The BBC has struck gold with season four of The Traitors. Exceeding viewership records, the grand finale – which aired on Friday 23 January – drew in 9.4 million live viewers, before peaking at 9.6 million, according to overnights.tv (via Deadline).
As a result, season four has officially secured the biggest ever audience in the UK for a Traitors finale. Holding onto its crown at the top of the leader board, however, is The Celebrity Traitors’ final, which secured 11 million viewers in November.
Following the season four finale, fans have praised the “perfect ending” which saw Traitors Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby splitting the £95,750 prize pot, after fooling the Faithfuls.
Taking to Instagram to celebrate their victory, Libby penned a heartfelt post. “Well that’s a wrap. The last 24 hours have been overwhelming, incredible, emotional and hilarious,” he began.
“I cannot put into words how lucky I feel to have played the most incredible game with 21 of the most incredible people, each and every one of them contributed to the show that brightened up your January, and I can say, with my hands on my heart, that I have 21 new friends for life.
BBC/Studio Lambert/Paul Chappells
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“I woke up this morning, after 4 hours sleep, with the biggest smile on my face because I’m so proud that @rachel.dufffy and I were able to show you all that there is a way to play this game as traitors, which still champions trust and kindness – as much as is possible while being a traitor.
“To @jack_thefitnessbutler, @jadiethscott and @faz.noor you should all be so proud of yourselves for the game you played with heart, conviction and good humour.”
BBC
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Echoing this sentiment, Duffy wrote: “What just happened?!? This was THE best feeling after such a rollercoaster game – filled with secrets, drama, lies, murder, confessionals and chance!
It honestly couldn’t have been any better! Thank you to 20 wonderful formidable players who made this game everything it was meant to be. Thank you to @stephenlibby for keeping your promise and being the best partner in crime a girl could ask for.”
Seasons 1-4 of The Traitors are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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Megan is a freelance news reporter for Digital Spy.