Comedian Romesh Ranganathan and "Heartstopper" actor Sebastian "Bash" Croft were crowned the winners of the second series of The Celebrity Traitors, the BBC One competition that has become one of British television's biggest hits, drawing more than 15 million viewers across its run.
The show pits a cast of celebrities against a small number of "traitors" hidden among them, who secretly eliminate "faithful" players each round while the group tries to identify and banish them at round-table votes. Friday's final began with seven contestants and ended with Ranganathan and Croft banishing the last two traitors, Love Island host Maya Jama and YouTuber King Kenny, before splitting the show's £83,000 prize between two refugee charities, the Refugee Council and Choose Love.
Kenny had turned on his fellow traitor, Jama, at the previous round table to survive into the endgame, where remaining players gather around a fire pit to weigh whether any traitors are left among them. He was joined there by Ranganathan, Croft and singer James Blunt. When a tied vote left Blunt and Kenny both facing banishment, Croft persuaded Ranganathan to banish Kenny instead, securing the win for the "faithful" side.
Absolutely devastated. Almost scraped it. I was so close, I smelled the victory.
King Kenny, eliminated traitor
In a further twist, Blunt chose to call one more vote and was eliminated by it himself, leaving Ranganathan and Croft as the last two standing. The 24-year-old Croft, fighting back tears, called it "the best day of my life," while Ranganathan dedicated the win to his family.
I just really hope my mum's proud. And also my youngest son Charlie, who wanted me to come on the show — dad won. Please show me some respect.
Romesh Ranganathan
The episode had opened with actor Michael Sheen, one of the series' best-known faces, murdered by the traitors in its first act. "I am incredibly disappointed," Sheen said afterward. "Gutted that I got so close to the end. It's been absolutely unforgettable."
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the series is based on the original Dutch format that has been adapted into civilian and celebrity versions in more than two dozen countries, including a US edition. Both Ranganathan and Croft are expected to see a career lift from the exposure; Kenny, despite the loss, established himself as one of the breakout personalities of the season.
