The “Big Dog” theory backfired during Thursday night’s episode of The Celebrity Traitors, with the Faithfuls incorrectly voting for Sir Stephen Fry (not Traitor Jonathan Ross).
Stephen was the fifth Faithful to be banished from this year’s series, while Jonathan managed to evade elimination despite arousing suspicion among his fellow contestants.
The episode began with Mark Bonnar and David Olusoga going head-to-head, with David receiving a shield and Mark facing banishment. Swiftly, Joe Wilkinson became the latest player to be “murdered” by the Traitors, after not turning up to breakfast.
During the challenge, which saw the players try to outwit the Traitors on a giant chessboard, the winning team – Alan, Cat, Celia and Joe M – were all protected from the Traitors’ next “murder”. This put Nick, Lucy, Kate, Stephen and Jonathan all at risk. Nick made players suspicious of him after admitting he purposefully sabotaged the game.
During the roundtable discussion, Alan (Traitor) made a huge blunder when he forgot he had won a shield during that challenge, causing other players to have doubts about him for the first time.
Meanwhile, Stephen came up with a new theory – and accused Cat (Traitor) after he saw her sleeping by a window earlier in the day. He said that “Traitors get less sleep”. Cat replied that, because she’s neurodivergent, being around people all the time can be exhausting – hence why she was getting some rest.
A heated roundtable saw votes cast for David, Jonathan, Nick and Joe. But – thanks to the “Big Dog” theory – it was Stephen who received the most votes and was banished.
The episode ended on a cliffhanger with host Claudia Winkleman announcing that Kate, Nick and Lucy are all at risk of “murder” by the Traitors – and this time it will be face-to-face. The lesson: trust nobody.
The Celebrity Traitors returns on Wednesday.
KEY POINTS
- Watch: Alan Carr makes a blunder and almost blows his cover
- All of the stars to have been banished or murdered
- How much are the celebrities being paid?
- Stephen Fry's reaction to finding out that Jonathan Ross is a Traitor
- Jonathan Ross says he 'didn't enjoy' his time in the castle
Watch: Joe M accused of 'ramping it up' at roundtable
07:00 , Ellie MuirAlan says Joe M is causing an “awkward atmosphere” at the roundtable. Still, Joe sticks with his theory that Jonathan is a Traitor.
Watch: Mark Bonnar has hilarious reaction after finding out the Traitors' real identities
06:04 , Ellie MuirFind out all of the cast members who have been banished or murdered...
05:07 , Ellie Muir
Celebrity Traitors lineup – full list of contestants for the all-star edition of show
A moment for Joe M at the roundtable
03:03 , Ellie MuirJoe M was giving it to Jonathan at the roundtable, and his demeanour was absolutely brilliant. He’s seeking vengeance for his departed mate, Joe W.
Will the Faithfuls remember Stephen's theory?
02:00 , Ellie MuirBefore he was banished, Stephen suggested that Cat was a Traitor because he caught her sleeping (and Traitors “get less sleep”). It’s a clever theory – and he was right. But will anyone take any notice?
POV: You're an unlucky Faithful on Wednesday
23:55 , Ellie MuirImagine this being the last thing you see before you’re murdered#CelebrityTraitors pic.twitter.com/FlowU9lXJO
— gemma (@gmmlsknny) October 23, 2025
Alan has somehow become a brilliant Traitor
23:15 , Ellie MuirThis is the same man who was sweaty, stressed and anxious when he was first made a Traitor. Look at him now!
Claudia: “Faithful’s ask yourself this… who’s laughing to your face and stabbing you in the back?”
— ✧ 𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 ✧ (@alexanderls3) October 23, 2025
Alan: #CelebrityTraitors pic.twitter.com/wKyk5iXpU9
Stephen Fry has brilliant reaction to finding out who the Traitors are...
22:53 , Ellie MuirAppearing on Uncloaked, Stephen – after learning that Jonathan, Alan and Cat are all Traitors – referenced the Big Dog theory. “So it’s two big dogs and one small cat,” he said.
A recap of tonight's episode...
22:45 , Ellie MuirMark and Stephen were banished; Joe W was “murdered” by the Traitors.
Either Kate, Nick or Lucy will be the Traitors’ next victim, and whoever is chosen will get a face-to-face sighting of the actual Traitors (in next week’s episode).
Watch: Alan Carr makes a blunder and almost blows his cover
22:31 , Ellie MuirStephen says Jonathan played a 'blinder'
22:13 , Ellie Muir“F-F-S,” said Stephen as he found out that Jonathan was a Traitor during The Traitors: Uncloaked.
