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Richard Osman Declines Role in Celebrity Traitors

10/3/2025, 10:01:14 PM

Osman’s Decision on Celebrity Traitors

Richard Osman, the creator of the popular Thursday Murder Club series, has publicly stated that he declined an invitation to participate in the celebrity edition of the BBC game show The Traitors. During an appearance on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Osman revealed that he would only consider joining the show if he could be guaranteed the role of a Traitor. He expressed his concerns about the psychological discomfort of being a Faithful, stating, “I couldn’t bear if I was a Faithful... I’d be lying there just going, ‘Well, I mean, I could be murdered any second’.”

The Celebrity Traitors Format

The celebrity edition of The Traitors is set to premiere on October 8, 2025, and will feature 19 well-known personalities, including Celia Imrie, Tom Daley, and Sir Stephen Fry. Contestants will compete in challenges to accumulate a prize pot of up to £100,000 for charity while attempting to identify the Traitors among them. If a Traitor remains in the final round, the Faithful contestants lose the money, and the Traitor takes the full prize.

Osman’s Perspective on Participation

Osman emphasized the secrecy surrounding the show, noting that participants typically do not disclose their experiences. He remarked, “Everyone who’s been on Celebrity Traitors won’t tell you anything.” His reluctance to join stems from a desire for control over his experience, which he feels would be compromised if he were not a Traitor. He humorously added that he was told he could never participate because viewers would immediately suspect him of being a Traitor, to which he quipped, “Am I double bluffing?”

Official Statements & Responses

Osman’s comments reflect a broader sentiment regarding the competitive nature of reality television. He has made it clear that while he enjoys the concept of Celebrity Traitors, his conditions for participation are non-negotiable. He also stated, “I love Celebrity Traitors, but I said I would only do it if I could be a Traitor.”

Criticism & Opposition

While Osman’s decision has been met with understanding from fans, some critics argue that his refusal to participate diminishes the potential excitement of the show. They suggest that having a well-known figure like Osman could have attracted more viewers and added intrigue to the competition.

What's Next for Osman

In addition to his television endeavors, Osman is promoting his latest book, The Impossible Fortune, which was released on September 25, 2025. He has authored four books in the Thursday Murder Club series, further establishing his presence in the literary world. Despite his refusal to join Celebrity Traitors, Osman remains a prominent figure in both television and literature, continuing to engage audiences through various platforms.