‘He was nailed to a post’: James Blunt details James Acaster’s dramatic unedited Celebrity Traitors exit
James B says the Traitor's hand was forced
Last updated 9 hours ago
The penultimate episode of The Celebrity Traitors season two caused quite the stir, after the most Faithful Traitor of all time, James Acaster, seemed to quit the second suspicion turned towards him at the round table. But finalist and singer James Blunt says the reality was much more dramatic.
Joining Hits Radio Breakfast to talk about all things Traitors and his new music, 'You're Beautiful' singer James Blunt has revealed comedian James Acaster's hand was forced by the Faithful, who he says "nailed him to a post".
James B, said: "What you've seen is him just saying, guys, you've got me, but it wasn't like that. It was much harder than you saw. It was a much, much tougher experience. It was a courtroom and we drilled it down. So to all those who would say, who would critique James and say, oh, you just put your hands up and quit... He really didn't.
"He was really, really forced. It was more dramatic than you saw, actually. And I say that with great love for him, for what he went through at that stage. But it was an exciting moment in the show too."
Fans responded in disbelief when, for the first time in the show's history, reluctant Traitor James Acaster confessed his position at the round table — leading to a clean sweep of votes to banish him.
He told his fellow contestants in the penultimate episode: "I was made a Traitor without wanting to be. I've had a unique experience on this that no-one's had before, where I wanted to be a Faithful, that's all I wanted to be.
"I couldn't just go 'guys it's me, vote for me' but that's all I can do really. I'm so proud of you guys for catching me the way that you did. And I wanted it to be that I was found logically and in a way that was that you followed clues and got me."
He then told the camera: "I've told the truth, I've got to help them. And I've supported my fellow Traitors as well because they mean the world to me."
NOW READ: The Celebrity Traitors | A look back at series two
James Blunt — who is set to perform at Hits Radio Live later this month — spoke about that dramatic round table during his chat with Fleur East and James Barr on Hits Radio Breakfast. He said:
"Michael (Sheen) and I had been really planning our assault on him through the round table in the morning. I think you picked up that I really became obsessed about the perfume — and how James had been talking about it being in the bar, and it's not it's in the library. And how James was sort of trying to brush over that with Sharon.
"And then Michael delivered an absolute knockout. I then really went for James as well — and some of this wasn't necessarily shown. And it became so evident that we had nailed him to a post at that stage."
James Acaster's exit in the second to last episode left Traitors King Kenny and Maya Jama battling it out with five remaining Faithful... Romesh Ranganathan, Sebastian 'Bash' Croft, Michael Sheen, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and James Blunt.
We now know the Faithful emerged victorious — but not before Romesh raised suspicions on former British Army Officer, James Blunt, in a shock final banishment.
NOW READ: Everything to know about Hits Radio Live 2026
After Michael was 'murdered' and Maya, Leigh-Anne and Kenny banished, it seemed the game was about to end, but James chose to vote again, with Romesh's suspicions ultimately forcing James B out during the End Game.
Reassuring fans that there's nothing but love between him and comedian Romesh, James told Fleur and James that despite feeling "taken aback" at the time: "Romesh is a very sweet human being and I promise he and I get on very, very well."
James then revealed Romesh has kindly donated to his charity, the Blue Marine Foundation — to smooth things over.
Despite being voted out, James called it "a fantastic end", telling Hits Radio: "the two of them won and I was thrilled. As you can see by the smile on my face as I walked out, I loved the end of the game."
Now check out all the celebrities we'd love to see in the next series:
Alison Hammond
Let's be honest, it wouldn't be a TV reality show without the Queen that is Alison Hammond! Rumours were rife that Alison was 'in talks' for the second series, with BBC bosses thinking she would be 'comedy gold'.
However, Alison ruled herself out. Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show on Saturday 21st March 2026, Alison confessed: "I can't do it, because I'm doing Bake Off. I think it's the same time when I'm doing Bake Off, so that's a definite no. I'm so sorry, I would love to do that. I wouldn't want to be a Traitor though, I'd want to be a Faithful. I don't want no stress."
Fingers crossed for 2027!
Rylan Clark
Rylan in a Traitors cloak just needs to happen TBH...
Sam Thompson
Hits Radio host Sam Thompson is no stranger to reality TV, and we think he'd be hilarious on The Celebrity Traitors!
Dame Judi Dench
Her reputation alone would make her untouchable, who is going to dare banish or murder Dame Judi Dench?!
Peter Crouch
Reports were rife in early 2026 that BBC bosses were keen to sign up former professional footballer Peter Crouch. A TV source told a national newspaper: "Producers think Peter would be brilliant. He's sporty, competitive and really funny. They know landing him would be a big coup and bring a new type of viewer to the series. Plus they haven't had an ex pro footballer on the show yet."
Peter didn't appear on series two, so maybe we will see him in the castle for series three!
Cheryl
With Girls Aloud star Cheryl making a comeback to TV on The Voice in 2027, we'd love to see her enter the castle!
David Attenborough
A true National Treasure that must be protected at all costs, but we think David Attenborough could have what it takes to sniff out the pesky Traitors.
