The tension in living rooms across the UK reached fever pitch on the evening of October 15, 2025, as fans of BBC One’s Celebrity Traitors waited to see who would become the first star banished from Claudia Winkleman’s infamous round table. The wait was especially agonizing after the previous episode ended on a nail-biting cliffhanger, leaving viewers in limbo over whether Kate Garraway or Niko Omilana would face the axe. With the series airing only twice a week, audiences had plenty of time to speculate, debate, and, in some cases, even simulate the likely outcome.
It’s not every day that a reality TV show inspires a devoted fanbase to launch its own analytics. But that’s exactly what happened this week when a Celebrity Traitors Stan account introduced the so-called "Celebrity Traitors Simulator." According to Digital Spy, the fan behind the account claimed to have run the remaining game 5,000 times after each episode, predicting the likelihood of each player winning or being banished. The results? Traitors Jonathan Ross and Alan Carr led the pack, with 22.6% and 17.6% chances of winning, respectively, while Celia Imrie languished at the bottom with a mere 1.6% chance. The simulator also gave Kate Garraway a 79% probability of banishment, making her the frontrunner for elimination—even outpacing bookmaker odds and the predictions of entertainment outlets.
But as the third episode aired, the real drama unfolded in ways even the most sophisticated simulators couldn’t quite capture. As reported by the BBC and echoed by Digital Spy, the roundtable vote came down to a tense tie between Kate Garraway and Niko Omilana, each receiving three votes. Tameka Empson and Tom Daley also picked up votes, but it was Niko who ultimately faced banishment. The YouTuber and content creator, a Faithful, was clearly taken aback by his early exit. "I can't believe I'm out so quickly, but it's been an honour getting to know every single one of you," Niko shared in his parting words, as quoted by BBC reporting.
The reaction from viewers was swift and fierce. Social media lit up with complaints and disappointment, with many fans lamenting what they saw as an unfair elimination. Comments like "I dislike this season already this feels so unfair I wanted Niko to winnnn :(((" and "Justice for Niko!!!!! They’ve legit just decided it’s him bc he does pranks, so daft," captured the mood. One particularly frustrated viewer summed up the sentiment: "The way I lost all interest the second Niko was voted out should be studied." Clearly, the show’s casting of such a diverse and beloved group of celebrities has only heightened the emotional stakes for its audience.
Just as fans were coming to terms with Niko’s departure, the episode delivered another shock: Tom Daley, Olympic gold medalist and national treasure, was revealed as the second celebrity "murdered" by the Traitors. The revelation left the remaining contestants reeling. Clare Balding admitted she was "bereft," while Charlotte Church confessed, "I'm gutted." Even host Claudia Winkleman couldn’t resist a quip: "He won gold for this country, that wasn't enough?" Tom himself took the news in stride, joking, "Well that didn't take long, did it? I am gutted to be leaving the game, I think I was murdered because I think people see me as a threat and I think they might think I'll weasel them out eventually. Now I guess I've got to do one final dive into my grave." The loss of two fan favorites in quick succession left viewers—and the internet—reeling, with one fan exclaiming, "Tom! He's given us the side eye of the year, then he's murdered! What are we gonna do now?!"
While the drama unfolded onscreen, stories from behind the scenes added yet another layer of intrigue. Comedian Joe Wilkinson, one of the 19 celebrities competing for the £100,000 charity prize, revealed on the Chatabix podcast that producers had searched his bags for drugs and secret recording equipment upon arrival at Ardross Castle. "This man said, 'I'm going to go through your bag'," Wilkinson recalled, to which he replied, "I don't think you are, pal." The situation escalated as more producers arrived, but Wilkinson eventually relented: "You're going to have to trust me' but they were like 'well you have signed up to this, you p***k' and I was like, 'ok, carry on.'" Nothing suspicious was found, but the experience was memorable. Actor Mark Bonnar confirmed the thoroughness of security, sharing that six people entered his room to check every item of luggage. "Just to check you haven’t got any secret recording equipment or illegal drugs. We’re celebrities—we wouldn’t do drugs!" he joked, according to BBC reporting.
The 2025 edition of Celebrity Traitors boasts a star-studded cast, including Alan Carr, Cat Burns, Celia Imrie, Charlotte Church, Clare Balding, David Olusoga, Joe Marler, Joe Wilkinson, Jonathan Ross, Kate Garraway, Lucy Beaumont, Mark Bonnar, Nick Mohammed, Niko Omilana, Paloma Faith, Ruth Codd, Stephen Fry, Tameka Empson, and Tom Daley. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman and filmed at the picturesque Ardross Castle in Scotland, the show has quickly become a must-watch event, with episodes airing twice a week on BBC One and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
At the heart of the show is the psychological game of trust and betrayal, with celebrities split into Faithfuls and Traitors, all vying for the £100,000 prize for their chosen charities. The format, which first captured the nation’s attention with its civilian edition in 2022, has only grown in popularity thanks to its high-profile cast and dramatic twists. As Digital Spy notes, the combination of suspense, strategy, and celebrity personalities has elevated the show to new heights.
For many fans, the unpredictability of Celebrity Traitors is both its greatest strength and its most maddening feature. Simulators and bookies’ odds can only go so far in forecasting outcomes when human emotion, alliances, and the ever-present threat of betrayal are in play. As the season progresses, all eyes remain on the round table—wondering who will be the next to fall, and which Traitor will ultimately outwit the rest.
With its blend of star power, suspense, and a dash of chaos, Celebrity Traitors has proven it’s more than just another reality competition. It’s a cultural event, a watercooler topic, and, for some, a source of genuine heartbreak. As the game continues, the only certainty is that nothing is certain—and that’s exactly why viewers can’t look away.
