Celebrities rush to defend 'brilliant' James Acaster after unexpected roundtable admission

Celebrities and co-stars have rushed to offer support to James Acaster after his shock admission during Thursday's Celebrity Traitors semi-final declaring him 'brilliant'.

The comedian, 41, had left both his fellow contestants and viewers at home completely stunned after admitting his role as a Traitor during the roundtable while facing heat from Michael Sheen.

In the show's first ever roundtable admission of its kind, it came after the comic had been cornered alongside Maya Jama.

The heat was raised on the pair after the group revisited the events of Ross Kemp's murder in plain sight.

Acaster cracked under the pressure and confessed that he was made a Traitor against his will, leading to his swift banishment.

James Acaster made the shock admission (BBC)

He had entertained fans but frustrated his fellow players describing himself throughout as a 'reluctant Traitor'.

“I was made a Traitor without wanting to be,” he confessed. “It’s me. Vote for me.”

During the tense discussion, he had reportedly became upset and producers had to step in and intervene, according to reports, and seemed relieved as he revealed his true identity.

Acaster had said: "I’m going to continue to do what I’ve done this entire game and continue to be honest. I just want to explain my situation."

James Acaster was banished after his admission (BBC)

Celebrities rush to support Acaster after shock admission

But after the admission, celebrity friends rushed to offer their support to him online.

His co-star Romesh Ranganathan shared his pride for his friend, saying: "The amazing thing about James is that he has done something that I don't think I've seen anybody do.

"He played a truly unique game, which was to accept his role, but to do it as Faithful, helping a way as he possibly could, and that is kind of typical of the sort of thing that James A does, and I respect it a lot."

Romesh spoke out in support of Acaster (BBC)

Amol Rajan meanwhile, who was murdered in the second episode, commented on a clip posted by the BBC, calling the comedian 'a remarkable soul', and Strictly host Josh Widdicombe commented three love heart emojis.

And on his Rest is Entertainment podcast, TV's Richard Osman noted how Acaster had chosen his moment to reveal his identity.

"Throughout this whole process he has been looking for an exit door where he doesn't blow up the whole show, where he doesn't just quit on the whole thing", he said.

"I think he just took the opportunity... I think he didn't want to go into that end game.

BBC issues statement

The BBC has also issued a statement after welfare concerns were shared following James Acaster's Traitors exit.

It followed reports that there was 'upset' on the set and that filming was temporarily halted.

A spokesperson said: "Our highest priority is always the safety and welfare of everyone taking part.

“Players are closely monitored and supported throughout by production which includes a dedicated and experienced welfare team.”