Richard E. Grant Heads To Ardross Castle – What To Know Before Celebrity Traitors Drops

Meet Richard E. Grant – the actor stepping into Celebrity Traitors

Richard E. Grant, born Richard Grant Esterhuysen on May 5, 1957, in Mbabane, Protectorate of Swaziland (now Eswatini), is heading into the iconic Ardross Castle for Celebrity Traitors. He moved to Britain in 1982, a year after his father passed, and adopted his stage name by shortening his Afrikaans surname to a single letter before registering with Equity.

Grant first captured attention in 1987 with the lead role in Withnail and I alongside Paul McGann. From there he built a varied film career that took him from British cult classics to Hollywood features and awards-season contenders.

Career highlights and notable roles

Over the years Grant has appeared in an eclectic mix of films that include L.A. Story, Gosford Park, Spice World, Bram Stoker's Dracula, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. His more recent credits include The Iron Lady, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Jackie, Saltburn, The Thursday Murder Club and Nuremberg.

His work has earned him critical recognition — including Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor. That range from indie darlings to big studio projects shows why he’s such an intriguing addition to the Celebrity Traitors cast.

Why he signed up for Celebrity Traitors – and what he’s said

Grant told interviewers he was drawn to Celebrity Traitors because it’s a compelling mystery game where social dynamics matter as much as strategy. He enjoys how suspicion can build and how players must navigate alliances and deception.

“I’m fascinated by the idea of a game where you can’t know anything for certain – the suspense, the pack mentality and the little pockets of mischief are irresistible,” he said.

Asked whether he’d like to be a Traitor, Grant didn’t hesitate — saying he’d “absolutely” be up for the role. He framed the show as a rare chance to take control and indulge a streak of mischief, something he finds welcome in an otherwise unpredictable world.

Celebrity Traitors series 2 full line-up

This season features 22 celebrities all vying for a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice. Expect a lively, eclectic mix of personalities and backgrounds as the group settles into Ardross Castle.

The full line-up is: Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, James Blunt, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, King Kenny, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Maya Jama, Michael Sheen, Miranda Hart, Myha’la, Professor Hannah Fry, Richard E. Grant, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Ross Kemp, Sebastian Croft and Sharon Rooney.

What that mix of talent means for the show

From comedians and musicians to actors and broadcasters, the cast promises a mix of humor, strategy and drama – think of it as a bit of Malibu-style drama transported to the moody halls of a Scottish castle. With so many different strengths and public personas, alliances and betrayals are bound to feel unpredictable.

Claudia Winkleman and a team decide who the Traitors will be, adding another layer of mystery for contestants and viewers alike.

When to tune in and where to watch

Celebrity Traitors series two returns on Thursday, October 1 and will air twice weekly on Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. For fans who like the extras, the official video podcast and spin-off show, The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, will also be available on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.

Also new this year is a special titled Traitor or Faithful? Claudia Decides, available Thursday, October 1 from 9.15pm on BBC iPlayer. The special promises to reveal how Claudia selects her Traitors and to give viewers a closer look at the contestants and her decision-making process.

Final thoughts – who are you most excited to see?

Richard E. Grant brings decades of screen experience and a playful streak to Celebrity Traitors, where he’ll join 21 other well-known faces in a high-stakes game for charity. Whether you’re tuning in for the strategy, the personalities, or the inevitable twists, the new series looks set to deliver.

Who are you most excited to watch at Ardross Castle? Let us know in the comments as the drama unfolds.