What has Richard E Grant said about The Celebrity Traitors?
Before entering The Celebrity Traitors Castle, Richard E Grant spoke about taking part in the show – and his desire to be a Traitor.
Why have you decided to take part in The Celebrity Traitors?
Because I think it’s a most brilliant game, where even Stephen Fry’s encyclopaedic knowledge of Sherlock Holmes couldn’t solve the mystery. You can’t have any clue. The Traitors are decided by a team of people and Claudia Winkleman, so there’s nothing to go on. Pack mentality prevails, where suspicion turns into accusation.
Would you like to be making those decisions? Would you like to be a Traitor?
What’s the programme called?!
Well, it’s The Celebrity Traitors. Okay, you mean business. You want to be in the driving seat.
Absolutely! I would love to be a Traitor. You have no control in real life over anything. Any chance for that would be welcome. And a little bit of mischief is always welcome.
Are you a big fan of games in general?
No, just this game.
Are you a competitive person?
Oh yes. You have to be if you’re an actor. You can’t survive the profession without being so. It’s too brutal.
Do you think acting skills might help you a bit in this game?
I think it’ll make people more suspicious because they assume that you’re a natural-born liar. Oh, you’re an actor, so I can’t believe anything that you say!
Have you done anything to prepare for the Missions?
There’s no preparation. Jerry Hall and I are the geriatrics of the great group. So, I’m rather hoping there will be some leeway about whether we’re expected to bungee jump off the castle’s wall.
Do you see yourself more as a leader, a team player, or a bit of a lone wolf?
Team player. My job is entirely about being a team player.
Are you better at telling lies or spotting them?
Definitely at telling them.
What’s the tallest tale you’ve ever told?
That I’m a self-assured, confident person.
How do you think your public persona will affect how others perceive you and treat you in the game?
I’ve played so many villains that I assume people will think that I’m a bad egg.
What do you think will be your biggest strength and what will be your biggest weakness in this game?
My weakness will be trying to hide what I feel about somebody, and my strength is that I’m a glass three-quarters full person.
Which do you think you’d find harder, being wrongfully accused, or secretly having to deceive others?
Wrongfully accused. It’s a game. It’s a game. It’s a game. However, when you’re so immersed, and if you know you’re innocent, that might be tricky.
The Traitor continues Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm on BBC One.