The Celebrity Traitors has made a record-breaking debut, becoming the most-watched unscripted TV episode in the UK since 2022.
The BBC One reality series, fronted by Claudia Winkleman, has been viewed by more than 11.7 million people since launching on Wednesday, October 7, surpassing ratings for other major non-scripted shows — excluding national events such as The Coronation and New Year’s Eve Fireworks.
Record Ratings and Peak Audience
The launch episode peaked at 6.5 million live viewers, while Wednesday night’s follow-up drew 7.1 million, overtaking the latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing, which had 6.9 million.
The celebrity version of the hit psychological competition features a star-studded cast including Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr, Paloma Faith, and Celia Imrie.
Claudia Winkleman selected Cat Burns, Jonathan Ross, and Alan Carr as her three Traitors for the new series.
Jonathan Ross: “I Found the Lying Really Wearing”
In The Celebrity Traitors, contestants are divided into “Traitors” and “Faithfuls”, with the Traitors secretly working to “murder” their fellow players while avoiding suspicion during intense roundtable banishments.
The celebrities are competing to win up to £100,000 for charity.
TV presenter Jonathan Ross, who narrowly avoided banishment during Thursday’s episode, admitted he was surprised to remain in the game, saying:
“How am I still here? I mean, I have got to be the luckiest Traitor in the history of the game. The Faithfuls did our dirty work for us.”
However, speaking on his Reel Talk podcast earlier this week, the 64-year-old broadcaster revealed he didn’t enjoy taking part:
“I’m a Traitor, that’s why. I found the lying really wearing — it left me feeling increasingly uncomfortable,” he said.
“You’re guarding this secret all the time, on the defence, and you have to look people in the eye and lie.”
Ross also revealed that producers are already planning a second celebrity series, with other stars having been approached to take part.
70-Minute Finale Special Confirmed
Fans can look forward to a 70-minute finale special of The Celebrity Traitors, which will air on Thursday, November 6 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
With record-breaking viewing figures and major public buzz, The Celebrity Traitors cements its status as one of the BBC’s biggest entertainment hits of the decade.