Danny Dyer
Although Danny Dyer has said no to the show in the past due to not seeing it, he did admit on his Live and Let Dyer podcast earlier in 2026 that he may consider the show if the money is correct, saying: "So if the money's right… because I might get involved in the next series. I think I'd want to be a Traitor, there's triple bluffs, double bluffs – it's more fun to be a Traitor, you've got a job!"
SOMEBODY SIGN HIM UP!
Ruth Jones
Oh, what's occurring? Gavin and Stacey legend Ruth Jones would be TV gold in the castle!
Tess Daly
After leaving Strictly Come Dancing following a huge 21 years, TV presenter Tess Daly now has some spare time on her hands! Imagine how great it would be to see her best pal Claudia Winkleman make her a Traitor?!
Ken Bruce
With decades of experience in the radio business, Greatest Hits Radio presenter Ken Bruce would be great under pressure as a Traitor, not to mention the fact he's trusted and likeable!
Bob Mortimer
Comedian and TV host Bob Mortimer was heavily rumoured for the 2026 series, but as fans will know, he didn't sign up! Hopefully somebody can tempt him next year!
Gordon Ramsay
With his no-nonsense attitude towards basically everything, chef Gordon Ramsay would bring excellent entertainment to the round table!
Gok Wan
His talents are endless, so we've got no doubts that Magic Radio Breakfast host Gok Wan would make an incredible Traitor.
Miriam Margolyes
Although she's revealed she actually turned down the first series, we aren't the only ones who would love to see actress and comedian Miriam Margolyes join the show!
Adele
She may be a superstar singer, but Adele is taking a break from music right now, so what better way to fill her time?!
James Nesbitt
James Nesbitt has been asked previously, but he's so far not appeared! Maybe 2027 is his year?
Stacey Solomon
Stacey Solomon's warmth and humour would make her incredibly likeable by her fellow contestants and we don't think she'd be suspected as a Traitor!
Tyson Fury
He's a champion boxer with both physical and psychological powers, so Tyson Fury's unpredictability would make for great TV.
Emma Thompson
With movies like Love Actually, Bridget Jones and Saving Mr Banks under her belt, award-winning actress Emma Thompson could act her way through the show, throwing the Faithfuls off scent!
Tyler West
If the group were feeling down, KISS presenter Tyler West would bring the vibes and energy the group need to find the Traitors.
Niall Horan
The show always needs a cheeky Irish chappie! With Niall Horan's charm and charisma, NOBODY would suspect him!
Alexander Armstrong
Pointless host Alexander Armstrong would bring a calm presence to the castle. With his sharp intelligence and good judge of character, we think he'd make a brilliant Faithful.
Natalie Cassidy
EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy could be the perfect dark horse on the show! Bonus if she brings Sonia's trumpet with her...
Paul Hollywood
Mr Paul Hollywood could fool anybody with those piercing blue eyes!
Sharon Osbourne
Following her iconic stint on Celebrity Big Brother, we just need to see Mrs O back on our screens!
Stormzy
'Vossi Pop' hitmaker Stormzy, real name Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, would bring some serious charm and charisma to the show. With his strategic mind and leadership qualities, we think he'd be great as a Traitor.
Graham Norton
TV presenter Graham Norton interviews celebs for a living, so he'd have no issues asking hard-hitting questions to try and sniff out the Traitors. With his sense of humour and charm, he'd be a great team player.
Denise Welch
Denise Welch interrogating other celebs would just be TV gold, TBH.
Lewis Capaldi
Thanks to his loveable and relatable personality, nobody would suspect Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi, making him a great Traitor.
Gemma Collins
Let's be honest... It wouldn't be a reality TV show rumoured line-up without The GC!
Leah Williamson
As the captain of England's Lionesses and Arsenal, Leah Williamson certainly has the leadership qualities needed for the game!
Judi Love
Judi Love would be able to use her charm and humour to create bonds in the castle, making her a very trustworthy candidate. Just what you need to be successful on the show!
Holly Willoughby
Following her departure from This Morning, Holly Willoughby has made limited TV appearances, so this could be her pathway back to a major presenting gig.
Lord Alan Sugar
We'd love to see how Lord Sugar copes when swapping the boardroom for the round table!
Sir Andy Murray
Competitive ✅ Good under pressure ✅ Poker face ✅ - Sir Andy Murray has all the traits to be a successful Traitor!
Dermot O'Leary
Speaking to our friends over at heatworld, Dermot said: "I'd find it difficult to turn down Celebrity Traitors because I really, really enjoyed it. But the problem is – aside from being away for that long – I think I'd be a terrible Traitor. They've done so such a great job of amping up the stress and I hate the idea of people thinking ill of me, especially my peers, so I'd worry if I was part of that level of subterfuge. But it's been a great series."
Author: Amy Shephard
Amy Shephard is an SEO Writer for Rayo brands, including Hits Radio, KISS, Magic Radio and Greatest Hits Radio. Starting her media career in 2011, she joined Bauer Media in 2023 as a reporter before moving over to entertainment news. She specialises in movies and TV dramas, and enjoys a range of music across all decades and genres.