Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has spoken about his dramatic decision to eliminate singer James Blunt during the final episode of The Celebrity Traitors, admitting that the moment will remain with him for a long time.
Appearing on Monday’s edition of BBC’s The One Show, the comedian was asked whether he and James were still on speaking terms following the tense final scenes, which sparked speculation about a possible falling-out between the pair.
Romesh acknowledged that he felt guilty about how events unfolded, saying: “I feel really bad about that, and it’s gonna stay with me for a long time, what happened.”
However, he was quick to dismiss suggestions that their friendship had been damaged.
“He texted me. I just wanna get this out in the open, James Blunt and I are friends, OK? It’s all good,” he explained.
Romesh then jokingly revealed that James had sent him a message saying: “I know where you live.”
How James Blunt Was Eliminated in the Final
James came close to winning a share of the £83,000 prize pot before Romesh questioned whether he was genuinely one of the Faithful contestants.
The singer strongly rejected the accusation, insisting that Romesh was “entirely wrong”.
However, the comedian remained uncertain until fellow finalist Sebastian ‘Bash’ Croft intervened and defended James.
Bash persuaded Romesh that James was a Faithful, prompting the comedian to reconsider his position and join the decision to banish King Kenny.
With Kenny eliminated, the remaining contestants included three Faithfuls.
Romesh and Bash both voted to end the game, but James chose to continue with another banishment.
That decision left him vulnerable, as Romesh and Bash subsequently voted against him, bringing his journey on the programme to an end.
Explaining his reaction to the final moments, Romesh said Bash had convinced him that James was trustworthy.
“But I felt so bad because, in that moment, Bash convinced me; he said, ‘Listen, I think he’s a Faithful.’
And I trusted Bash, and we were like, ‘Let’s end the game,’ and when (James) decided to go again, I was like, ‘Oh no!'”
Winners Plan to Reunite With Fellow Contestants
Romesh also revealed that the contestants have maintained contact through a WhatsApp group established during their time on the programme.
He said the cast members were discussing the possibility of meeting up again, adding: “I think we’re all gonna meet up at some point.”
The comedian also reflected on his friendship with Bash, describing it as one of the most memorable aspects of his experience.
In his exit interview, Romesh said: “I think my biggest highlight is making a friend in Bash – relying on the fact that I thought he was a friend in that end game and that paying off, that is something I feel really good about.”
Romesh and Bash Share £83,000 Prize
Romesh and Bash were crowned champions of The Celebrity Traitors on Friday after successfully identifying and banishing the remaining Traitors, Maya Jama and King Kenny.
The pair celebrated their victory with an embrace as presenter Claudia Winkleman congratulated them.
They each received £41,500 to donate to their chosen charities.
Bash selected Choose Love, while Romesh chose the Refugee Council.
Reacting to the victory, Romesh said: “I trusted Bash and I was right to. I cannot believe it! I just really hope my mum is proud.”
Bash was equally emotional following the announcement, breaking down in tears as he described the experience as incredible.
“This might actually be the best day of my life,” the actor said.
Asked about his biggest highlight, Bash pointed to the moment Romesh finally declared his Faithful status and the pair embraced.
“It was the moment that Rom said the word Faithful, and the hug that we had was just wild, it was crazy,” he added.
Celebrity Traitors Finale Attracts Record 11.2 Million Viewers
The programme’s final episode attracted an average overnight audience of 11.2 million viewers, making it the biggest UK overnight and consolidated television audience of 2026 so far.
Viewership later peaked at 11.6 million, exceeding the 11 million people who watched the 2025 series finale, which saw Traitor Alan Carr emerge as the winner.
The result came despite mixed reactions to the final episode, with some critics describing the conclusion as underwhelming and anticlimactic.
Maya Jama and King Kenny had managed to remain undetected for much of the competition until Thursday’s episode, when fellow Traitor James Acaster exposed their identities during a moment of stress.
Their eventual banishment allowed Romesh and Bash to secure the victory and claim the prize money for their respective charities.
