Warning: This article contains spoilers for the second episode of the VIP edition of The Traitors.
The star-studded VIP edition of The Traitors launched with a record-breaking 6.1 million live viewers, cementing its status as a BBC juggernaut. The second episode delivered a whirlwind of deception, a gloriously camp funeral, and a nail-biting Round Table showdown that left jaws on the floor. From Alan Carr’s risky betrayal to Kate Garraway’s precarious position, here’s everything you need to know about the treachery unfolding at Ardross Castle.
Alan Carr’s Deadly Misstep
The episode opened with the fallout from comedian Alan Carr’s shocking first move as a Traitor. In a moment of chilling audacity, Carr eliminated his real-life friend, singer Paloma Faith, with a subtle brush of her cheek. “I’ve gone and murdered one of my best friends,” he lamented in the Traitors’ conclave, his voice dripping with guilt. Jonathan Ross, his steely co-conspirator, was unimpressed: “Toughen up.”
Carr’s attempt to cover his tracks was masterful—at first. He delivered a tear-jerking eulogy at Faith’s funeral, spinning a tale that she’d confided in him about two players she distrusted. But not everyone was fooled. Clare Balding, with her razor-sharp instincts, smelled a rat. “Who’s the least likely to have killed Paloma? Her best friend Alan,” she mused. “What better cover?” Carr’s decision to target someone so close to him might prove to be his undoing, especially if Balding’s suspicions gain traction. Could he deflect attention by reminding the group of Balding’s own blunder in the opening mission’s lever-pull fiasco? Only time will tell.
A Funeral Straight Out of a Gothic Soap Opera
If the civilian edition’s funeral for Diane Carson—complete with a poisoned chalice of fizzy rosé—set the bar for drama, the VIP version took it to another level. After a breakfast of stale croissants and tepid coffee, the players donned black attire and followed host Claudia Winkleman, resplendent in fur collars and sunglasses, on horseback to the castle’s graveyard. A ghostly choir set the mood as rain began to fall, transforming the scene into what felt like the campest Mafia funeral ever televised. Faith’s send-off was a masterclass in theatrical excess, purpose-built for memes and social media buzz.
Kate Garraway’s Days Are Numbered
The Round Table was a pressure cooker of accusations and shaky alliances. Kate Garraway, the Good Morning Britain presenter, found herself in the crosshairs for her theatrical reactions. “I’m a ham,” she admitted, but her charm wasn’t enough to quell suspicion. Meanwhile, YouTube prankster Niko Omilana faced scrutiny for his poker face and a questionable coffin stunt, though the accusations felt flimsy. When the votes were tallied, Garraway and Omilana tied with three apiece, while Tameka Empson trailed with two and Tom Daley escaped with just one.
Garraway’s over-the-top demeanor made her the bigger target, and she now teeters on the edge of banishment. Omilana, however, proved himself a formidable player, correctly predicting a young Traitor and decoding their coffin strategy. His only misstep? A spelling gaffe on the Round Table chalkboard, where he scrawled “Tom Daylee” in a move that left grammar enthusiasts wincing.
A Mysterious 20th Player?
With 19 contestants, the numbers feel off. Was there meant to be a neat 20, only for someone to drop out last minute? Could a surprise celebrity arrive to shake things up at Ardross Castle? The civilian series thrived on secret relationships, but the VIP edition might pivot to a latecomer twist. Keep your eyes peeled for a new face crossing the drawbridge.
Castle Highlights
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Best Moment: Claudia Winkleman slamming Paloma Faith’s coffin shut, prompting gasps from players and viewers alike.
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Best Quote: Alan Carr steals the show with two gems: “It’s such a stretch for my acting skills. I don’t know how Meryl Streep does it,” and, on Tom Daley’s suspicion of Kate Garraway, “You can’t call someone a Traitor just because they have a better vocabulary than you.”
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Best Traitor: Alan Carr, who likened himself to “the new Linda” with his sweaty palms and shaky secrets, but played a cunning game.
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Best Faithful: Paloma Faith, dubbed “Paloma Faithful,” who shone even in her dramatic exit.
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Winkleman Wardrobe Watch: Claudia slayed in a black frock coat, ruffled white shirt, and her signature funeral veil, cementing her status as the gothic queen of gameshows.
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Prize Pot: The charity fund grew to £19,500, thanks to £15,000 from the Trojan horse task and £4,500 from the coffin mission.
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Body Count: One player down, leaving three Traitors against 15 Faithful.
What’s Next?
Episode three, airing Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One, promises more chaos. The first banishment will rock the castle, and the Traitors will strike again with their second murder. Will Garraway survive the vote? Can Carr outwit Balding’s suspicions? Join us next week to dissect every deliciously devious moment.