Clare Balding made a costly mistake during the first episode of Celebrity Traitors, leaving her fellow contestants furious and suspicious. The broadcaster's error cost singer Charlotte Church her immunity, prompting accusations of sabotage.
The episode began with a twist as the 19 celebrities were taken to a graveyard instead of the castle. Host Claudia Winkleman instructed them to dig their own graves, with the first six to find shields gaining immunity from the first murder. Actress Celia Imrie, comedian Joe Wilkinson, ex-rugby player Joe Marler, Charlotte Church, Kate, and Jonathan secured shields.
Later, Jonathan Ross, Cat Burns, and Alan Carr were revealed as the Traitors. During the first challenge, contestants had to decide whether to give up a shield or answer four questions correctly to win £15,000. They had 30 minutes to wheel a wooden horse through four gates. Balding pulled a lever, locking in a random answer, which forced one team member to surrender their shield. Charlotte Church gave up her immunity.
Balding explained, 'I thought we could guess lots of numbers thinking it was like a combination lock.' Tom Daley remarked, 'Clare pulling that lever is exactly what a Traitor would do.' The incident has raised doubts about Balding's intentions, potentially sealing her early exit.
