James Acaster reveals BBC edited out the real reason James Blunt got Julie Hesmondhalgh banished from Celebrity Traitors

James Acaster has revealed that the BBC cut a key scene from Celebrity Traitors that explains why James Blunt led the charge to banish Julie Hesmondhalgh — and says without it, Blunt looked far-fetched. Blunt had reportedly shared his suspicions privately with Hesmondhalgh at the roundtable, then she unwittingly quoted him back to himself in front of everyone, making him look like a liar. The deleted scene provided the real evidence of deceit that drove her banishment — none of which made the final cut.

Hesmondhalgh, best known for Coronation Street and Broadchurch, was a Faithful all along — leaving contestants furious at Blunt for targeting the wrong person.

Acaster also lifted the lid on conditions behind the scenes, with contestants reportedly staying in a 'Travelodge-level hotel' an hour from the Scottish Highlands castle.

The show is already mired in a racism row, leaked spoilers and cast fallouts — and there are still two weeks left to air.