Celia Imrie reveals warning she gave Richard E. Grant ahead of Celebrity Traitors after huge mistake he made during first episode

The Celebrity Traitors is finally underway to bring some much needed joy to the darkening October evenings, and right off the bat there was an enormous audience talking point.

That's right - front rooms everywhere and social media erupted when Richard E. Grant walked from the round table where the traitors were picked, straight into the bar area to announce himself to be a traitor. Wow, what a move.

Fellow contestant from last year, Celia Imrie, has now revealed the warning she gave Richard before he entered The Celebrity Traitors castle. However, from the huge faux pas he made, it appears it was a warning he didn't take on board.

"Richard E. Grant, who is on this series, rang me up and asked what it was like," Celia tells The Times. The actress replied that when she appeared on the show, "I didn’t quite know what I was letting myself in for," sharing that although it was still "good fun," she found "an element of cruelty about the game."

She says "It’s hard always being on" and "keeping the brain working." After his immediate brain malfunction, it seems Richard forgot just how hard it is to stay constantly switched on, resulting in a moment he likely completely regrets

According to The Telegraph, the show's executive producer, Sarah Fay, called Richard's actions "iconic."

"We’ve never had anything like that happen before," she explains, adding, "I mean, within five minutes of being out of the round table, you’ve already mucked up. I still can’t believe it now. Richard E Grant, how iconic."

Celia Imrie also has her own slight regret when it comes to her appearance on the series last year - that viral farting moment.

As the cast stood in a circle during a particularly serious moment, Celia really let a huge gust of wind rip.

There a second of silence before Claudia, trying desperately to maintain her solemn demeanour in the moment, asked, "What just happened?"

Celia wasted no time in grinning and admitting, "I just farted, Claudia. It's nerves, but I always own up," as everyone fell about laughing and all composure was lost.

A year on, Celia doesn't want to be remembered just for that tiny moment in her career. "I am guilty of doing anything for a laugh, but I didn’t mean to fart," she says.

Celia explains, "I was nervous. I can’t believe it became such a huge thing and I don’t want to be defined by it."

The moment was later parodied and even mentioned by Seth Rogan at the 2026 BAFTA Television Awards.

While accepting the award for Best International for The Studio, Seth pointed to Celia while she was seated in the audience, to say, "I assume this woman in the green dress is a very skilled and talented woman.

"All I know is that she farted on a reality show. I'm interested in your other work now, obviously – what else have you done?"

Despite this, Celia has found an upside to her appearance on The Celebrity Traitors. "I’m pleased I did it, especially because I have a whole new fan base, lots of younger people," she concludes.

As for Richard E. Grant, we're just holding our breath until the next episode to see whether or not he survives what could be the biggest blunder ever to be seen on the show.

The Celebrity Traitors airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer every Thursday and Friday at 8pm.