The Celebrity Traitors UK has emerged as one of the most-watched television events of 2025, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of famous faces in the ultimate game of deception, trust, and betrayal. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman at a stunning Scottish Highland castle, this celebrity spin-off of the hit BBC series attracted 11 million viewers for its dramatic finale, cementing its status as must-watch television.
What is The Celebrity Traitors UK
The Celebrity Traitors UK is a special celebrity edition of the psychological reality game show that premiered on BBC One on October 8, 2025. The series features 26 well-known personalities from entertainment, sports, comedy, music, and broadcasting competing to win up to £100,000 for charity. The format pits a secret group of “Traitors” against the “Faithfuls,” with Traitors working to eliminate contestants through nightly “murders” while avoiding detection during daily banishment votes at the Round Table.
The show aired twice weekly on BBC One and iPlayer, with episodes broadcast on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout October and early November 2025. The season finale, a special 70-minute episode, aired on November 6, 2025, delivering one of the most dramatic conclusions in the show’s history.
The Complete Celebrity Traitors Cast
The Traitors
Alan Carr – The 49-year-old comedian and television presenter became the inaugural Celebrity Traitors champion, taking home £87,500 for his chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, a children’s cancer organization. Despite claiming he was “awful at lying and had a terrible poker face,” Carr executed a masterful game that saw him survive to the final and fool the remaining Faithfuls. The beloved entertainer, known for his Chatty Man talk show and various hosting gigs including Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow, proved himself a formidable player who managed to evade suspicion throughout nine episodes.
Cat Burns – The 25-year-old singer-songwriter whose breakthrough hit “Go” went viral on social media served as a Traitor alongside Carr. Burns successfully murdered multiple Faithfuls and maintained her cover until the final episode, when she was banished at the penultimate Round Table. Her elimination came after former rugby player Joe Marler and comedian Nick Mohammed formed an alliance and convinced historian David Olusoga to vote against her. Burns demonstrated exceptional gameplay skills that earned her recognition in Traitors history.
Jonathan Ross – The 64-year-old television presenter and Masked Singer judge was the only Traitor correctly identified and banished by the other contestants during the series. Ross, known for his long-running chat show and quick wit, fell under suspicion from his fellow players and was eliminated at a Round Table earlier in the competition. Despite his early exit, Ross formed alliances and participated in eliminating several Faithfuls before his cover was blown.
The Faithfuls
Nick Mohammed – The 45-year-old actor and comedian, beloved for his role as Nate in Ted Lasso and appearances in Douglas is Cancelled and Taskmaster, emerged as one of the final three contestants. Mohammed demonstrated strong strategic gameplay, forming crucial alliances and helping to identify and banish Cat Burns in the finale. However, he ultimately fell victim to Carr’s deception, failing to identify the remaining Traitor and missing out on the prize pot.
David Olusoga – The 55-year-old British-Nigerian historian, author, and broadcaster known for presenting Black and British: A Forgotten History, A House Through Time, and Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners, reached the final three alongside Mohammed and Carr. The accomplished academic brought analytical skills to the game but was ultimately convinced by the remaining Faithfuls to vote against Cat Burns without realizing Carr was also a Traitor. Olusoga’s intelligence and observational abilities made him a respected player throughout the series.
Joe Marler – The 34-year-old former England rugby union player for Harlequins demonstrated exceptional strategic gameplay that nearly won him the competition. Marler formed a crucial alliance with Nick Mohammed that successfully eliminated Cat Burns at the final Round Table. However, in a shocking twist, Mohammed turned against him in the subsequent vote after becoming suspicious, leading to Marler’s elimination just before the final reveal. His gameplay earned widespread praise as one of the standout performances of the series.
Tom Daley – The 30-year-old retired Olympic diver who competed in four Olympic Games from 2008 to 2024, winning multiple medals including gold at Tokyo 2021, was murdered by the Traitors during the series. Daley announced his retirement after the 2024 Paris Olympics and joined Celebrity Traitors as one of the most high-profile sporting figures in the cast. His baby-faced appearance and trustworthy demeanor made him a valuable Faithful before his untimely elimination.
