By Islam El-Sakka
The BBC reality series Celebrity Traitors has reached its final stages with just 10 players remaining in Ardross Castle, down from an original 21. At its peak the show attracted 15 million viewers, and the three hidden Traitors – presenter Maya Jama, former boxer King Kenny, and comedian James Acaster – remain entirely unsuspected by the Faithful contestants.
Lower ranks: McNally, Rooney, Blunt and Pinnock
Irish comedian Joanne McNally sits at number 10, noted for sharp one-liners but chaotic voting and a crypts slip-up that leave her vulnerable at the next banishment. Actor Sharon Rooney, ranked ninth, faces similar peril after becoming more outspoken and drawing suspicion during the scarecrow challenge. Singer James Blunt, eighth, has played enthusiastically but misidentified Traitors repeatedly and now places misplaced trust in Kenny. Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock, seventh, survived earlier controversies but lacks the strategic edge to reach the final roundtable.
Middle ground: Kenny, Croft and Acaster
King Kenny holds sixth place; his infectious smile and alliance with Maya keep him safe for now, though his limited roundtable influence and status as newest Traitor recruit make him a potential sacrificial pawn. Actor Sebastian "Bash" Croft ranks fifth after uniquely noticing Maya's absence from suspicion during a car ride, yet he stopped short of voting for her – a hesitation Maya may have detected. James Acaster, fourth, plays a reluctant Traitor so convincingly that the Faithful protect him, though his refusal to assist fellow Traitors in a challenge may isolate him later.
Top three: Sheen, Ranganathan and Jama
Actor Michael Sheen claims third with authoritative "dad energy" and a Welsh accent that builds trust; players now question why he hasn't been recruited, putting him at risk of banishment or murder. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan sits second, wielding quiet power through calm fact-finding and deadpan humour that keeps him popular and off the murder list. Topping the ranking, Maya Jama dominates as the game's puppeteer: she orchestrated Richard E Grant's early exit, directs turret strategy, dispatches fellow Traitors on missions, and remains entirely above suspicion – a position one rival jokingly attributed to her being "too hot" to banish.
