Celebrity Traitors' final sees a ratings boost as a whopping 11.2million viewers tune in to see the Faithfuls emerge victorious - despite 'anticlimactic' conclusion drawing mixed reviews

Published: 09:19 EDT, 31 October 2026 | Updated: 09:21 EDT, 31 October 2026 The Celebrity Traitors concluded on a high on Friday night as the grand final drew in a record-breaking 11.2 million viewers – despite garnering mixed reviews. Fans of the hit BBC One series tuned in to see Faithfuls Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian 'Bash' Croft crowned the winners after successfully banishing Traitors Maya Jama and King Kenny at the final hour.And while critics claimed the final episode was 'underwhelming' and 'anticlimactic', the nail-biting conclusion drew the biggest UK overnight and consolidated TV audiences of 2026 so far.The average overnight audience of 11.2 million (later peaking at 11.6 million), was up from the 11 million who tuned in to the 2025 series final which saw Traitor Alan Carr emerge victorious. Viewers applauded Romesh and Sebastian for beating Traitors Maya Jama and King Kenny, who went under the radar until Thursday's episode, when their fellow Traitor James Acaster revealed his identity in a moment of stress.They scooped £41,500 each for their chosen charities – Choose Love for Sebastian and the Refugee Council for Ranganathan. The Celebrity Traitors concluded on a high on Friday night as the grand final drew in a record-breaking 11.2 million viewers - despite garnering mixed reviews Faithfuls Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian 'Bash' Croft were crowned the winners after successfully banishing Traitors Maya Jama and King Kenny at the final hourThey shared an embrace as host Claudia Winkleman congratulated them on their big win.'I trusted Bash and I was right to. I cannot believe it! I just really hope my mum is proud,' the comedian said.In his exit interview, he added: 'I think my biggest highlight is making a friend in Bash - relying on the fact that I thought he was a friend in that end game and that paying off, that is something I feel really good about.Sebastian broke down in tears and said: 'That was just incredible. This might actually be the best day of my life.'Adding what the highlight of his experience was, the actor shared: 'It was the moment that Rom said the word Faithful, and the hug that we had was just wild, it was crazy.'The duo then joined the host and celebrity finalists outside the picturesque Ardross Castle, where they raised a glass around the fire pit. Fans branded the episode 'excellent television'. 'They deserved to win from the start. ICONIC,' one wrote on X. 'Romesh turned out to be very good at this game.''Yessss Romesh and Sebastian!! Aw really happy for them, played an excellent loyal game to the faithful and deserved it in the end!''Romesh and Bash both giving their winnings to charities that support refugees is the perfect cap to this series! made me feel genuinely proud to be British.''I’ve always said if any faithful had to win I’d love it to be Bash, Romesh and Leigh-Anne so 2 out of 3 ain’t bad.' while critics claimed the final episode was 'underwhelming' and 'anticlimactic', the nail-biting conclusion drew the biggest UK overnight and consolidated TV audiences of 2026 so farDespite fans lapping up the dramatic on-screen events, critics of the show awarded the final episode somewhat mixed feedback.The Times hailed it 'an extraordinary result after a sometimes underwhelming series', adding that the episode was less 'TV gold' and more like 'precious silver'. They added: 'This series has not had the epic status of the first partly because for most of it the two main traitors barely took a scratch and had a ridiculously easy run.'Meanwhile, The Independent felt the final was an 'anticlimactic finish' to what they called a 'sophomore series'.Elsewhere, The Guardian stated that while the show was still thrilling, its record-breaking viewing figures 'have somewhat belied its comparatively muted nature'.They went on to add: 'It’s true this season is unlikely to go down as a classic – too few twists, not enough suspense, too few metaphorical jugulars severed, not enough Celia Imrie farting in a shack – but it still got its main job done.