Celebrity Traitors Finale Draws Record 11.2 Million Viewers Amid Mixed Reviews

The final episode of Celebrity Traitors concluded on Friday night, attracting a record-breaking 11.2 million viewers and marking the highest UK overnight and consolidated TV audiences of 2026. The episode saw Faithfuls Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian 'Bash' Croft crowned the winners after successfully identifying and banishing the Traitors.

The viewership numbers surpassed the 11 million who tuned in for the 2025 series finale. Despite the strong ratings, critical reception to the final episode was divided, with some reviewers describing it as 'underwhelming' and 'anticlimactic'.

Ranganathan and Croft each received £41,500 for their chosen charities: the Refugee Council for Ranganathan and Choose Love for Croft. They successfully outmaneuvered Traitors Maya Jama and King Kenny, who had remained undetected until late in the game. The pair shared an emotional embrace as host Claudia Winkleman congratulated them.

Following their win, Ranganathan expressed his disbelief and joy, stating, "I trusted Bash and I was right to. I cannot believe it! I just really hope my mum is proud." He also highlighted his newfound friendship with Croft as a significant personal achievement from the show.

Croft described the victory as potentially "the best day of my life" and cited the moment Ranganathan declared him a "Faithful" as a highlight. The two finalists joined other celebrity contestants and Winkleman outside Ardross Castle to celebrate.

Audience reactions on social media platform X were largely positive, with viewers calling the episode "excellent television" and praising Ranganathan and Croft for their strategic gameplay. Many also commended the duo for donating their winnings to charities supporting refugees.

However, media critics offered a more tempered assessment. The Times called the result "extraordinary" but described the series as "sometimes underwhelming," suggesting the finale was "precious silver" rather than "TV gold." The publication noted that the main Traitors "barely took a scratch" throughout much of the season.

The Independent characterized the finale as an "anticlimactic finish" to what they termed a "sophomore series." Similarly, The Guardian acknowledged the show's thrilling aspects and record-breaking viewership but remarked that the figures "have somewhat belied its comparatively muted nature," adding that the season might not be remembered as a classic due to a perceived lack of twists and suspense.

Despite the mixed critical reviews, the show's finale secured its position as the most-watched television event in the UK for 2026 thus far.