Celebrity Traitors Finale Highlights Social Media Impact

Romesh Ranganathan and Sebastian Croft triumphed in the finale of Celebrity Traitors, but the real winners may be those who gained substantial social media followings. According to an analysis by social media agency Spin, mathematician Hannah Fry saw the largest increase, adding 200,000 followers despite her early exit from the show. Miranda Hart and James Blunt followed, gaining 175,000 and 132,000 new followers, respectively, likely boosted by concurrent book and album releases.

In contrast, Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock lost 7,800 followers, even after reaching the final episode and releasing a new album edition. Other contestants, such as Julie Hesmondhalgh, also saw modest gains, with only 5,800 new followers. The show poses risks for celebrities, as they must accuse each other of being Traitors with little evidence, potentially alienating fans.

Mark Borkowski, a celebrity PR expert, noted that the show has replaced Strictly Come Dancing as a sought-after platform for celebrities, who often use it to promote their projects. He remarked that while winners Ranganathan and Croft have expanded their reach, others like Richard E Grant missed opportunities to enhance their public profiles. The show's second season debuted to impressive ratings, attracting 15.7 million viewers, making it one of the highest-rated programs in recent years. Borkowski suggested that the format may need to be reconsidered, as it has become more about agents promoting their clients than genuine celebrity participation.