Comedian's Triumphant Deception Secures Charity Windfall
The first series of The Celebrity Traitors reached its spectacular conclusion with comedian Alan Carr emerging as the victorious sole traitor, claiming the entire £87,500 prize pot for children's cancer charity Neuroblastoma UK. The BBC reality show's finale delivered what many are calling one of the most sensational and mind-boggling conclusions in recent television history, leaving audiences and participants alike reeling from the dramatic twists.
The Final Showdown: A Masterclass in Deception
Beginning with five remaining contestants from the original nineteen celebrities, the final episode featured one last mission involving a steam train, £20,000 in padlocked caskets, and chain-wrapped coffins. Rugby player Joe Marler notably took charge during the coffin unwrapping, joking about his willingness to "lose a finger" for the task. The tension escalated during the final round table, where Carr and fellow contestant Cat voted to banish historian David Olusoga, despite his impressive record of reaching every wrong conclusion possible.
Following Olusoga's departure, the remaining four contestants faced the ultimate test of loyalty. In what became the episode's most heartbreaking moment, Nick Mohammed turned against his closest ally Joe Marler, writing Marler's name on his final slate and effectively ending what many viewers had described as "one of the greatest love stories of our age" between the rugby player and the puzzlemaster.
The Emotional Victory and Aftermath
With Marler eliminated, the remaining three contestants - Carr, Mohammed, and Olusoga - agreed to end the game, unaware that Carr remained as the only traitor. Presenter Claudia Winkleman declared Carr the winner, prompting semi-crocodile tears from the comedian about how difficult it had been to bear the "murderous burden" of deception. The two faithfuls initially rushed to comfort him before realizing his true nature.
The emotional climax came during the reunion on the castle steps, where Joe Marler instantly forgave Nick Mohammed for his pivotal betrayal. The series attracted more than 13 million viewers throughout its run, establishing itself as a major television event that celebrated both spectacular gameplay and extraordinary entertainment value, despite most contestants being "awful at the game" according to the show's signature narration.
The series featured an impressive roster of celebrity participants including Ruth Codd, Mark Bonnar, Kate Garraway, Tom Daley, Tameka Empson, Joe Wilkinson, Paloma Faith, Charlotte Church, Jonathan Ross, Niko Omilana, Stephen Fry, and the particularly memorable Celia Imrie, who maintained regal elegance even during the most undignified challenges.