“He’s playing a blinder,” Stephen added.
The Traitors appear in their cloaks...
22:06 , Ellie MuirA cloaked trio (Cat, Jonathan and Alan) arrive beside the chessboard.
Nick gasps as he turns around. Kate turns. Lucy turns. And then a cliffhanger.
Will they see the actual Traitors? And who have they decided to “murder”? I’ve never seen anything like this in Traitors history.
Plot twist: One of the shortlisted players will be 'murdered' face-to-face!
22:04 , Ellie MuirKate, Nick, Lucy have to return to the chess board, where one of them will be “murdered” face-to-face.
This is absolutely gutting
21:59 , Ellie MuirJonathan must be feeling very smug right about now.
Nick realises he went for the wrong Big Dog. Now Kate’s accusing Nick of being a Traitor...
Stephen is banished!
21:55 , Ellie MuirNoooooooooooooo. I have no words.
The final votes...
21:54 , Ellie MuirDavid believes Stephen is a Traitor.
Nick, the final vote, votes for Stephen.
The votes are happening...
21:54 , Ellie MuirAlan votes for Joe.
Kate votes for Nick (after he confessed to sabotaging the challenge).
Joe votes for “Big Dog” Jonathan (”I don’t like you,” replies Jonathan).
Lucy votes for Jonathan.
Kate votes for Stephen.
Stephen votes for David. “I have nothing better to offer I’m afraid”.
Celia votes for Joe because she doesn’t know “what’s going on in his head”.
Jonathan votes for Stephen. Big Dog vs Big Dog.
A vote count....
Nick reveals that he purposefully tried to lose today's game
21:51 , Ellie MuirNick tells the table that he made sure that his team lost because he believes there’s definite Traitors in his team. The group aren’t convinced.
Alan nearly blows his cover!
21:50 , Ellie MuirHe forgets he has a shield and almost messes up. Ooooops. He played it off very well.
Joe absolutely goes for Jonathan...
21:49 , Ellie Muir“Someone as intelligent as you, would use Ruth as a double bluff,” he says. Yep, Joe isn’t letting this one go.
Stephen comes up with a new theory and accuses Cat of being a Traitor
21:46 , Ellie MuirStephen says that he saw Cat sleeping by a window earlier in the day, and that “Traitors get less sleep” than the rest of them. Gasp!
Cat has a very good reply, and says that because she’s neurodivergent, being around people all the time can be exhausting.
We're back at the roundtable
21:44 , Ellie MuirJonathan quickly throws the spotlight on David, who spent all of the last roundtable defending himself. We’re going around in circles!
The Big Dog theory is getting old now
21:41 , Ellie MuirPlease, Faithfuls, just vote for Jonathan! I feel like I’m screaming into a void.
Kate is finally trying to come up with some suggestions for tonight's roundtable...
21:40 , Ellie Muir
Half of the group collectively have a shield – the other half are at risk
21:39 , Ellie MuirAlan, Cat, Celia and Joe are all protected from tonight’s murder after that game.
Nick, Lucy, Kate, Stephen and Jonathan are all at risk.
Ironically, it was the winning team that had the most Traitors in. Poor Faithfuls.
Sneaky scheming during the game between Nick and Joe!
21:36 , Ellie MuirThey decide that Nick’s team must lose because it’s (theoretically) got the most Traitors in. Nick says he will try to lose and make Joe’s team win. Yes, this is quite confusing.
The plan works and Nick’s team loses.
This is such a catty challenge!
21:33 , Ellie MuirBasically, the players have to think like the Traitors. Then a mahoosive (and sinister) Traitor figure on a chess board will reveal the decisions made by the actual Traitors last night.
They’ve got to guess who the Traitors think is “the most two-faced” player. Celia nominates herself!
Kate is such a good sport
21:30 , Ellie MuirEveryone agrees that she’s the weakest player. Jonathan jokes that she’s weak “intellectually”. Ouch.
It's game time – and it's tense
21:29 , Ellie MuirHere’s the rule you need to know: players in only the losing team will be up for tonight’s murder. Yikes!
Lots of faffing about how they should split up into teams. They decided to put the suspected Traitors together, so Jonathan with Stephen and Lucy. It’s very heated.
Claudia says, “enormous luck!” – and it’s now game time.
Lots of whispering in the corridors
21:24 , Ellie MuirJonathan and Lucy chatter about David and Celia being possible Traitors.
Sigh. Don’t be fooled, Lucy!
