The first episode of Celebrity Traitors saw broadcaster Clare Balding ruffle feathers among her co-stars after a costly mistake during the initial challenge. The series began with a twist as the 19 celebrities were led to a graveyard instead of the castle, where host Claudia Winkleman instructed them to dig their own graves. The first six to find shields buried underground gained immunity before learning who the Traitors and Faithfuls were.
Actress Celia Imrie, comedian Joe Wilkinson, former rugby player Joe Marler, along with Charlotte Church, Kate, and Jonathan secured shields. Later, it was revealed that TV presenter Jonathan Ross, singer Cat Burns, and comedian Alan Carr were chosen as the Traitors. However, Clare Balding drew suspicion toward the end of the episode.
In the final challenge, the celebrities had to decide whether to surrender a shield or answer four questions correctly to add £15,000 to the prize pot. They had 30 minutes to move a wooden horse through four gates. Clare's error—activating a lever without understanding it confirmed an answer—forced one team member to give up their shield. Charlotte Church stepped forward, losing her immunity.
Fellow Faithfuls grew doubtful, with Tom Daley saying: 'The Traitors met last night, was the whole plan to sabotage the challenge? Clare pulling that lever is exactly what a Traitor would do.' Clare later reflected: 'I thought we could guess lots of numbers... It was the worst mistake. It was over before we even started.'
With suspicion now on her, Clare may face an early exit at the roundtable. Celebrity Traitors continues tonight at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
