Who is James Acaster? Celebrity Traitors 2026 star admits he's NOT a good liar as his link to the show is revealed
James already has a strong link to the showJames Acaster is among this year’s 21-strong Celebrity Traitors cast – but who is he?
Tonight, James will enter Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands to play the ultimate game of betrayal and deceit.
The only problem is, he apparently cannot lie for toffee.
Here’s what we know about James and why fibbing isn’t his forté.
Who is James Acaster on The Celebrity Traitors 2026?
James is a stand-up comedian, actor and podcaster. He was born in Kettering, Northamptonshire, in 1985. This makes him 41 years old.
James started becoming a familiar face after appearances on TV shows including Mock the Week, Would I Lie to You? and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. He’s also known for his podcast, Off Menu.
Astute Traitors fans may suddenly realise a big connection with the show. James hosts Off Menu with Ed Gamble, who presents the Celebrity Traitors spin-off show, Uncloaked.
But interestingly, James claims didn’t tell Ed that he had signed to The Celebrity Traitors 2026. This is even more remarkable, as he hates lying.
When asked to reveal the biggest lie he has ever told, James replied: “If I tell you, I haven’t got away with it anymore. I’m not good at lying and I don’t make a habit of it.”
He then added: “Maybe the biggest lie I’ve ever got away with was telling Ed Gamble I’m not doing The Celebrity Traitors.”
Is James Acaster married? Does he have a girlfriend?
James is not married and keeps very quiet about his private life. He has had several high profile relationships in the past, however.
From 2011 to 2013, James dated Crashing actress Louise Ford. The following year, James discovered from an article in a Sunday newspaper that Louise had moved in with Brit comic Rowan Atkinson.
He later added this to his stand-up comedy routine, telling audiences in 2019: “I found out a year after we split up.
“I opened the newspaper, and there it was. No one else has ever been left for Mr Bean.”
Louise is still in a relationship with Rowan and they now have a daughter together.
James later went on to date New Zealand comedian Rose Matafeo. But they spilt in 2017.
What is James Acaster’s Celebrity Traitors game plan?
Before entering the castle, James made it very clear he wanted to be a Faithful. This is likely to have something to do with his failure to lie…
He says he does the New York Times puzzles in the morning to keep him “mentally agile”. James was also in the Scouts when he was younger, which he hopes will help with the physical missions.
Revealing another element to his game strategy, he added: “Absolutely no touching. Not letting anyone touch me, because I’m not getting murdered in plain sight.”
Read more: Celebrity Traitors 2026 star Rob Beckett horrified by BBC promo picture: ‘What have they done?!’