Joe Wilkinson is the Traitors latest victim
21:19 , Ellie MuirJoe W didn’t show up to breakfast, which means he has been “murdered” by order of the Traitors. “I sort of expected it because I was a bit lippy last night,” he tells the camera.
Celia is onto Alan
21:17 , Ellie MuirBut will she bring it up at the roundtable, though?
Cat throws Jonathan under the bus at breakfast
21:15 , Ellie MuirCat and a group of Faithfuls are discussing their Traitor guesses, when she says: “What about Jonathan?”....
She’s going to turn on her fellow Traitor!
The Traitors are scheming again
21:13 , Ellie MuirJonathan, Cat and Alan meet in the turret to decide who’s next on their list.
Cat says that Joe W needs to go. Jonathan suggests Kate. They also discuss the pros and cons of “murdering” The Stephen Fry (please no!)
Goodbye to a very defeated Mark
21:08 , Ellie MuirClauds gives the Faithfuls a big telling off after Mark declared his Faithful status.
Alan (Traitor) gives an Oscar-winning performance (again) as a Faithful as he apologises for pushing the Mark agenda.
Will they move on from the David theory, or is he up for another banishment?
David gets a shield!
21:06 , Ellie MuirThat means David is protected from the banishment and Mark is out! The Faithfuls are about to get another wake-up call.
The "chests of chance"
21:05 , Ellie MuirMark and David have to pick separate wooden boxes. Whoever gets a shield will be protected from tonight’s banishing...
Aaaand we're back!
21:04 , Ellie MuirStraight back to the roundtable, where the unprecedented events of last night’s tie are about to be decided by the “chests of chance” (AKA two wooden boxes being held by Clauds).
15 minutes to go...
20:45 , Ellie MuirHasn’t this been the longest 24 hours, ever?
The Celebrity Traitors returns on BBC One at 9pm.
Jonathan Ross says Traitors experience was 'uncomfortable'
20:14 , Ellie MuirHe might be doing well (ish) as a Traitor, but Jonathan has said he was extremely uncomfortable during his time in the castle.
Ross made the admission on his Reel Talk podcast, adding that he found the “constant lying really wearing” and “increasingly uncomfortable”.
Find more here:
Jonathan Ross warns other celebrities about ‘uncomfortable’ Traitors experience
How much are the celebrities earning?
20:11 , Ellie MuirAccording to reports, the celebrities will be paid a flat fee of £40,000 for appearing in the series.
Find out more below:
How much are Celebrity Traitors being paid and what prize will the winner get?
A psychology expert reveals how celebrity status changes The Traitors
20:02 , Ellie Muir
A psychology expert reveals how celebrity status changes The Traitors
Get clued up on the (remaining) cast members
18:52 , Ellie MuirThe Faithfuls are dropping like flies. Find out who is still in the competition ahead of tonight’s episode, below:
Celebrity Traitors lineup – full list of contestants for the all-star edition of show
Tonight, David and Mark's fate will be decided 'by chance'
17:30 , Ellie MuirBut with so many unexpected twists in this year’s series. Will it really be that simple?
My theory: both of them will be banished at the same time. And it’ll be a huge blow to the Faithfuls.
Tom Daley says the Celebrity Traitors WhatsApp group 'pops off'
17:00 , Ellie MuirSpeaking on The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked, Tom Daley gave an insight into the cast’s WhatsApp group.
“I wake to about 30 messages and I can’t keep up. It’s like the school WhatsApp groups for the parents. I can’t keep up!” he said.
He added that Temeka is the “voice note queen” who often sends audio messages that are longer than two minutes.
“It’s sweet. Everyone is really excited and watching it back together. We’ve all been on this journey together,” he said.
Celebrity Traitors: What time is it on and how can I stream it online?
16:30 , Ellie MuirGet yourself prepped ahead of tonight’s episode. It’s going to be a biggie.
Celebrity Traitors: What time is it on and how can I stream it online?
Taken by Claudia Winkleman's outfits? We've got you covered
15:41 , Ellie MuirOur senior shopping writer has tracked down some of Claudia’s best fits from The Traitors. Thank us later!
I’ve found Claudia Winkleman’s exact outfits from The Celebrity Traitors
Celebrity Traitors fans celebrate ‘best episode ever’ after huge twist
09:27 , Roisin O'Connor
Celebrity Traitors fans celebrate ‘best episode ever’ after huge twist
Mark has got the people worried!
07:00 , Annabel NugentI love that this applicable to every time Mark Bonnar is on screen https://t.co/K1R2YpMz2y
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) October 22, 2025
It’s never not a good time to watch Celia Imrie’s impersonation of a banshee.
Lucy’s expression says it all...