Stephen Fry – The 67-year-old actor, comedian, writer, and television presenter, known as one half of the legendary Fry and Laurie double act and for hosting QI, fell under suspicion and was banished by his fellow contestants. Despite his reputation as a dependable, intelligent figure in British entertainment, Fry became a target at the Round Table and was eliminated as the Faithfuls attempted to identify the Traitors among them.
Clare Balding – The 53-year-old broadcaster who presents shows on BBC Sport and Channel 4, known for her coverage of racing, the Olympics, Crufts, and Countryfile, was banished during the series. Balding’s participation marked a rare foray into reality television for the respected sports presenter, who had previously turned down reality show offers. Her sensible, trustworthy persona worked against her as she became a target for elimination.
Celia Imrie – The 72-year-old actress recognized for her roles in Calendar Girls, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and numerous theatre productions, was murdered by the Traitors. Imrie participated in eight episodes before her elimination, bringing theatrical flair and experience to the competition. Her departure was one of the emotional moments that weighed heavily on winner Alan Carr during his final reveal.
Lucy Beaumont – The 41-year-old comedian from Hull who won the BBC Radio New Comedy Awards and wrote and starred in Meet the Richardsons with her then-husband Jon Richardson, was murdered by the Traitors. Beaumont, who first gained recognition as a finalist on So You Think You’re Funny in 2011, brought her distinctive Northern humor and sharp observational skills to the castle before becoming one of the Traitors’ victims.
Paloma Faith – The 44-year-old singer-songwriter known for hit albums including her 2009 debut Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful and chart-topping singles like “Only Love Can Hurt Like This,” became the first celebrity murdered in the series during Episode 2. Faith reflected that her big personality made her too noticeable and that she expressed her feelings too openly, which may have worked against her. She acknowledged that her strategy wasn’t effective for the game, though it serves her well in everyday life.
Charlotte Church – The 39-year-old Welsh singer-songwriter who transitioned from classical to pop music and sold over 10 million records worldwide participated in the Celebrity Traitors cast. Church, who appeared on The Masked Singer as Mushroom and finished second, brought her experience with performance and public scrutiny to the competition before her elimination from the castle.
Kate Garraway – The 57-year-old Good Morning Britain co-anchor and journalist who previously worked on GMTV from 2000 to 2010 appeared in eight episodes of Celebrity Traitors. Garraway’s broadcasting experience and interviewing skills made her a formidable contestant before her departure from the competition.
Jennifer Saunders – The 66-year-old actress and comedian, best known for creating and starring in Absolutely Fabulous, joined the celebrity lineup. Saunders, a national treasure of British comedy, brought decades of entertainment experience to the Scottish castle before her elimination.
Bob Mortimer – The 65-year-old comedian famous for his partnership with Vic Reeves in Reeves and Mortimer and his appearances on Would I Lie to You, Taskmaster, and Gone Fishing with Paul Whitehouse, participated in the series. Mortimer’s legendary status in British comedy and his reputation for unpredictable humor made him an exciting addition to the cast.
Mark Bonnar – The 56-year-old Scottish actor known for roles in Casualty, Line of Duty, and Psychoville appeared in six episodes of Celebrity Traitors. Bonnar’s acting experience and ability to portray complex characters brought an interesting dimension to the psychological gameplay before he was banished as a suspected Traitor.
Joe Wilkinson – The 49-year-old comedian and actor known for appearances on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Have I Got News for You, and Mock the Week brought his distinctive deadpan humor to the competition. Wilkinson, who began his comedy career in 2004 supporting Alan Carr and Russell Howard on tour, added comedic relief to the tense atmosphere of the castle.
Ruth Codd – The 29-year-old rising Irish actress known for starring in Netflix’s The Midnight Club and The Fall of the House of Usher brought a younger perspective to the competition. Codd’s scene-stealing performances in horror series translated into engaging gameplay before her elimination from the show.
