Celebrity Traitors becomes the most-watched show of 2026 as episode two outdraws England's World Cup semi-final defeat

Barb data shows the BBC opener pulled in 15.41 million viewers within seven days. That is the highest seven-day rating in the history of The Traitors, across celebrity and public series alike. Episode two drew 14.95 million, beating coverage of England's semi-final loss to Argentina. Claudia Winkleman launched the series on 1 October.

Richard E Grant revealed his traitor status immediately, and the BBC has responded to claims it was 'staged'.

Fans claim the next 'murder in plain sight' will 'break the game'.