Fans outraged as BBC cuts Traitors mid-vote

Fans of BBC’s Celebrity Traitors are furious after the show cut to credits before host King Kenny revealed the final banishment decision ^[1]. With four contestants backing Sharon Rooney, 38, and three supporting Joanne McNally, 43, the deciding double vote rested with Kenny, 29 — but the moment was lost when the credits rolled.

This marks the second consecutive Friday that the BBC has halted a pivotal scene, following last week’s cliffhanger during a 'sleeping powder' murder attempt that left Ross Kemp, 62, and Jerry Hall in suspense ^[1]. Viewers were forced to wait six days to learn Kemp had yawned first and was eliminated.

The latest edit has sparked backlash, with fans accusing the BBC of 'pointless' manipulation. One viewer told The Mail on Sunday that the delay feels 'borderline insulting' and 'very cheap' ^[1]. The theory that Kenny was writing Miranda Hart’s name — based on pen movement — was suggested by viewers and later appeared to be supported by the edit, according to, though this has not been confirmed by the show.

Despite the backlash, viewership remains sky-high. Thursday’s episode drew 10.03 million viewers on BBC1, dwarfing EastEnders’ 2.4 million ^[1]. The final two episodes air Thursday and Friday at 8pm.

Behind the drama, Ardross Castle — the show’s filming location — faces financial strain. Companies House records show Ardross Castle Enterprises Ltd owes nearly £2.6 million, largely to Alness Ltd, which has deferred repayment for at least a year ^[1]. The castle is 95% owned by an offshore firm in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with the remainder held by Donald McTaggart, whose family acquired it in 1983.

Yet the show’s popularity may be helping. Debt fell by almost half a million pounds in the 12 months to March 2025, after three series aired ^[1].