The highly anticipated second episode of the new series of BBC's 'Celebrity Traitors' left viewers in suspense with an 'outrageous' cliffhanger, following a dramatic start to the game. The series, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, gathered 19 famous faces in the Scottish Highlands, including Alan Carr, Cat Burns, Celia Imrie, Charlotte Church, Clare Balding, David Olusoga, Joe Marler, Joe Wilkinson, Jonathan Ross, Kate Garraway, Lucy Beaumont, Mark Bonnar, Nick Mohammed, Niko Omilana, Ruth Codd, Paloma Faith, Stephen Fry, Tameka Empson, and Tom Daley. From the outset, it was clear the celebrity version would match the original series' intensity.

In the opening episode, after six players secured shields to protect themselves, Claudia Winkleman selected comedian Alan Carr, singer Cat Burns, and presenter Jonathan Ross as the three traitors. Alan, despite his initial apprehension about lying, was tasked with committing the first murder in plain sight. The chosen method involved applying 'poison pollen' from a hidden black lily onto their hands and secretly rubbing it onto the face of their target. Alan was given the specific responsibility of making physical contact to execute the murder.

The first episode concluded on a nail-biting cliffhanger as Alan confessed in a talking head interview that he 'didn't know' what to do, leaving viewers to speculate. The revelation came in the second episode (aired Thursday, October 9th), confirming that Alan Carr had murdered singer Paloma Faith. He cunningly achieved this by telling Paloma she had a hair on her face and brushing it off, thus transferring the 'poison pollen' without arousing suspicion.

Paloma's murder was not immediately disclosed to the contestants, who initially joined her for breakfast, unaware of her fate. The truth was revealed later during a challenge at a cemetery, where the players had to answer questions and place three individuals into coffins. The shocking moment arrived when Claudia Winkleman dramatically slammed Paloma's coffin shut, confirming her elimination. Reacting to the news, Paloma expressed her sadness: "I thought I wasn't going to get emotional, but I feel really sad. It's been a wonderful experience, I just wish it went longer. I guess that leaves me to say that ‘this has been goodbye’.”

Adding to the 'brutal' detail, viewers on X (formerly Twitter) pointed out the show's decision to play one of Paloma Faith's own songs as background music during the reveal of her murder. User @jackoliver__ commented, “Paloma Faith being buried alive while her own song plays… oh I’ll never tire of this show #CelebrityTraitors.” Others found it dark yet captivating. Fans also praised Alan Carr's unexpected prowess in the game, with @chrisjlatimer stating, “Alan killed his pal Paloma. Man's a better game player than I thought #CelebrityTraitors.”

Immediately after Paloma's death, the players were thrust into the series' first roundtable, a session rife with accusations. YouTuber Niko Omilana and Good Morning Britain’s Kate Garraway found themselves on the defensive as fellow faithfuls suspected them of being traitors. With Niko and Kate each receiving three votes, Tameka Empson two, and Tom Daley one, the episode abruptly ended before Stephen Fry could cast his vote, leaving audiences frustrated and eager for the next installment. Viewers took to X to voice their annoyance at the week-long wait, with many lamenting the 'outrageous' cliffhanger and the show 'dragging it out.'