Richard E. Grant has some juicy news for fans of The Celebrity Traitors: the UK version's second season has already wrapped filming. In a recent interview, the actor confirmed that the petition to get him on the show actually worked, and he's now a contestant. While he's staying tight-lipped about the details—calling it "a unique experience"—his Savage House co-star Claire Foy teased that he's "hopefully made friends for life." The British edition, hosted by Claudia Winkleman (not Alan Cumming), may or may not air outside the UK, but Grant's participation is sure to draw international interest.
Inside 'Savage House': A Dark Comedy of Manners
Grant and Foy star in Peter Glanz's Savage House, a grotesque dark comedy set in 18th-century England. The film, which premiered at SXSW London, follows Sir Chauncey Savage (Grant) and his wife Lady Savage (Foy) as they desperately cling to status and wealth amid bankruptcy, a pox outbreak, and social upheaval. Grant says he was hooked from the first read of Glanz's script, praising the American filmmaker's sharp, timely take on English history. Foy adds that the cast's distinctly English approach kept the set from becoming as savage as the story.
Human Absurdity and Cancel Culture
The actors delve into why the film's themes of social climbing and self-destruction remain relevant. "We're our own worst enemies, really, aren't we? We can't help ourselves," Grant muses. Foy notes that their characters would likely be "canceled on Instagram" today, highlighting the timelessness of human folly. The conversation also touches on the absurdity of the era, with Grant joking about the characters' questionable hygiene and priorities.
Get to Know the Cast: Fun Facts and Favorites
In a rapid-fire Q&A, Grant and Foy reveal quirky personal tidbits. Foy admits that faking hysterical laughter on screen is surprisingly tough—"things are often only funny once"—while Grant shares that his entrance song would be Barbra Streisand's "Don't Rain on My Parade," a mantra he's carried since childhood. When asked which musician he'd see in concert, dead or alive, Grant doesn't hesitate: "Barbra Streisand, of course. I've seen her many times."
What's Next: Danny Boyle's 'Ink' and More
Foy also offered new details on Danny Boyle's upcoming biopic Ink, which explores the life of a fictional billionaire. While she kept specifics under wraps, she hinted at a project that promises to be as bold and inventive as Boyle's previous work. For fans of upcoming blockbusters, this is one to watch.
Why 'Savage House' Resonates Now
Grant and Foy agree that the film's satire of status obsession feels particularly sharp in an era of social media influencers and viral fame. "It's a reminder that people haven't changed much in 300 years," Foy says. The duo's chemistry is palpable, and their playful banter—including Grant's deadpan "I'll just take my arm out of your bum now"—suggests that Savage House is as entertaining behind the scenes as it is on screen.
With The Celebrity Traitors UK Season 2 already filmed and Savage House generating buzz, Grant and Foy are keeping busy. For more on their projects, check out our full interview, where they also discuss their most unusual skills for a job and favorite artists. And if you're craving more reality TV intrigue, don't miss George R.R. Martin's supernatural western 'Dark Winds', which is a streaming hit.