Will anyone pay attention to Stephen's last theory?
22:57 , Ellie MuirBeing Stephen was banished, he accused Cat of being a Traitor because she was sleeping during the daytime. It’s a very clever theory – and he’s right. But will the Faithfuls take any notice?
Can anyone else believe that Jonathan Ross has made it through to another round? I really thought he was going to meet his maker last night.
If you missed it the first time around, here’s another look at Alan Carr caught in a net.
ICYMI
Wednesday 22 October 2025 23:00 , Annabel NugentTomorrow’s episode will see the banishment of either David or Mark. Who will go is up to lady fortune...
Tom Daley has plans to knit a “flabbergasted” jumper after his “side-eyed monster” reaction to Kate’s use of the word at Paloma’s funeral.
Inspired by Celia Imrie’s famous fart, Charlotte Church says: “I love farting. We should all be doing more fluffing.”
Charlotte on learning Cat is a Traitor: “She’s playing an exquisite game!” Couldn’t have said it better myself, really.
And on Alan? “Sneaky Alan!”
Charlotte’s guesses? Mark, Jonathan, and Celia.
That’s one out of three, I suppose.
Newly murdered Charlotte Church is also on Uncloaked, looking very Traitors-esque in a shiny cloak herself.
If you haven’t had your Traitors fill, head on over to BBC Two where the after show Uncloaked is on.
With no banished contestant from tonight’s episode, we’ve got series three Faithful Alexander and series three winner Leanne giving their insider opinion.
Tonight’s outcome is far from ideal... unfortunate for Mark, unfortunate for David, and unfortunate for the rest of the Faithfuls who will soon have eliminated yet another of their own...
So it’s down to chance whether we’ll be seeing Mark or David banished next episode – but what does that mean exactly? Flip of a coin? Short straw? Who knows?
With Celia’s vote for David, that’s a draw! And of course... we have to wait until tomorrow’s episode.
Oh Celia, the power you possess!
Five for Mark, four for David... it comes down to Celia!
Poor Mark really does look totally despondent at this situation... all that just for being a passionate person!
Reminder... if this comes to another draw, it’s up to chance which of the Faithfuls get banished tonight.
Is anyone else’s heart beating faster? Also, can you believe that Jonathan has gotten away with it... again?
Mark vs David! Let’s hear these final pleas...
It’s all up to Cat!
Kate: Mark
Joe M: Mark
Lucy: Mark
David: Stephen
Nick: Kate
Alan: Mark
Mark: Kate
The votes are in
Wednesday 22 October 2025 21:51 , Annabel NugentStephen: David
Joe W: David
Celia: Jonathan
Jonathan: David
I don’t think anyone can bring themselves to vote out Stephen Fry, to be honest. That’s the perk of being a national treasure.
Mark or David... Mark or David... Mark or David... oh gosh, we’re looking at another Faithful leaving tonight, aren’t we?
Why do I get the feeling we’re seeing a dead man walking... or sitting, rather.
By the way, has anyone played the board game Chameleon? I would highly recommend – it brings out the same defensiveness and outbursts as an average Traitors round table.
After receiving so many votes in the early stages, Kate has really flown under the radar since then.
The look on Joe’s face when David named him? Priceless. You can’t fake that surprise.
“It would be wonderful to be a Traitor” – Alan is talking about himself here, isn’t he?
To be fair to Mark, I don’t really understand why him being perceptive at Paloma’s funeral is a sign of being a Traitor. If anything, it shows that he wanted to watch people’s reactions to spot the real Traitors.
Mark?! Oh no Joe you had it right the first time!
Jonathan coming out on the offensive with an attack on Sir Stephen!
“I am sick of letting the ‘more intelligent’ people run the show. I am going to go to the forefront and go for people.”
Yes Joe!
How could someone possibly suspect this cuddly hug of a man?!
Oh another name in the mix: Joe M!
Another brilliant jumper from Jonathan.
There is something delicious about watching Alan Carr work the room, a master at manipulation – he’s a modern-day Iago, really.
Smoked salmon for breakfast and steak for lunch? Nice for some!
All this suspicion over Mark’s over-the-top demeanour... he’s just a passionate Scotsman, people!
Nick, Lucy, David, and Jonathan each won a shield... gosh it’ll be quite slim pickings for the Traitors when it’s time for them to choose their next victim.
Of course, Paloma Faith was once a ghost on a ghost train! She’d be fantastic at it.
To be honest, I could see Paloma Faith as a face painter or a ghost on a ghost train!
High risk, high reward – the team secure £2,500 with their answer of 12 years old.
