The BBC has been thrown into a panic after the finalists of The Celebrity Traitors were reportedly leaked by a contestant's friend, prompting a frantic bid to stop spoilers. The gossip has put show bosses into damage-control mode as they scramble to protect the series' secrecy.
Leak becomes hot topic at showbiz parties
Filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands and hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the show pulled in 9.6 million overnight viewers for Friday night's episode (October 9). Every celebrity in the lineup, including Maya Jama, James Acaster, Professor Hannah Fry, and Richard E. Grant, reportedly signed strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to keep the endgame under wraps.
However, an insider reportedly revealed that a close friend of one of the stars began blabbing, making the final lineup a "hot topic at showbiz parties". A source told The Sun: "Because of the leak, who makes the final is now a hot topic at showbiz parties.
"It's also spread how certain players get on, not helped by the fact another source has been suggesting who's been placed for interviews around the final. It's vital the leaks don't make it to gossip forums online and on social media where fans can find the information.
"The BBC is hoping that anyone happening upon the info or hearing it from friends will help keep the secrets of the castle and stay quiet."
NDAs and flouted agreements
The source added: "The problem is a small group will be aware of The Celebrity Traitors' secrets, including those who work on the show, the celebrities who ran the course and possibly their close family and friends."
NDAs were reportedly supposed to keep results locked down, with EastEnders star Ross Kemp joking the contract was "longer than the Bayeux Tapestry". Yet comedian Joe Lycett admitted he openly flouted his agreement, telling The Sun: "They say, 'Don't tell anyone you're doing it', but if you search the word 'Traitors' in my WhatsApp, I told everyone! I was telling Uber drivers."
Fans glued to dramatic twists
The leak comes as fans follow dramatic twists, including Acaster and Fry being recruited into the Traitors' turret. BBC executives are now reportedly terrified that online spoilers could ruin the climax of their flagship hit.
