Michael Sheen Turns Joe Lycett’s Defense of Julie Hesmondhalgh Back on Him
Celebrity Traitors viewers focused on Joe Lycett’s defense of Julie Hesmondhalgh during the first roundtable, after Michael Sheen joked that his reasoning…
At the first Celebrity Traitors roundtable, suspicion fell on several contestants. Joe Lycett defended Julie Hesmondhalgh, but viewers later focused on a joke from Michael Sheen that turned the comedian’s reasoning back on him.
The exchange played out as the celebrities considered who might be a Traitor, with Richard E Grant also drawing attention after joking that he was one. The episode ended before anyone wrote a name on a chalk board, leaving the first banishment unresolved.
Michael Sheen turns Joe Lycett’s argument around
Hesmondhalgh had received a shield at the start of the first episode, a detail some contestants later found suspicious. She said she had begun to wonder whether the shield was a “poisoned chalice.” Lycett, who had received the second shield from her, spoke up in her defense.
“Obviously I’m going to say this, I’m not a Traitor,” Lycett said. He added that on the first night he had written down that if Hesmondhalgh were a Traitor, she would be “a phenomenal actress.”
He told the group: “Because I just don’t believe that you are a Traitor.”
Sheen, himself an acclaimed actor, quickly responded: “So you’re saying she’s not a phenomenal actress?” The remark prompted laughter around the table. Lycett looked sheepish and licked his lips, while Hesmondhalgh gave an exaggerated “Thanks!”
Fans said the moment had been overshadowed by the attention on Grant. One viewer wrote on Reddit: “In all the Richard [E Grant] madness I feel we skimmed over Joe’s total foot in mouth moment.” Another praised Sheen’s quick response, while a third said his delivery still made them laugh.
Richard E Grant also faced suspicion
Grant became a subject of discussion after Lycett asked whether he was a Traitor. Moments after host Claudia Winkleman had selected him, Grant hilariously said that he was one. A number of celebrities pointed the finger at him during the roundtable, while others considered Hesmondhalgh.
The episode’s earlier twist had already changed the group’s numbers: Amol Rajan became the first celebrity to be murdered at the start of the second episode. The remaining celebrities then moved to their first roundtable.
The show cut away before the contestants wrote any names on their chalk boards. Viewers therefore had to wait almost a week to learn which star would be the first banished, according to The Sun’s report.
Celebrity Traitors continues Thursday, October 8 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Source: thesun.co.uk
