James Acaster Reveals Why Jerry Hall Was Right to Quit Celebrity Traitors Coffin Challenge

James Acaster has revealed that he regrets not following Jerry Hall out of one of The Celebrity Traitors' most frightening challenges, admitting that being buried underground left him genuinely scared.

The comedian, who became one of the most talked-about contestants in the BBC show's second series, has reflected on the graveyard mission that saw celebrities locked inside coffins with soil piled on top. Although he completed the challenge alongside Bella Ramsey, he now believes Jerry made the right decision by refusing to stay inside.

What Really Happened During the Coffin Challenge?

The mission, broadcast on Friday 2 October, required contestants to enter coffins in a graveyard and remain underground while their fellow players attempted to rescue them.

Those unable to continue could use the safety word haggis to be released, although doing so would leave them and their partner vulnerable to murder by the Traitors.

Jerry, who was paired with mathematician Hannah Fry, became overwhelmed after entering her coffin and called out the safety word. Both women were released, but their decision meant neither would receive protection from the next murder.

James stayed underground with Bella, who raised the unsettling possibility of what might happen if nobody could get them out.

During a later interview, James admitted that the experience had frightened him more than he expected. Looking back, he said he respected Jerry for recognising she had reached her limit and now wished he had encouraged Bella to leave with him.

Jerry Hall's Decision Had Consequences

Jerry's departure from the challenge proved significant because Hannah was also forced to leave, despite not being the person who called for help.

The remaining celebrities continued the mission, with Ross Kemp and Romesh Ranganathan helping to dig their fellow contestants out of the ground.

The group eventually secured £5,000 for the charity prize fund, while Jerry and Hannah were left exposed to the Traitors' next decision.

Jerry subsequently described how uncomfortable she had felt inside the coffin, explaining that the confined space and soil being thrown on top had left her desperate to get out.

James Acaster Reflects on His Traitors Experience

The comedian's latest reflections offer another perspective on a series in which he struggled with the pressure of becoming a Traitor after originally wanting to compete as a Faithful.

His experience eventually ended during the Thursday 29 October episode, when Michael Sheen's questions about Ross Kemp's murder prompted James to confess his true identity at the Round Table.

In a separate interview following his exit, James explained that the prospect of eventually admitting he was a Traitor had helped him cope with the role. He also believed his departure made the final more competitive.

Read more about James Acaster's confession and what happened before The Celebrity Traitors final.

Where to Watch The Celebrity Traitors

The second series concluded on Friday 30 October, with Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian Croft winning the £83,000 charity prize as the surviving Faithfuls.

All episodes of The Celebrity Traitors, including the graveyard challenge and James's dramatic departure, are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Images: BBC / Studio Lambert.