The Celebrity Traitors returned to screens last week, but viewers were left on tenterhooks after just two episodes. The second series kicked off on 1 October, with host Claudia Winkleman welcoming 21 stars into the iconic castle.
She swiftly divided the group into Traitors and Faithfuls, selecting veteran actor Richard E. Grant and Love Island presenter Maya Jama as this season's Traitors. They later enlisted comedian James Acaster to join their ranks, a move that resulted in the shocking murder of journalist Amol Rajan.
Cliffhanger ending explained
However, just as viewers were immersing themselves in the unfolding drama, episode two ended abruptly on a cliff-hanger. The screen faded to black as the contestants gathered for their first roundtable vote.
When is the next episode released?
The third episode of Celebrity Traitors series 2 will air on BBC One this Thursday, 8 October, at 8pm. The fourth episode will be broadcast at the same time on Friday, 9 October.
A synopsis for the upcoming third episode teases: "As the first banishment unfolds, the Faithful are hoping that they've caught a Traitor, while the Traitors are desperate to keep their identities concealed."
"The celebrities must put their trust in one another during a mission that fuels suspicion and paranoia amongst the players. When night descends, tensions rise at the Round Table. Will the players succeed in exposing a Traitor, or will an innocent Faithful be wrongfully banished?"
Audiences will be compelled to wait a further six days before watching episode five, which is scheduled to broadcast next Thursday, October 15.
Fans react to release schedule
This gameshow's release pattern has triggered irritation amongst fans online, with one X user writing: "I hate the scheduling because why do we have to wait SIX days for the next episode? ? #CelebrityTraitors."
One person agreed, stating: "I WANNA BINGE WATCH," while another tweet declared: "I wanna know what happens straight away, I can't wait a few more days honestly." Yet another fan remarked: "It is psychological warfare," with a fourth commenting: "Ending it MID BANISHMENT and then making us wait SIX DAYS is actually evil."
However, others have been applauding the gradual-release format because it builds excitement. "Best part of TV, waiting is the best part," observed one. And a final viewer admitted: "I like having to wait. Everyone expects everything instantaneously these days then you've got nothing to look forward to."
The first two episodes of The Celebrity Traitors season 2 are streaming now on BBC iPlayer.
