The Celebrity Traitors hits huge 10.3 million viewers as James Acaster’s shock sacrifice sets up unpredictable finale

More than 10 million viewers tuned in to watch last night’s dramatic episode of The Celebrity Traitors, as James Acaster delivered one of the series’ biggest shocks by sacrificing himself at the Round Table.

The penultimate episode attracted a huge 10.3 million viewers, making it a season high for the BBC hit and comfortably securing more than 60% of all television viewers watching during its 8pm timeslot, according to ratings figures from Digital i.

The companion programme, The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, also pulled in an impressive audience of 4.5 million viewers, as fans stayed tuned to hear more about the dramatic events inside the castle.

The figures underline just how much interest has built around the celebrity version of the hit reality format, with last night’s episode setting the stage for what could be a record-breaking finale tonight.

And after James’ extraordinary decision to expose himself as a Traitor and bring his own game to an end, the final is now wide open.

James Acaster’s shock decision leaves finalists stunned

Last night’s episode saw the pressure reach boiling point as the remaining players tried to work out who they could trust.

James Acaster had been under increasing suspicion, with the discussions around the Round Table becoming more intense as the Faithful attempted to identify the Traitors before the final.

But rather than continue fighting to stay in the game, James made the astonishing decision to reveal that he had been recruited as a Traitor.

The comedian explained that he had not wanted to play the game in that role, telling the group: “I was not playing the game that I wanted to”.

He went on to explain how much he had wanted to be a Faithful and had tried to make himself look suspicious by pointing out the perfume bottles, hoping the others would discover his identity through logic.

James’ admission left the room stunned, with the other players having to process the revelation that he had been working against them.

He was subsequently banished at the Round Table, becoming the latest player to leave the competition and ensuring the final would not be a straightforward victory for the Traitors.

Tonight’s Celebrity Traitors final is wide open

James’ self-banishment has completely changed the picture heading into tonight’s finale.

With the comedian out of the game, the remaining players have one last opportunity to work out who is still hiding a secret identity.

The finalists include Maya, Michael, Romesh, Leigh-Anne, James Blunt, Kenny and Bash, with the balance between the Faithful and any remaining Traitors making the outcome difficult to call.

Michael has found himself under pressure after turning the heat on Maya, while James Blunt and Romesh have also been questioning her.

That leaves plenty of uncertainty as the players head into the final stages. The Faithful must identify any remaining Traitors if they are to secure victory, while those still playing as Traitors will be desperate to avoid exposure.

James’ decision to sacrifice himself may have given the Faithful a crucial breakthrough, but it does not mean they are out of danger.

Could The Celebrity Traitors final break ratings records?

Last night’s audience of 10.3 million is a major milestone for the series, which has become one of the BBC’s biggest entertainment successes.

The fact that more than 60% of people watching television during the timeslot chose the penultimate episode shows the extraordinary level of interest in the competition.

The 4.5 million viewers who watched Uncloaked afterwards also demonstrate the appetite for more discussion and reaction once the main programme has finished.

With last night’s episode delivering a season-high audience, attention will now turn to whether tonight’s finale can go even bigger.

The combination of James Acaster’s dramatic exit, the remaining players’ uncertainty and the possibility of a surprise winner has created the perfect conditions for a nail-biting conclusion.

And with the result still wide open, viewers will have plenty of reasons to tune in.

The Celebrity Traitors final airs tonight at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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