Ricky Gervais possessed a surprising insight into the dynamics ofCelebrity Traitors– and it led him to decline a spot on the show. Comedian Jonathan Ross revealed Gervais predicted the game’s inherent bias against recognizable faces, a theory that ultimately proved chillingly accurate.
Ross, himself a participant this season, shared the story on his podcast, detailing a conversation with Gervais shortly after the show’s announcement. Gervais, already aware of some of the cast members, immediately questioned the strategy of including high-profile stars like Stephen Fry and Alan Carr.
“He said, ‘I’m not doing it,’” Ross recounted. “The reason I’m not doing it is, I’m pretty sure that if you go in there, they’re going to say it’s going to have to be one of these bigger names.’ You’re going to wind up getting voted out just because they think you’re a bigger name in the outside world.”
Gervais’s prediction, dubbed the “Big Dog theory,” stemmed from the idea that producers would lean towards eliminating prominent contestants to create dramatic tension. This theory originated with Joe Marler, who believed the show’s host, Claudia Winkleman, would strategically position well-known figures as leaders – either for the Faithful or the Traitors.
Initially, the “Big Dog” concept took time to materialize, as the celebrity version saw a prolonged series of eliminations before a Traitor was finally identified. However, Ross’s own banishment served as a stark confirmation of Gervais’s foresight.
Ultimately, the game defied expectations, culminating in a Traitor’s victory. Alan Carr masterfully deceived his fellow contestants, revealing his allegiance in a final, emotionally charged scene. He shared a heartfelt embrace with finalists Nick Mohammed and David Olusoga, a moment of genuine connection after a game of calculated betrayal.
Despite the initial skepticism, the “Big Dog theory” resonated throughout the season, highlighting the complex interplay of fame, suspicion, and strategy within the game. Gervais, observing from the outside, proved remarkably prescient about the challenges of navigating such a landscape.
