In the new series of Celebrity Traitors, Nick Mohammed openly declared his fondness for fellow contestant Celia Imrie, potentially jeopardizing his game strategy from the very first episode. The Ted Lasso star went out of his way to help the acclaimed actress during a graveyard challenge, leaving other players questioning his motives and wondering if his heart would override his head in the deceptive game.
An Unlikely Alliance Forms
The first mission of the celebrity series tested the 19 famous contestants as they searched through graves for protective shields. During this task, Nick Mohammed made his support for Celia Imrie unmistakably clear. He deliberately worked to help her secure one of the six available shields, acting as her knight in shining armor.
After the challenge concluded with Celia successfully obtaining the shield, Nick did not hide his reasons. He explained his actions to producers and fellow players without any strategic pretense.
“My aim was to try and get Celia a shield, because I love her,” he stated plainly.
This open declaration was noted as an unusual move so early in the competition, a period where players typically keep their alliances guarded and intentions hidden. By showing his hand so quickly, Nick risked appearing overly sentimental or easily manipulated.
The Veteran Actress with a Secret Weapon
Celia Imrie, a legendary British actress known for her role in the Netflix film “The Thursday Murder Club,” brings a wealth of experience to the game. In pre-show interviews, she reflected on how her professional background could serve as an advantage in the castle.
“Being an actor, you do spend your life pretending to be somebody else, so that’s quite an advantage,” she explained.
However, she also acknowledged the unique challenge of appearing on a reality show, where she must play herself instead of a scripted character. “You haven’t got a character to hide behind here. It’s quite exposing,” she said.
Beyond her acting skills, Celia hinted at a hidden side that could emerge as the game progresses, revealing, “I have a naughty streak that I find hard to suppress.” In a promotional clip, she confidently stated, “I’m here to win,” signaling a competitive determination that contrasts with her polished exterior.
A Risky Game of Trust and Deception
Nick Mohammed’s early favoritism has set the stage for a compelling dynamic. His heartfelt admission could become either a strategic liability or an unexpected benefit as the series continues. In the high-stakes environment of The Traitors, where players must constantly question each other’s loyalty, such a transparent display of affection is a dangerous move.
The celebrity version features a star-studded cast including Alan Carr, Clare Balding, Tom Daley, and Stephen Fry, all playing for a prize fund of up to £100,000 for their chosen charities. Unlike the civilian version, the celebrities also receive a separate appearance fee for taking part.
The first episodes have already seen drama unfold, with comedian Alan Carr being selected as a Traitor alongside singer Cat Burns and presenter Jonathan Ross. Carr immediately expressed anxiety about the role, saying, “I have a sweating problem and I don’t know how to lie. It’s too much.”
A Cliffhanger and an Unexpected Murder
The second episode concluded on a frustrating cliffhanger for viewers, cutting off during the first roundtable banishment vote before a result was revealed. Kate Garraway and Niko Omilana were both under suspicion, each receiving three votes.
In a separate twist, the Traitors successfully carried out their first murder. Alan Carr was tasked with eliminating a player by subtly touching their face with the pollen of a poison lily. He chose his real-life friend, singer Paloma Faith, marking her as the first contestant to leave the castle.
Reflecting on her experience after the show, Paloma Faith shared her thoughts on being a Faithful. “I’d have liked to have been a Traitor, and I’d have enjoyed that. I’d have been quite a playful Traitor, which would have been quite entertaining,” she said. She also noted that Nick Mohammed’s kind nature made an impression, suggesting “he’s proof you can be kind, considerate and clever to play the game well – you don’t have to be evil.”
As the game continues, all eyes are on the relationship between Nick and Celia. Will Nick’s genuine admiration for the actress blind him to her potential cunning, or will her “naughty streak” lead her to use his trust to her own advantage?
