Celebrity Traitors paused after James Acaster became visibly stressed during filming

The useful part

While filming the new series of The Celebrity Traitors, one star reportedly became 'visibly stressed', resulting in shooting being halted. Comedian James Acaster already has a legion of fans, with the announcement of his Traitors casting causing major excitement on social media. He'll join the likes of Maya Jama, Miranda Hart, Ross Kemp, and James Blunt at the roundtable when the Claudia Winkleman -hosted game of deception and betrayal returns to the BBC in a matter of days.

How it works

• Ahead of the launch, a source has revealed just how 'passionate' the reality show became, telling The Sun that the psychological demand was overwhelming at one stage.
• What it did do is prove 'just how passionate and tense everyone on set was'.
• He's also made appearances on some of the country's biggest comedy and panel shows, such as Taskmaster, gone viral on several occasions for his deadpan comebacks and storytelling, and has released a string...
• Through therapy and immersing himself in music and art, he was able to rebuild himself following a year-long struggle with depression and intense anxiety.
• He quipped that Alan Carr 'tainted' things for comedians on the reality show by joking his way to victory (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Paul Chappells) Who will Claudia Winkleman choose as the Traitors this...

What to take from it

Consequently, his Ardross Castle castmates reportedly raised concerns with the Studio Lambert production team, who paused the game to check on him. 'It was good for James to have a breather, as everyone felt it was for the best.' Thankfully, as the source said, the break 'didn't affect the outcome of the game at all'. 'Our highest priority is always the safety and welfare of everyone taking part.

Example or evidence

• Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) James experienced 'serious suicidal thoughts for the first time', which made him realise he needed professional help.
• Second time around, there are more comedians than before, with Rob Beckett, Joe Lycett, and Joanne McNally taking part, which James called 'a concern'.
• (Picture: BBC) 'There will be suspicions that it's going to be at least one of these guys, that we might form an alliance if we're not broken apart,' he mused.
• 'I really loved the first Celebrity series and instantly became jealous that I wasn't doing it.

Details worth keeping

Who is in the Celebrity Traitors season 2 cast? Players are closely monitored and supported throughout by production, which includes a dedicated and experienced welfare team.' Stand-up favourite James, 41, is best known for co-hosting the Off Menu podcast with pal and The Traitors: On his reasons for opening up, he told The New Yorker in 2022: 'I do feel very lucky to work in a job where, when I did have a breakdown, I was able to make something out of it that felt positive.' He said discovering musicians who had endured their own hardships and 'connecting' to them was also a huge boost.

Related coverage

• Dailymail: Two stars of Celebrity Traitors complained to producers after finding the process of this year's show gruelling, according to reports.
• Mirror: Celebrity Traitors reportedly had to pause filming when James Acaster became "very anxious" on set and begun to panic whilst production on the game show was underway
• Stuff: The reality television star says she is "relieved to be out" after accusing castmates of months of bullying and making comments about her children.