LONDON — Viewers of the BBC's Celebrity Traitors are speculating about the identity of the first contestant "murdered" in the series, pointing to a candle flicker captured in the premiere's closing moments. The episode ended before revealing which contestant was eliminated.
The series two premiere saw Love Island presenter Maya Jama and Oscar-nominated actor Richard E. Grant selected as the initial Traitors by host Claudia Winkleman. Their first task involved choosing a third accomplice from the remaining contestants.
The duo considered comedian James Acaster and journalist Amol Rajan for the role. Both Acaster and Rajan had openly expressed suspicions about Grant, who accidentally revealed his Traitor status to fellow contestants shortly after his selection.
Acaster and Rajan were called in the middle of the night to present their arguments for becoming a Traitor. The episode ended before a decision was announced.
Many viewers noted a candle shaking and its flame flickering on Rajan's side as Winkleman closed a coffin lid. Some concluded Acaster had been chosen as the third Traitor, implying Rajan's elimination. One viewer wrote on social media, "Judging by the candle flicker on Maya's side. James is still alive and it wasn't his coffin shut." Others observed Jama and Grant looking towards Rajan's coffin as it closed.
However, some audience members suggested the candle flicker could be a deliberate production misdirect. A fan posted, "That candle flicker has surely made it too obvious who is dead."
The celebrity version features 21 stars. Early episodes have shown contestant Ross Kemp displaying signs of paranoia. Grant's accidental revelation of his Traitor status drew attention for its dramatic timing in the premiere.
The Celebrity Traitors airs on BBC One on Thursdays and Fridays.
