Mark Bonnar and Stephen Fry become latest round table victims…
The Celebrity Traitors is heating up — and last night saw a dramatic double blow for the ‘Faithfuls’ as Mark Bonnar and Stephen Fry were both banished from the game in emotional Round Tables that left the group reeling.
The hit BBC One series — hosted by Claudia Winkleman and returning next Wednesday at 9pm — has been full of shocks, but few moments have rivalled the back-to-back exits of two of the show’s most interesting players.
“It was a lot more fun than I expected” — Mark Bonnar reflects on his downfall who departed after a tense tiebreaker that ended in the first-ever use of the Chest of Chance with Mark losing out to David Olusoga who opened a chest and retrieved a ‘shield’ protecting him from being banished. Mark’s chest was as empty as Gemma Collins’ fridge at 3am, with no protection he was sent away from the castle and the game.
After being named the fourth Faithful to leave, Guilt star Mark Bonnar said the experience had been far more enjoyable than he ever imagined:
“I thought it would be quite intense, which it was, but I didn’t bank on the Missions being quite as much fun as they were. I also really enjoyed spending time and making friends with people whose orbits I would never have come into.”
Bonnar — who threw himself into the show’s physical challenges — said he’d happily do them again:
“Oh, I would happily do that every day for the rest of my life! Cabin in the Woods was my favourite. The Trojan Horse was spectacular but brutal — I couldn’t move for a wee while afterwards!”
Reflecting on his gameplay, the actor admitted he might have been too enthusiastic:
“With hindsight, I’d have played it slightly differently — maybe not been so wide-eyed and forthcoming with theories. I was observing everyone, but maybe not subtle enough about it, which possibly put a massive target on my back!”
“A remarkable experience” — Stephen Fry follows as fifth Faithful banished
National treasure Stephen Fry was also banished in Thursday’s telly highlight and became the fifth to leave. Fry described his time on The Celebrity Traitors as nothing short of extraordinary:
“It’s a word that’s overused, but it really was an experience. A remarkable experience. The nature of the group shaped everything — it was wonderful to get to know extraordinary people I would probably never have met otherwise.”
Despite the deception and drama, Fry said the camaraderie was what stayed with him:
“It’s marvellous, at my time in life, to be in a group again. To feel the mixture of pleasure and frustration and everything else that group existence gives you.”
He admitted the Missions were tougher than expected — especially the Trojan Horse task:
“It was physically very demanding. I’m 67, not unfit but not a gym goer! Joe Marler was next to me, strong as an ox, and even he was exhausted, which made me feel slightly better.”
Looking ahead, Fry revealed who he’s backing for the final:
“I’d love to see Celia or Lucy win because they’re so eccentric and extraordinary. Lucy is such an extraordinary person, and Celia is a goddess.”
As the Traitors continue to tighten their grip, the Faithfuls’ numbers are dwindling — and with the Chest of Chance now in play, anything can happen.
The Celebrity Traitors returns next Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer — with Claudia promising “the most shocking twists yet” as the Faithfuls fight to uncover the truth.
