Richard E. Grant Age, Partner, Biography & More

Richard E. Grant was an original Traitor in The Celebrity Traitors Series 2, and his early banishment in Episode 3 was one of the first major shocks of the series. The actor and author brought decades of screen experience to Ardross Castle, along with a theatrical, expressive style that made him both entertaining and, ultimately, suspicious to the Faithfuls. Grant is known for a career that spans cult classics, major franchises and acclaimed dramas, and his Traitors run was short but memorable.

Who Is Richard E. Grant?

Richard E. Grant is a British actor and author whose breakthrough came with the cult film Withnail and I, in which he played the title character. Since then he has worked across film and television, from period dramas and comedies to big franchise roles, and he has earned a reputation for vivid, committed performances. He is also a published author, writing about film, travel and his own life, and he is known for a lively public presence, including his enthusiastic social media posts about food, film and family. That openness made him a natural fit for a reality game, even though it also made him easy to watch.

Early Life & Background

Grant built his career in theatre and film, developing a style that combines intensity with humour. He has spoken about the long road from early roles to wider recognition, and about how later-career success, including an Academy Award nomination for Can You Ever Forgive Me?, brought him to a new generation of viewers. His writing, including diaries and memoirs, shows the same eye for detail that marked his acting, and his long career gave him a deep understanding of performance, timing and audience reaction. In the castle, that experience was a double-edged sword, because a performer who is too expressive can quickly draw suspicion.

The Celebrity Traitors 2026 Journey

Grant entered The Celebrity Traitors Series 2, which began on BBC One on October 1, 2026, as an original Traitor alongside Maya Jama. He played only three episodes before being banished in Episode 3, one of the earliest Traitor exposures in the series. His exit was a significant early win for the Faithfuls, because it confirmed that at least one Traitor was among them and it raised the level of suspicion at every subsequent round table. Despite the short run, Grant’s presence helped set the tone for a series in which even the most experienced performers could be caught quickly.

Facts About Richard E. Grant

• Richard E. Grant was 69 during The Celebrity Traitors Series 2.
• He entered the series as an original Traitor.
• He was banished in Episode 3.
• His chosen charity was Longfield Community Hospice.
• He is known for Withnail and I and for an Academy Award-nominated role in Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Frequently Asked Questions

See the full The Traitors 2026 Cast hub.