Fans of Celebrity Traitors believe the winner of the BBC series has been exposed after one of the biggest bombshells in the show's history. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, viewers watched in disbelief as James Acaster unmasked himself as a Traitor in Thursday's (October 30) penultimate episode of the 2026 series.
The comedian admitted his role during a Round Table, after which the remaining celebrities, who include Michael Sheen, Romesh Ranganathan and James Blunt, voted to banish him.
James Acaster's confession and exit
Following his departure, James said he believes his exit will lead to a "better" final. He said: "With three Traitors, it would have been a foregone conclusion that we were going to win. Don't get me wrong, I thought it was hilarious at one point that we were just going to walk our way to the final and win the whole thing, but this is much better, isn't it?"
During Thursday's episode, Joanne McNally was banished ahead of Sharon Rooney's murder. It was then time for another Round Table, which saw James make his shock announcement after the heat was placed on him by Michael, who quizzed him about what really happened during Ross Kemp's murder in plain sight.
Viewer theories on the final
Ahead of tonight's final (Friday, October 30), viewers have been having their say on the seven remaining contestants, and they believe the winner is 'sealed'. Fans think that Maya will be voted out next after Michael vowed to expose her. But the theory is that the actor will be killed first, and the other Faithfuls will avenge his death by banishing Maya. This could leave Kenny undetected, sealing his victory in the final.
One posted: "The thing is, if Michael Sheen gets murdered tonight- there is no conceivable way Kenny doesn’t win." Another added: "Kenny is gonna win." A third fan said: "Kenny can win this on his own. They’ll have to get rid of Michael (should do) which will probably mean Maya is next. Kenny only loses if Maya lands him in it." Another wrote: "Looking like a solo win for Kenny," as one agreed: "Kenny is going to win." Another said: "Kenny solo win incoming."
Impact of Acaster's confession
Some fans say James actually saved Maya with his confession, as she was nearly banished. Others think he may have "ruined" the game for them all, possibly hinting at his fellow Traitors. Meanwhile, things reportedly got so tense during the Round Table that filming was stopped and the welfare team came in to check on the stars. It's claimed that the episode had to be heavily edited because they were forced to stop filming when James got upset when the pressure got to him.
Celebrity Traitors airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
