Imagine a game where celebrities, normally known for their charm and talent, turn against each other in a whirlwind of deception and betrayal. That's exactly what's unfolding in The Celebrity Traitors, and trust us, it’s even more addictive than it sounds! We're hooked after just two episodes, witnessing shocking betrayals and 'murders' happening right before our eyes.
Claudia Winkleman is back as the host, orchestrating this thrilling game of strategy and suspicion. This time, familiar faces like Tom Daley, Alan Carr, and Kate Garraway are battling it out, not for personal glory, but to raise money for their chosen charities. Only one celebrity has been eliminated so far, but the tension is already palpable. So, what exactly is going on in this celebrity version of the hit show? Let's dive in!
The official show description perfectly encapsulates the premise: "The celebrities will play the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing, and trust, in the hope of winning a cash prize up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice." Claudia Winkleman herself added a touch of playful warning: "We're incredibly lucky these brilliant people have said yes. I’d love to say we'll take it easy on them and they'll just wander round the castle and eat toast for a couple of weeks but that would be a lie." She wasn't kidding!
But here's where it gets controversial... Is it really all for charity? Or does the competitive spirit and the thrill of the game sometimes overshadow the philanthropic intentions? It's a question that adds another layer of intrigue to the show.
The cast is truly an A-list ensemble. Here's a rundown of the celebrities braving the treachery:
- Alan Carr - Comedian
- Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter
- Celia Imrie – Actor
- Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist
- Clare Balding - Broadcaster and Author
- David Olusoga - Historian and Filmmaker
- Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster
- Joe Wilkinson - Comedian
- Jonathan Ross - Presenter
- Kate Garraway - Broadcaster
- Lucy Beaumont - Comedian
- Mark Bonnar - Actor
- Nick Mohammed - Actor and Comedian
- Niko Omilana - Content Creator
- Paloma Faith - Singer/Songwriter and Actor
- Ruth Codd - Actor
- Stephen Fry - Actor, Writer, Presenter
- Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian
- Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur
Among this group, three are secretly designated as "Traitors," tasked with eliminating the "Faithful" one by one.
In the first episode, Claudia Winkleman chose Jonathan Ross, Cat Burns, and Alan Carr as the Traitors. Alan Carr, in particular, has become a fan favorite, embracing his villainous role with gusto. He even joked that he was "worse than Linda," referencing a notoriously cunning Traitor from a previous season.
And this is the part most people miss... The Traitors don't just get to pick off contestants at random. They have to be strategic, sowing seeds of doubt and suspicion to deflect attention from themselves. It's a delicate balancing act that requires both cunning and charisma.
So far, only one celebrity has been eliminated: Paloma Faith. In a shocking move, Alan Carr chose to "murder" his close friend after she touched a 'poisonous lily'. Paloma Faith didn't hide her disappointment, telling Uncloaked host Ed Gamble: "If the shoe was on the other foot, I would not have touched Alan's face. Categorically, he had a choice – maybe it was the easiest option, but it was the choice he made and I don't think it was very nice." Ouch!
The latest episode ended on a cliffhanger, with Kate Garraway, Tom Daley, Tameka Empson, and Niko Omilana all receiving votes at the roundtable. Viewers are eagerly awaiting the next episode to find out who will be banished.
Luckily, the wait isn't long! The Celebrity Traitors airs twice a week, on Wednesday and Thursday nights. This is a change from the regular series, which airs three times a week.
For fans of the original series, good news is on the horizon! Season four of The Traitors will be filmed in 2025 and is expected to premiere on New Year's Day in 2026. As in previous seasons, the show will feature a cast of non-celebrity contestants competing for a cash prize.
What do you think of Alan Carr's strategy? Was Paloma Faith right to feel betrayed? And who do you think will be the next to be banished? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below! Are you Team Faithful or Team Traitor?
