When Paloma Faith, the singer behind “Only Love Can Hurt Like This,” walked onto the set of Celebrity TraitorsScottish castle on 19 October 2023, she expected a weekend of games and giggles with her longtime pal Alan Carr. Instead, the comedian‑turned‑traitor, secretly appointed by host Claudia Winkleman, turned the friendship into a public showdown. The BBC‑produced reality‑game aired in the prime‑time slot, and within minutes Faith was eliminated, prompting an on‑air outburst that has since dominated entertainment headlines.
Background to the show
The Celebrity Traitors, a new entry in the reality‑competition canon, pits ten celebrities against each other in a series of challenges set inside an imposing Scottish castle. Unbeknownst to most, a handful are appointed “traitors” by the host; their job is to discreetly eliminate the “faithful” players by touching their face while no one watches. The prize – £100,000 for a charity of the winner’s choice – adds a charitable twist that usually softens the cut‑throat nature of the game.
The series, commissioned by the BBC, launched its first episode during the network’s autumn 2023 schedule. Early promotional material highlighted the eclectic mix of participants: Olympic swimmer Tom Daley, comedian Joe Wilkinson, and actor Nick Mohammed – best known for Ted Lasso – alongside Faith and Carr.
The first‑episode showdown
Faith and Carr arrived at the castle arm‑in‑arm, joking about their upcoming challenges and jokingly rehearsing a duet for fun. Their camaraderie was evident; cameras caught them sharing a laugh over a mischievous goat that had wandered onto the set. By the time the first challenge – a timed puzzle in the castle’s great hall – wrapped up, the “traitor” count had been revealed: Carr, veteran presenter Jonathan Ross, and singer‑songwriter Cat Burns were the secret saboteurs.
In the climactic “murder” round, Carr sneaked up on Faith, touched her face, and signalled his betrayal to the hidden cameras. The moment was captured in slow‑motion – a stark contrast to the earlier banter. The audience gasped, and at home viewers took to Twitter, spouting everything from memes to heartfelt disappointment.
Paloma Faith’s reaction on Uncloaked
Later that evening, Faith appeared on the after‑show Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, where eliminated contestants dissect the game. “I don’t think it was very nice,” she said, eyes flashing a mix of hurt and amusement. She added, “If I were in his shoes, I’d have kept my friendship intact.” The remarks were quoted verbatim by The Independent and instantly sparked a flurry of comments.
Within 48 hours, Faith answered an Instagram question from a fan who wrote, “I thought @chattyman was your friend?” – Carr’s verified handle. Faith’s reply, “So did I!” displayed both surprise and a touch of irony, underscoring how the game’s mechanics have collided with real‑world relationships.
Reactions from other contestants and fans
Daley, who was seen cheering Faith on during the first challenge, tweeted a supportive message: “Good luck, Paloma – the game’s just getting started!” Wilkinson joked on his podcast that the castle “has more drama than a royal wedding.” Mohammed, meanwhile, reminded viewers that the prize money is earmarked for charitable causes, keeping the focus on the bigger picture.
Fans split along two lines: some applauded Carr’s strategic move, citing the show’s rules; others felt the betrayal crossed a personal line. A poll on the BBC’s official site showed 57 % of respondents siding with Faith’s sentiment that the move “felt like a breach of trust”.
What the betrayal means for the game and their friendship
From a gameplay perspective, Faith’s early exit reshapes the dynamics. With three traitors now hidden among six faithful players, the remaining contestants must be more vigilant. The next episode promises intensified suspicion, especially as the chosen “murder” method forces traitors to balance secrecy with boldness.
On the personal front, the fallout could be lasting. Faith and Carr have worked together on several charity gigs over the past decade; their public spat might affect future collaborations. Industry insiders suggest a possible reconciliation after the series concludes, but only time will tell.
- Show: Celebrity Traitors
- Broadcaster: BBC
- Premiere date: 19 October 2023
- Location: Scottish castle (exact site undisclosed)
- Prize: £100,000 for charity
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect Paloma Faith’s charity plans?
Faith’s £100,000 prize would have gone to a charity she supports, but her early elimination means she can’t claim the fund. However, the BBC announced that any unaffiliated prize money will be donated to a collective charity pool, so her intended cause may still benefit indirectly.
What rule allowed Alan Carr to eliminate Paloma Faith?
The game’s core mechanic lets a secret traitor “murder” a faithful contestant by touching their face while no one else is watching. The act is recorded and revealed at the end of the episode, which is exactly what Carr did.
Who else is at risk of being targeted next?
With three traitors already in play, the remaining faithful – Tom Daley, Joe Wilkinson, Nick Mohammed, and two others not yet named – are all potential targets. Their challenge performances this week will likely dictate who becomes the next victim.
Will the friendship between Faith and Carr survive?
Both have hinted that the rivalry was purely a game tactic. Faith’s Instagram reply showed she still considers Carr a friend, yet the public nature of the betrayal may need a private conversation before any genuine reconciliation.
What’s next for the series?
Episode 2 airs on 26 October 2023, featuring a new set of challenges and the first official “traitor reveal”. Expect heightened tension as contestants scramble to expose the hidden saboteurs before more eliminations occur.