Richard E. Grant is already hailed an 'icon' as Celebrity Traitors viewers compare him to reigning champion Alan Carr - while fans beg for James Acaster to not be the first murdered

Richard E Grant has already been hailed as an 'icon' after Thursday night's explosive launch of Celebrity Traitors.Millions tuned in as deception, betrayal and backstabbing once again gripped the nation – with Richard and Maya Jama picked to be the Traitors.The actor, 69, caused havoc amongst the cast as he slipped-up that he was a Traitor just moments after he was chosen.Richard said his risky tactic 'may have been the biggest mistake of his life' as he contemplated his game plan after all eyes swiftly turned to him.As Richard mingled with Faithful Joe Lycett in the lounge area, the comedian jumped straight in with the question: 'What are you?''A Traitor,' Richard responded with a huge grin on his face. Unsure what to believe, Joe said: 'I think you've just done something that has never happened in the game... bold strategy.' Richard E. Grant has already been hailed as an 'icon' after Thursday night's explosive launch of Celebrity Traitors Millions tuned in as deception, betrayal and backstabbing once again gripped the nation - with Richard and Maya Jama picked to be the TraitorsJerry Hall was quick to defend Richard after co-stars began to question if he was one of the Traitors.'I just don't believe Richard is a Traitor,' she insisted. 'I know Richard, I've known him 30 years, and he's my neighbour. 'He says and does eccentric things. He is an amazing guy, but he is acting out because he wasn't chosen.''That may be the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life,' Richard said while contemplating his game tactics.Fans were quick to compare his bizarre tactics to reigning champion Alan Carr after masking his deception behind a joyfully silly manner in a bid to call his co-stars' bluff.Alan famously couldn't stop giggling or grinning as he masked his role as a Traitor right up to the finale last year.And Richard appears to be following suit with his unconventional tactics. Viewers wrote on X: 'I already love Richard. WTF is going on,' 'half an hour in and i've decided richard is already a hall of fame traitors contestant','Richard E Grant with the most BIZARRE strategy of all time,''I thought Alan was pathetically obvious last year but Jesus Christ Richard #CelebrityTraitors', 'Alan Carr walked so Richard Grant could run',The actor, 69, caused havoc amongst the cast as he slipped-up that he was a Traitor just moments after he was chosen Richard said his risky tactic 'may have been the biggest mistake of his life' as he contemplated his game plan after all eyes swiftly turned to him Fans were quick to compare his bizarre tactics to reigning champion Alan Carr after masking his deception behind a joyfully silly manner in a bid to call his co-stars' bluff'Richard E Grant may have already out done Alan Carr's performance and we're only on the first episode #TheCelebrityTraitors', 'We laugh at Richard being bait, but let’s not forget Alan Carr won last year when he couldn’t even say “I am a Faithful” with a straight face,''Richard E Grant is neck and neck with Alan Carr as the most iconic (I know it’s early days) but hell what a strong start!!! #CelebrityTraitors','Richard E Grant is the new Alan Carr', 'Richard E grant is this season’s Alan Carr. They’ll kick themselves when they find out #CelebrityTraitors'.After both expressing an interest in exploring their murderous potential, it was the legendary actor and Maya, 32, who took to the turret. A giggling Maya said to the camera: ‘Goodness. I don’t even know what to say! I’m so excited. I wanted to bring a different side of me out, and here she is. My villain era has begun.’Richard added: ‘Yes! Absolutely thrilled, and I can’t wait to start murdering. I cannot wait!’ Richard and Maya were told to select two of their co-stars at Ardross Castle and make them plead to join their trio.Only the other would be banished. So, former Radio 4 host Amol Rajan and comedian James Acaster were forced to lie in coffins. And in what will surely be one of the show’s most memorable cliffhangers, viewers – along with Amol and James – were forced to wait for host Claudia Winkleman to reveal who would stay.Celebrity Traitors' brutal new twist saw James Acaster (pictured) and Amol Rajan forced to plead for their lives as they battle to become a TraitorFormer Radio 4 host Amol (pictured) and comedian James were forced to lie in coffins while their fate was decided Fans begged producers to not let James be the first star murdered‘It is you, me, and two coffins. That’s not great, is it?’ James quipped.Richard and Maya were then given the power to choose either Amol or James to join them as the third Traitor, while the other will be murdered.Claudia, 54, explained: ‘To survive, you will have to convince them that you are the best recruit.‘It is literally a decision of life and death.’James, 41, who wanted to be a Faithful, said with a shaky voice: ‘I think currently everyone is convinced I’m a Faithful. I’ve been pushing your name [points to Grant]. I’m pretty confident I’m the right decision.’Amol, 43, then confidently said: ‘I have no heat on me whatsoever, and that is going to be useful. The second thing is I have established some good relationships. I know they’ll believe what I say.‘And that is why the third pillar, which is relevant to you, Richard, I do think I am uniquely placed to take the heat off you. I’m here because I sniff out lies for a living.’The tense scene then saw the actor, 69, and Love Island host, 32, deliberate in the chapel, with the two coffins in front of them.Claudia asked for their decision on who would be shut in the coffin and out of the game.But it was a huge cliffhanger, something viewers have become accustomed to, and the reveal will take place in Friday’s episode.Fans begged producers to not let James be the first star murdered. Comments on X read: 'we simply cannot lose james acaster after one ep,''You can’t get rid of James Acaster yet please,''If James Acaster has gone already I'll be gutted,' 'James Acaster needs to say'.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 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