James Acaster could be the last person standing on Celebrity Traitors, psychologist says - because we're hardwired to trust funny people

Published: 10:41 EDT, 5 October 2026 | Updated: 10:41 EDT, 5 October 2026 Comedians have a habit of making people laugh – but they may also have a knack for getting away with murder.As the latest series of Celebrity Traitors gets underway, a psychologist believes funnyman James Acaster could have an in-built advantage over his traitor teammates because people are naturally more inclined to trust funny people.Paddy Ross, an associate professor of psychology at Durham University, says celebrity versions of the hit BBC show operate very differently from the standard format because contestants already arrive with opinions about one another.Unlike ordinary Traitors players, who begin as strangers, celebrity contestants may know one another professionally, personally or simply through their public personas.That means psychological shortcuts and biases can play a huge role in deciding who is trusted and who comes under suspicion.‘We are all prone to a cognitive bias known as the halo and the horn effect,’ Dr Ross wrote on The Conversation.‘The halo effect occurs when we observe a positive trait in someone (like humour) and use it to assume that they have other positive traits in unrelated areas.‘The comedians in the group have an advantage here.’ A psychologist believes funnyman James Acaster could have an in-built advantage over his traitor teammates James Acaster is best known for his popular stand-up shows, surreal humour, hit podcast Off Menu and regular appearances on television panel shows. While TV presenter Maya Jama and actor Richard E Grant began the game as original Traitors, James Acaster was later recruited to join their ranks.Of the three he is the only comedian, and is best known for his popular stand-up shows, surreal humour, hit podcast Off Menu and regular appearances on television panel shows.Dr Ross explained that people often see humour as a sign that somebody is friendly and trustworthy, even though being funny has nothing to do with whether they are telling the truth.This theory appeared to play out perfectly for comedian Alan Carr during the first celebrity series.Despite later being revealed as a successful traitor, many contestants struggled to believe the funnyman was capable of deceiving them because they already viewed him as a lovable national treasure.‘His ability to make others laugh led to false assumptions about his trustworthiness through the halo effect,’ Dr Ross said.‘Not even Carr’s giggling while trying to say he was a faithful was enough to make contestants change their minds about his role in the game.’The psychologist also pointed to confirmation bias, which causes people to favour information that supports their existing beliefs while overlooking evidence that challenges them.That can make it surprisingly difficult to spot a convincing liar once somebody has decided they are one of the faithfuls. TV presenter Maya Jama and actor Richard E Grant began the game as original Traitors, James Acaster was later recruited to join their ranks.On the flip side, celebrities who are perceived as abrasive or argumentative can suffer from what psychologists call the ‘horn effect’.That bias can leave fellow contestants more willing to suspect them, regardless of whether they have done anything suspicious.According to Dr Ross, celebrity status itself also creates another complication in the game.Some contestants are considerably better known than others, potentially creating a hierarchy in which bigger stars carry more influence around the round table.That could leave lesser-known celebrities reluctant to accuse household names, even when their instincts tell them something is wrong.The expert also said that the likes of Hannah Fry could have an advantage over her fellow contestants – despite being at risk of being murdered this week.‘If you’re a big fan of Hannah Fry and her factual science communication, it’s going to be difficult to let yourself believe she could be lying to you,’ he wrote.The Celebrity Traitors line-up 2026 Jerry HallJerry Hall, 70, rose to fame in the Seventies and became one of the era's most recognisable fashion icons Richard E GrantRichard E Grant, 69, is celebrated for his roles in everything from the cult classic Withnail & I to modern flicks such as Everybody's Talking About Jamie James BluntJames Blunt, 52, shot to global fame with his debut album and the hit single You're Beautiful Ross KempRoss Kemp, 62, who recently returned to EastEnders to reprise his role as hardman Grant Mitchell, is said to want to challenge himself Michael SheenMichael Sheen, 57, is celebrated for his incredible performances across stage and screen, particularly his work in Good Omens and The Queen Rob BeckettBest friend of fellow Traitors star Ranganathan, comedian Rob Beckett, 40, is known for his high energy and booming laugh Sharon RooneySharon Rooney, 37, is best known for her breakout role as Rae Earl in the acclaimed series My Mad Fat Diary Joanne McNallyJoanne McNally, 43, is known for her brutally honest humour and hilarious takes on dating, chaos and modern life Amol RajanJournalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, 43, has carved out a successful career across major UK media, including radio and television King KennyKing Kenny, 29, is a content creator known for his prank videos and street-style social experiments Sebastian CroftSebastian Croft, 24, is best known for his breakout role as Ben Hope in the Netflix series Heartstopper Maya Jama Maya Jama, 32, is quickly becoming one of the UK's most popular stars and famously fronts Love Island Miranda HartMiranda Hart, 53, broke through with her hit sitcom Miranda, which became a resounding success and cemented her as a comedy legendRomesh RanganathanRomesh Ranganathan, 48, has been taking British TV by storm in recent years is known for his deadpan delivery James AcasterComedian James Acaster, 41, is good friends with Ed Gamble, who hosts The Traitors: Uncloaked. The duo present the hit food podcast Off Menu Bella RamseyBella Ramsey, 22, rose to fame as Lyanna Mormont in Game Of Thrones and gained global acclaim for their leading role in The Last Of Us Leigh-Anne PinnockLeigh-Anne Pinnock, 34, is known as a member of the girl group Little Mix, which found fame on The X Factor in 2011 Joe LycettFrom TV stunts to clever public pranks, Joe Lycett, 38, has built a reputation as one of Britain's most inventive comics Hannah FryMathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, 42, is known for turning complex data into engaging content for viewers Julie HesmondhalghJulie Hesmondhalgh, 56, is best known for her long-running role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street – the first transgender character in a British soap opera Myha'laMyha'la, 30, is known for her striking portrayal of brutal fintech expert Harper Stern in the HBO drama Industry