Tameka Empson – The 47-year-old actress best known for her long-running portrayal of Kim Fox on BBC’s EastEnders joined the celebrity cast. Empson’s soap opera experience with dramatic storylines and character development provided useful skills for navigating the deceptive world of the Traitors.
Niko Omilana – The 27-year-old YouTuber and comedian known for his prank videos and membership in the Beta Squad brought social media savvy to the castle. Omilana, who famously ran as an independent candidate in the 2021 London mayoral election and the 2024 general election, represented a younger generation of internet celebrities in the competition.
Robert Peston – The 64-year-old ITV News political editor and host of the weekly show Peston brought his Westminster political knowledge and experience with political backstabbing to the game. His participation demonstrated the broad appeal of Celebrity Traitors across different sectors of British media and public life.
Courteney Cox – The 60-year-old Friends star and internationally recognized actress represented the show’s biggest international celebrity signing. Cox had previously appeared in a tongue-in-cheek sketch for The Traitors Season 2, where she asked Claudia Winkleman if she could participate, only to be told celebrities couldn’t apply. Her participation in the celebrity edition fulfilled that wish and brought Hollywood star power to the Scottish Highlands.
Rebekah Vardy – The 42-year-old media personality known for the high-profile “Wagatha Christie” legal dispute with Coleen Rooney brought tabloid intrigue to the cast. Vardy’s experience dealing with media scrutiny and public controversy provided interesting dynamics within the celebrity group.
Coleen Rooney – The wife of former England footballer Wayne Rooney and media personality who gained widespread attention for exposing leaked stories in the “Wagatha Christie” affair joined the competition. Her detective skills demonstrated in the real-world social media investigation translated into gameplay within the castle walls.
Rylan Clark – The 36-year-old television presenter and former X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother contestant fulfilled his publicly stated desire to appear on Celebrity Traitors. Clark, who hosts Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two and other BBC programs, had previously told Radio Times magazine he would “go to town” on Celebrity Traitors if given the opportunity.
How Celebrity Traitors Works
The gameplay follows the established Traitors format with celebrity contestants competing in daily missions to build a prize pot while attempting to identify the Traitors hidden among them. Each evening, the Traitors secretly meet to select a Faithful to “murder,” eliminating them from the game. The following morning, contestants discover which celebrity was murdered overnight, sparking discussions and theories about the Traitors’ identities.
Daily Round Tables provide opportunities for contestants to banish suspected Traitors through democratic voting. However, Faithfuls risk accidentally eliminating fellow innocent players while the Traitors work to deflect suspicion onto others. The psychological warfare intensifies as the prize pot grows and fewer contestants remain.
The series culminated in an elaborate final mission aboard the “Traitors Express” steam train, where the remaining five players cracked codes and found missing keys before explosives detonated. They successfully completed the challenge and added £20,000 to the prize fund, bringing the total to £87,500.
The Dramatic Finale
The final episode delivered unprecedented drama with two Round Tables determining the ultimate winner. At the first Round Table, the alliance between Joe Marler and Nick Mohammed successfully convinced David Olusoga to vote for Cat Burns, eliminating a Traitor without realizing it. The remaining contestants did not know they had successfully banished a Traitor, leading to the second Round Table.
In a shocking betrayal, Mohammed turned against his ally Marler after becoming suspicious of the rugby player’s gameplay. This vote eliminated Marler, leaving only Mohammed, Olusoga, and Carr. The three remaining contestants unanimously decided to end the game, triggering the final reveal.
When Carr tearfully declared “I am and have always been a traitor,” Mohammed covered his mouth in shock while Olusoga processed the deception. Carr broke down emotionally, saying “I’m so sorry, it’s been tearing me apart.” The Faithfuls graciously acknowledged his exceptional gameplay, with Mohammed stating “You did brilliantly.”
