Celebrity Traitors winner Romesh Ranganathan responds to people ‘kicking off’ about refugee charities

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Celebrity Traitors winners Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian ‘Bash’ Croft have addressed the online backlash to their charity donations. Over 11 million viewers tuned in to watch the comedian, 48, and Heartstopper actor, 24, secure a Faithful victory and a whopping £83,000 prize pot. The nail-biting final saw the ousting of Traitors Maya Jama and King Kenny, the wrongful banishment of eternally Faithful Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and, of course, a tense firepit showdown with a hesitant James Blunt. But once the credits began rolling, attention turned away from this year’s stars and onto the organisations that would be receiving the winnings. Romesh’s half of the jackpot went to the Refugee Council, while Bash gave his £41,500 to Choose Love, both of which support displaced communities around the world. Social media was ablaze with discussions, with many fans lauding their donations as a display of ‘true British values’ in the face of bigotry, while others, sadly, suggested refugees ‘do not need the money’, and other ‘small, struggling charities’ would’ve benefitted more. Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian Croft split the £83,000 Celebrity Traitors winnings for their charities (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Paul Chappells) Now, the winners themselves have spoken out against the ‘angry’ reactions, chatting about their experience in Ardross Castle on Bash’s new podcast, Sunday Scaries. ‘I know that you volunteered for Choose Love when you were younger,’ Romesh began to Bash. ‘And I had got involved with Refugee Council because I got so fed up of the rhetoric against refugees and how these people are being demonised. ‘I feel like… Look, people have different opinions, but I feel like they’re (refugees) a distraction tactic, and people are being pointed in that direction for something to blame, is my personal opinion.’ He went on to explain it was pure ‘coincidence’ that he and Bash chose to donate to refugee charities. ‘The voices that are angry about it have been amplified because that’s the fun angle, right? But loads of people have come out in support. ‘And actually, the people kicking off about it has kind of galvanised the people who think it’s a lovely thing.’ Bash volunteered for Choose Love as a teenager (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry) Comedian Romesh has been a patron of the Refugee Council since September (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Paul Chappells) Romesh suggested that the ‘back and forth’ between sides has ‘actually been really positive’, as it’s encouraged open conversations and brought issues to light. ‘It was so funny when we got to the end, and we both realised, because no one really discussed (charities). It wasn’t like we assumed we were gonna win,’ Bash added. ‘And so it felt like such a nice moment at the time, but then to see the response, what it made me realise is that’s people’s response to a game show donating money to people who are really vulnerable. Imagine how difficult it is for those people navigating that system.’ Choose Love shared a clip of the chat on their Instagram page, with commenters praising the TV stars as ‘great men’ and recalling how ’emotional’ it was to discover what their charities were. After the final aired, Choose Love, which Bash volunteered for as a teenager, called him ‘incredible’ as they thanked him for the funds. The musician was especially keen to help LGBTQ+ displaced people and those persecuted because of their sexuality. Maya Jama also donated to her chosen charity, despite not winning (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry) Meanwhile, the Refugee Council hailed Romesh as a ‘brilliant champion’ for the cause since he became an ambassador in September. ‘His support will help us continue to provide vital frontline services to refugees who come to Britain in search of safety and the chance to rebuild their lives,’ they wrote. ‘It is heartwarming to see not one but two charities doing vital work for refugees be recognised in such a way. ‘A fantastic moment of humanity and hope – so needed in the world right now! What a boost to everyone working with refugees. ‘Romesh, we salute you. Thank you!’ The winners weren’t the only ones to make a charity contribution this series, though, as Maya, who was selected to be a Traitor at the start and came within touching distance of victory, also made a generous gift. Taking to X, the TV presenter wrote following the final: ‘Just donated what I would have won for my chosen charity [Action For Children] amazing cause’. Action for Children is a leading UK children’s charity supporting young people in crisis, many of whom are facing abuse, neglect, poverty, or mental health struggles. Deals of the Day The Orlando holiday deal Disney fans shouldn't miss We're adding this discounted NEOM gift set straight to basket Want an LED face mask for less? This Black Friday deal could save you hundreds This teeth whitening sale could save you up to 64% before Black Friday These Simba Black Friday deals are too good for tired shoppers to ignore Catch up with The Celebrity Traitors on BBC iPlayer. Arrow MORE: Strictly Come Dancing signs ‘oldest ever contestant’ for star-studded Christmas special Arrow MORE: Strictly star Bethany Antonia reveals how she copes after facing crushing dance-offs Arrow MORE: What happens if a ‘Black Sky’ attack hits the UK? 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