In a dramatic conclusion that captivated millions, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner of The Celebrity Traitors, the BBC's hit reality gameshow. The finale, which determined the fate of a £87,500 charity prize, was nearly spoiled for UK audiences after being accidentally released online in Canada over 24 hours before its scheduled broadcast.
A Traitor's Triumph
The final episode saw the last five celebrities battling for the prize fund. Alan Carr and singer-songwriter Cat Burns entered the final round as the remaining Traitors, pitted against the Faithfuls: rugby star Joe Marler, actor Nick Mohammed, and historian David Olusoga. In a tense finale, Carr's deceptive gameplay paid off, securing his victory and the entire prize pot for his chosen charity.
This win marks a significant moment for the UK version of the show. Carr's triumph concluded the first celebrity edition of the programme, and notably, he became only the second winner in the entire UK franchise to win as a Traitor.
Controversial Early Release and Record Viewership
The excitement surrounding the finale was almost undermined by a major broadcasting blunder. Viewers in Canada reported that the final episode was available in its entirety on the Crave television network before it was swiftly pulled. This premature release threatened to reveal the outcome to eager British fans ahead of the official airtime on BBC One.
Despite the leak scare, the series has been a monumental success for the BBC. With an average of 12.6 million viewers across its first four episodes, The Celebrity Traitors has become the most-watched television programme in the UK so far this year.
Memorable Moments and Faithful Ineptitude
The series was particularly noted for the struggles of the Faithful contestants. Throughout the celebrity run, only two Traitors were successfully banished, a stark contrast to the non-celebrity UK series where an average of five Traitors were uncovered.
Before the final, Traitor Cat Burns expressed her own surprise at her success, telling BBC Radio 2 that she did not consider herself a good liar. In a lighter moment that defined the series for many, comedian Ed Gamble, host of the companion show Uncloaked, highlighted a viral incident involving actress Celia Imrie. He joked that her unexpected flatulence had altered the dynamic of guffs on national television, providing an unforgettable highlight.
The victory of Alan Carr cements The Celebrity Traitors as a ratings juggernaut and a cultural phenomenon, blending high-stakes strategy with moments of pure, unscripted comedy.