Winner Alan Carr’s Reaction
Alan Carr expressed disbelief at his victory on the visual podcast Traitors Uncloaked, stating “It still hasn’t sunk in, it’s insane.” When asked if he expected to make it far, he emphatically responded “No, no, no, no, I did not even think I would get this far.”
The comedian revealed his agent had booked him into events two weeks into filming because they didn’t believe he would last long in the competition. Carr explained that “all the deceit, the lying, the murdering of Paloma and Celia had all taken its toll” before realizing he had won such a substantial amount for his chosen charity.
The £87,500 prize went to Neuroblastoma UK, a children’s cancer charity, demonstrating the charitable purpose behind the celebrity competition. Carr’s emotional investment in his charity choice contributed to his tearful reaction during the final reveal.
Standout Performances and Memorable Moments
Joe Marler emerged as one of the series’ breakout stars despite finishing fourth. His strategic gameplay nearly secured victory, and his alliance with Nick Mohammed successfully identified Cat Burns as a Traitor. Traitor Jonathan Ross praised Marler on Traitors Uncloaked, suggesting “this show will do him a lot of good” in terms of public perception and career opportunities.
Cat Burns earned recognition as “a truly loveable traitor” from culture journalist Natalie Jamieson, with fans declaring “Cat Burns, you will forever be remembered in Traitors history.” Her gameplay demonstrated the balance between ruthless elimination and maintaining likability with fellow contestants and viewers.
The final mission aboard the Traitors Express provided a cinematic climax to the series, with contestants racing against time to crack codes and prevent explosive detonations. The successful completion of this challenge showcased the remaining players’ ability to work together under pressure despite underlying suspicions.
Production Details and Filming Location
The series filmed at a historic Scottish Highland castle, maintaining the atmospheric setting that has become synonymous with The Traitors brand. The production team chose Scotland over other potential locations, with BBC content executives explaining they prefer investing in productions across the UK to showcase its diversity.
Claudia Winkleman returned as host, bringing her signature style with high collars and distinctive fringe that have become iconic elements of the show’s visual identity. The twice-weekly broadcast schedule on BBC One and iPlayer created appointment viewing throughout October and November 2025.
The series consisted of nine episodes, with the finale extending to a special 70-minute format to accommodate the dramatic conclusion. This pacing allowed for character development and strategic gameplay to unfold naturally while maintaining audience engagement across multiple weeks.
Impact and Reception
The Celebrity Traitors finale attracted an impressive 11 million viewers, demonstrating the format’s massive appeal when featuring recognizable personalities. This viewership milestone surpassed many established reality competition shows and confirmed the celebrity spin-off’s success.
The series generated extensive social media discussion and online engagement, with fans analyzing gameplay strategies, debating contestant motivations, and celebrating memorable moments. The combination of psychological gameplay and celebrity personalities created content that resonated across different audience demographics.
Industry insiders noted that Celebrity Traitors offered higher caliber entertainment than traditional reality shows like I’m a Celebrity and Strictly Come Dancing, attracting celebrities who might otherwise decline reality television opportunities. The show’s intellectual challenge and charitable purpose appealed to established entertainment figures seeking meaningful television experiences.
Behind the Scenes Revelations
Alan Cumming, host of The Traitors US, revealed that the BBC initially offered him the UK hosting position before Claudia Winkleman landed the role. BBC content executives also disclosed that Costa Rica was considered as a filming location before they advocated for showcasing a Scottish castle and investing in UK production facilities.
The casting process attracted enormous interest from celebrities across the entertainment industry, with producers receiving applications from high-profile figures eager to participate. The show’s reputation as featuring “two of the most coveted roles in television” applied both to hosting duties and contestant opportunities.
Producers maintained strict secrecy around contestant identities before the series premiere, with a show spokesperson stating “The Traitors is a game that includes lies and deception, thus it would be foolhardy for any Faithful to speculate before the game has begun.” This approach built anticipation and prevented spoilers from diminishing the viewing experience.
The Traitors Franchise Expansion
Following the success of Celebrity Traitors, the BBC confirmed that The Traitors Season 4 featuring civilian contestants will premiere in early 2026. This scheduling ensures continuous content for the franchise while allowing each edition to maintain distinct identity and audience appeal.
