By Karim Hammam
The BBC has responded to reports that filming of Celebrity Traitors was halted after comedian James Acaster became distressed during the penultimate episode.
BBC statement on welfare
According to The Sun, production was paused so producers could intervene after Acaster, 41, became upset. He had received a welfare check before the roundtable. A BBC spokesperson said the safety and welfare of participants is the highest priority, with a dedicated welfare team monitoring players throughout.
Acaster's roundtable revelation
Acaster began the game as a Faithful but was recruited as a Traitor and struggled with the role. At the roundtable he revealed his identity, saying he never wanted to be a Traitor and had tried to help the Faithfuls. He was subsequently voted out.
Second Traitor to self-reveal
Acaster is the second Traitor this series to disclose his identity before being caught, following Richard E Grant's accidental revelation moments after his recruitment. Earlier in the episode, actress Sharon Rooney was murdered and comedian Joanne McNally was banished.
Finalists set for Friday
The remaining contestants are Traitors Maya Jama and King Kenny, and Faithfuls James Blunt, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Michael Sheen, Romesh Ranganathan, and Sebastian Croft. The final airs on BBC One on Friday at 8pm.
The series features 21 celebrities competing at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands for a prize of up to £100,000 for charity. The prize pot currently stands at £64,500.
