On November 7, 2025, the first-ever season of The Celebrity Traitors reached its electrifying conclusion, leaving viewers stunned and social media ablaze. Alan Carr, the irrepressible comedian, emerged as the last Traitor standing—outwitting his competitors in a finale that many are already calling "the best episode of TV of the year," according to The Tab. But the story of The Celebrity Traitors is more than just a tale of one winner. It's a showcase of breakout personalities, career transformations, and one fateful smile that, as a body language expert revealed, sealed the fate of the show's most unexpected casualty.
The nail-biting final episode unfolded with all the tension and drama reality TV fans could hope for. Alan Carr, having navigated alliances and betrayals, faced off against Faithfuls Nick Mohammed and David Olusoga, as well as fellow Traitor Cat Burns. In a twist that blindsided many, Carr managed to turn Nick and David against Joe Marler, the former rugby star who had become a fan favorite for his wit and sleuthing skills. As Cat Burns was banished from the castle, Carr's cunning left him the sole remaining Traitor—walking away with the prize and, perhaps, a new chapter in his television career.
Yet, as BBC News points out, the real winners of The Celebrity Traitors might not be limited to the one who claimed victory. Cat Burns, Joe Marler, and Nick Mohammed—relatively lesser-known figures compared to the likes of Sir Stephen Fry or Celia Imrie before the series—have all been tipped by industry experts as likely to see significant career boosts thanks to their performances. "They were magnificently entertaining," TV reporter Siobhan Synnot told BBC News, suggesting that lucrative offers and new opportunities may soon follow.
Cat Burns, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter, captivated audiences with her cool-as-a-cucumber demeanor and sharp instincts. She managed to slip under the radar for most of the game, only to be banished at the final roundtable. Her pinky promise with Alan Carr—who ultimately outmaneuvered her—became a memorable moment for viewers. But Burns's star is hardly dimming. Around the time of the finale, her second album, How To Be Human, entered the charts at number five, a testament to her growing popularity. She has become a social media sensation, and her recent performance on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing results show further cemented her status as a multi-talented entertainer. "She's a brilliant singer-songwriter already, and no doubt has her own ambitions and career plans," culture journalist Natalie Jamieson remarked to BBC News. "If her success on Celebrity Traitors broadens the minds of any industry gatekeepers, then Cat can choose if that's what she wants."
Joe Marler, 35, swapped the rugby pitch for reality TV and, in the process, won over a whole new audience. Known for his deadpan humor and quick wit, Marler's bromance with comedian Joe Wilkinson and his "Big Dog theory" antics became highlights of the season. According to entertainment reporter Indigo Stafford, "Joe Marler has undoubtedly become a breakout star of the show due to his authentic personality and deadpan humour." Marler's strategic gameplay—openly sharing his suspicions and theories—made him a formidable presence at the roundtables. Even Alan Carr admitted to having his feathers ruffled by Marler's boldness. Having already signed with talent agency M+C Saatchi earlier in 2025, Marler is rumored to be eyeing more mainstream TV opportunities, with some speculating he could even appear on Strictly Come Dancing next year. "Having retired from his impressive England rugby career, he will be looking to move on to the next big thing—the world of showbiz," Stafford observed.
Nick Mohammed, meanwhile, has seen his profile skyrocket. Already known for roles in hit series like Ted Lasso and Slow Horses, Mohammed's performance on The Celebrity Traitors introduced him to a broader audience. His whip-smart theories, calm under pressure, and impressive puzzle-solving skills during the Trojan Horse challenge earned him a cult following. Stafford told BBC News, "Celebrity Traitors has introduced him to a whole new audience that are obsessed with his sharp observations and intelligent gameplay." TV reporter Siobhan Synnot believes Mohammed could soon be inundated with offers to host game shows, thanks to his knack for unravelling complex puzzles and his steady hand under pressure.
But what about the moment that changed everything? According to body language expert Darren Stanton, who spoke to The Tab on behalf of OLBG, Joe Marler's fate was sealed not by overt betrayal, but by a subtle shift in demeanor. "Joe’s behaviour was unusual. When he gets accused, he starts smiling, which raises questions," Stanton explained. "Sometimes people display things as deception, but it’s normal for them, which can give the wrong impression." During the tense final roundtable, Marler's smile and apparent overconfidence—"he became slightly arrogant. He kept smiling, and his head tilted back. This is the kind of behaviour he hasn’t exhibited before"—caused his fellow contestants to reconsider their loyalties. Stanton added, "He thought it was in the bag, and he displayed overconfidence and arrogance, which made the others shift. Meanwhile, Alan was like the cat that got the cream."
Nick Mohammed later revealed that it was Marler's parting words to Cat Burns, apologizing as she left, that ultimately convinced him to vote against Marler. The vote sent Marler packing and left Carr, Mohammed, and Olusoga as the final three—paving the way for Carr's dramatic win. The audience reaction was immediate and intense. One viewer tweeted, "Nah Nick picking Joe is the ultimate betrayal." Another confessed, "Never in a million years did I think I’d be shedding tears over Alan Carr winning The Celebrity Traitors, but here we are. What an incredible final."
As the dust settles, speculation is already swirling about what comes next for the cast. Alan Carr's victory has sparked rumors that he could be tapped as the next host of Strictly Come Dancing—though the BBC has not commented. Synnot, for her part, jokes that "Sweaty Alan Carr is a cert for Sure adverts." Even Celia Imrie, who provided one of the season's more memorable moments, is being humorously tipped for a Pepto Bismol endorsement.
The real legacy of The Celebrity Traitors may not be who walked away with the prize, but how a reality show can change the trajectory of its contestants’ careers. For Alan Carr, Cat Burns, Joe Marler, and Nick Mohammed, their time in the castle has opened new doors and captured the imagination of millions—proof that sometimes, the biggest twists come after the credits roll.