The US version of The Traitors, hosted by Alan Cumming and streaming on Peacock, continues to build international success with its own celebrity and civilian editions. The format has expanded to multiple countries, demonstrating universal appeal for psychological competition television.
Speculation continues about potential future Celebrity Traitors editions, with numerous high-profile figures expressing interest in participating. The first season’s success established templates for gameplay, pacing, and casting that will inform future productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Celebrity Traitors UK 2025?
Alan Carr won Celebrity Traitors UK 2025, becoming the first celebrity champion of the series. The comedian and television presenter successfully maintained his cover as a Traitor throughout all nine episodes, ultimately fooling the final Faithfuls Nick Mohammed and David Olusoga to claim the £87,500 prize for his chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK.
When did Celebrity Traitors UK air?
Celebrity Traitors UK premiered on October 8, 2025, on BBC One and iPlayer. Episodes aired twice weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout October and early November, with the special 70-minute finale broadcasting on November 6, 2025.
How many celebrities participated in Celebrity Traitors UK?
A total of 26 celebrities participated in the first season of Celebrity Traitors UK, representing diverse backgrounds including entertainment, sports, comedy, music, broadcasting, and social media. The cast included internationally recognized stars like Courteney Cox alongside British favorites such as Stephen Fry, Tom Daley, and Jonathan Ross.
Who were the Traitors in Celebrity Traitors UK?
Three contestants served as Traitors during Celebrity Traitors UK: Alan Carr, Cat Burns, and Jonathan Ross. Ross was the only Traitor correctly identified and banished by fellow contestants during the series, while Burns was eliminated at the final Round Table, and Carr survived to the end to claim victory.
Where was Celebrity Traitors UK filmed?
Celebrity Traitors UK was filmed at a historic castle in the Scottish Highlands. The BBC specifically chose this Scottish location over alternatives like Costa Rica to invest in UK production facilities and showcase the country’s dramatic landscapes and architectural heritage.
How much money did Alan Carr win for charity?
Alan Carr won £87,500 for his chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, which supports research and treatment for children with neuroblastoma cancer. The prize pot accumulated through successful completion of missions throughout the series, with the final Traitors Express challenge adding £20,000 to the total.
Will there be another series of Celebrity Traitors UK?
While the BBC has not officially confirmed a second series of Celebrity Traitors UK, the overwhelming success of the first season makes future editions likely. The broadcaster has confirmed that The Traitors Season 4 with civilian contestants will premiere in early 2026, maintaining the franchise’s momentum.
Who was the first celebrity murdered on Celebrity Traitors?
Paloma Faith was the first celebrity murdered on Celebrity Traitors UK, eliminated during Episode 2. The singer-songwriter reflected that her big personality made her too noticeable and that she expressed her feelings too openly, which contributed to her becoming the Traitors’ first target.
How did Joe Marler get eliminated from Celebrity Traitors?
Joe Marler was eliminated at the second Round Table in the finale episode after his ally Nick Mohammed turned against him. Despite forming a successful alliance that identified and banished Traitor Cat Burns, Mohammed became suspicious of Marler’s gameplay and voted to eliminate him, preventing the rugby player from reaching the final three.
What is the format of Celebrity Traitors UK?
Celebrity Traitors UK follows the established Traitors format where contestants are secretly divided into Faithfuls and Traitors. Traitors murder Faithfuls each night while attempting to avoid detection, and all contestants vote to banish suspected Traitors at daily Round Tables. Teams complete missions to build a prize pot for charity, with the game ending when all Traitors are eliminated or when remaining contestants choose to end voting.
Did Courteney Cox appear in Celebrity Traitors UK?
Courteney Cox was confirmed as part of the Celebrity Traitors UK cast, marking a significant international celebrity signing for the series. The Friends star had previously appeared in a promotional sketch expressing her desire to participate in The Traitors, making her appearance in the celebrity edition a fulfillment of that televised request.
