BBC One’s hit reality series The Traitors has finally revealed its winners after a tense and unpredictable final episode. Project manager Jake Brown and former soldier Leanne Quigley emerged victorious, splitting a massive £94,600 prize between them.
A Game of Deceit and Detection
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, The Traitors brought together 22 strangers to a remote castle in the Scottish Highlands for a high-stakes game of trust and treachery. The faithfuls had to uncover the traitors in their midst, who were secretly “murdering” players by night, while completing challenges to build up the prize fund.
Over the course of 12 episodes, the group faced difficult decisions as they voted to banish suspected traitors. Eight contestants fell victim to the traitors’ murderous plot, while 14 others were eliminated through tense group votes known as “banishments.” The psychological warfare and shifting alliances kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Down to the Wire
In the final episode, only five players remained: Jake Brown, Leanne Quigley, Francesca Rowan-Plowden, Alexander Dragonetti, and Charlotte Berman. The faithfuls knew they had to act fast to ensure a traitor didn’t make it to the end and steal the entire prize pot.
Suspicion immediately fell on Charlotte Berman after Rowan-Plowden, acting as the “seer,” revealed her duplicity to the rest of the group. Despite Berman’s assertions of faithfulness, she became the first to be banished in the finale.
“Oh, my God, Charlotte, you’re gonna say that I’m the traitor, aren’t you?” Francesca exclaimed after uncovering her friend’s deception.
A Surprising Twist
The remaining four contestants, all faithfuls, chose to banish two more players as a precaution. This left only Jake Brown and Leanne Quigley to split the £94,600 they had accumulated through various challenges, including a daring helicopter drop mission in the final episode that added £21,000 to the pot.
But the biggest bombshell came after Jake and Leanne’s victory, when Leanne revealed she had lied about her profession. Far from being a nail technician as she claimed, Leanne was actually a former British Army soldier, proving that deception was the name of the game both on and off-screen.
Building on Last Year’s Success
The Traitors has become a breakout hit for the BBC, captivating audiences with its blend of suspense, strategy, and shocking twists. The show’s format, which originated in the Netherlands, has already been adapted in several countries to great acclaim.
Last year’s winner, British Army engineer Harry Clark, took home the entire £95,150 prize after successfully deceiving his fellow finalist Mollie Pearce. The show’s popularity led to a BAFTA win in 2023 for Best Reality and Constructed Factual Program.
What’s Next for The Traitors?
With viewing figures continuing to climb and social media buzzing with theories and reactions, it seems certain that The Traitors will return for another season of deception and drama. Fans are already speculating about potential twists and casting for future episodes.
As reality TV continues to evolve and audiences crave more immersive, unpredictable formats, The Traitors has proven itself to be a standout success. Its mix of psychological gameplay, stunning locations, and unforgettable personalities has set a new standard for the genre.
Whether you were rooting for the faithfuls or secretly admiring the traitors’ cunning, there’s no denying that The Traitors provided must-watch television. With Jake and Leanne crowned as worthy winners and the promise of more to come, this is one reality phenomenon that’s here to stay.
