind the scenes at Andross Castle.
Grant, perhaps the most chaotic player in the show’s history, was banished from the game last week after admitting he was a Traitor to Faithful Joe Lycett in the first episode. The strategy meant he was the first Traitor ever to be routed at the beginning of a series.
Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg to presenter Victoria Derbyshire the actor admitted it was, ‘a completely, catastrophically idiotic thing to do.’
‘I never thought they’d take me seriously,’ he added.
More interestingly Richard revealed filming the show is a discombobulating and isolating experience, which may have contributed to his gameplan collapsing immediately.
‘You are so institutionalised in that thing within 24 hours, because you are isolated, kept in a separate room,’ he said. ‘There is a guard outside your door, your food is delivered and there’s no internet access, so you are kind of shut down.’
Grant, who is currently starring in Noel Coward’s Hay Fever in London's West End with The Gilded Age star Christine Baranski, also revealed the disorientating behind the scenes process of filming.
‘You’re not told what the time is or what time the meals are going to be,’ he said. ‘You are also prescribed, on a daily basis, what you have to wear and all of those things have to be presented in advance. So, you are kind of infantilised and institutionalised at the same time.’
He admitted he hasn’t watched himself in the series so far, as it's 'uncomfortable to watch yourself' but appears to have no regrets saying he wanted to be part of the show, ‘because I think it is the most wonderful format and game.’
The Celebrity Traitors continues on BBC One without Richard. He has been followed out of the castle by Myha'la Herrold (banished), Bella Ramsey ('murdered') and Julie Hesmondhalgh (banished). The next 'murder' which will be shown in episode 5 on Thursday 15th October, 8pm will either be Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Romesh Ranganathan, Rob Beckett or Ross Kemp.