How many episodes were in Celebrity Traitors UK Series 1?
Celebrity Traitors UK Series 1 consisted of nine episodes broadcast over five weeks from October 8 to November 6, 2025. The series aired twice weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with the finale extended to a special 70-minute episode to accommodate the dramatic conclusion.
Who hosted Celebrity Traitors UK?
Claudia Winkleman hosted Celebrity Traitors UK, reprising her role from the civilian editions of The Traitors UK. Winkleman’s distinctive style, including her signature high collars and fringe, has become synonymous with the show’s aesthetic and atmosphere.
What charity did Alan Carr support on Celebrity Traitors?
Alan Carr chose to support Neuroblastoma UK, a charity dedicated to research and treatment for children diagnosed with neuroblastoma cancer. Carr became emotional during his victory reveal when realizing the substantial amount he had won for this cause, explaining that the deceit and lying throughout the game had taken a toll before the charity impact fully registered.
Were Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy both on Celebrity Traitors?
Both Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy were reported as part of the Celebrity Traitors UK cast, bringing the real-world “Wagatha Christie” rivals together in the castle setting. Their participation added an extra layer of intrigue given their well-documented legal dispute over leaked social media stories.
Latest Updates on Celebrity Traitors UK
November 2025 – The Celebrity Traitors finale achieved record viewership with 11 million viewers tuning in to watch Alan Carr’s dramatic victory. The emotional conclusion, featuring Carr’s tearful reveal and the £87,500 charity donation to Neuroblastoma UK, became one of the most talked-about television moments of the year.
November 2025 – BBC content executives confirmed that The Traitors Season 4 will premiere in early 2026, featuring civilian contestants. This announcement came following the success of Celebrity Traitors and ensures continued content for the franchise throughout the coming year.
November 2025 – Behind-the-scenes revelations emerged that Alan Carr’s agent had booked him into events just two weeks into filming because they didn’t believe he would last long in the competition. This detail highlighted how unexpected Carr’s victory was, even to his own representatives.
November 2025 – Industry analysis identified Joe Marler as one of the biggest winners from Celebrity Traitors despite finishing fourth, with predictions that the show would significantly benefit his public profile and career opportunities. His strategic gameplay and likable personality earned widespread praise.
November 2025 – Cat Burns received recognition as “a truly loveable traitor” with fans declaring she will be remembered in Traitors history. Her gameplay as a Traitor alongside Alan Carr proved essential to their success in eliminating Faithfuls while maintaining cover.
November 2025 – The complete episode list became available on BBC iPlayer, allowing viewers to rewatch the full series and analyze gameplay decisions with knowledge of who the Traitors were from the beginning. This availability generated renewed discussion about strategic choices and missed clues.
November 2025 – Alan Cumming disclosed that the BBC initially offered him the UK hosting position for The Traitors before Claudia Winkleman secured the role. This revelation provided insight into the production’s development and alternative casting scenarios that might have changed the show’s identity.
November 2025 – Production details emerged confirming that Costa Rica was seriously considered as the filming location for The Traitors UK before BBC executives advocated for a Scottish castle to invest in UK production and showcase British locations. This decision ultimately became integral to the show’s distinctive aesthetic.
November 2025 – The Celebrity Traitors visual podcast Uncloaked provided extended interviews with eliminated contestants and winners, offering deeper insights into gameplay strategies, emotional experiences, and behind-the-scenes moments not shown in broadcast episodes.
November 2025 – Social media analysis revealed that Celebrity Traitors generated massive online engagement, with celebrity contestants gaining significant follower increases and trending consistently throughout the broadcast period. The show’s impact extended beyond traditional television metrics into digital platforms.
This comprehensive coverage of Celebrity Traitors UK demonstrates why the series became one of 2025’s biggest television success stories, combining psychological gameplay with celebrity personalities for compelling entertainment that raised substantial money for charitable causes while delivering unforgettable moments of drama, strategy, and emotion.
Read More on London City News