The finale ofCelebrity Traitorssparked debate: was Alan Carr’s win the most thrilling in the show’s history? Few anticipated the comedian’s masterful deception, navigating the game undetected from the very beginning, ultimately securing £87,500 for Neuroblastoma UK.
But many viewers believe a previous season delivered a far more explosive conclusion. The second season ofThe Traitors Australiaredefined the stakes, culminating in a final round unlike any seen before – a gripping showdown featuring not one, but three remaining Traitors.
This Australian season uniquely blended celebrities with everyday people, creating a volatile mix of personalities and strategies. Among them was Ash Pollard, quickly targeted by a cunning player named Sam, a 27-year-old marketing consultant who expertly manipulated the group’s perceptions.
Sam, despite facing constant scrutiny, consistently convinced the Faithfuls of his loyalty – a performance that proved entirely false. He openly dubbed himself ‘The Sheriff,’ outlining a ruthless plan to eliminate anyone who dared question his allegiance.
The Faithfuls, described by many as “clueless,” inadvertently eliminated their own allies, paving the way for Sam’s dominance. Before the game began, Sam chillingly revealed his willingness to do whatever it took to win, showcasing a calculated and unwavering resolve.
As the game progressed, eleven Faithfuls were banished or murdered, leaving Sam and two others – Blake Willoughby and Camille Chicheportiche – to face the ultimate test in the final. Sam, having failed to eliminate Blake, reluctantly recruited Camille, hoping she’d become a distraction.
The final presented a treacherous dilemma: Share the prize money equally, or Steal it for oneself. A shared pot meant a collective win, but a single Steal would leave the others with nothing. Two Steals, and everyone walked away empty-handed.
Sensing the men’s lack of integrity, Camille made a defiant decision. Declaring that if she couldn’t win, no one would, she chose to Steal, despite previously indicating she would Share. The entire $208,000 prize pool remained unclaimed.
The aftermath was raw and uncomfortable. Blake broke down in tears, while Sam lashed out at Camille, accusing her of denying them a deserved victory. Host Rodger Corser aptly declared that justice had been served, “a dish best served cold.”
Viewers were captivated, calling it the most shocking ending in the show’s history. Camille, unwavering in her decision, later revealed she never considered letting the others take the money, viewing it as a demonstration of power.
She described celebrating with the production team while Sam and Blake retreated, consumed by their disappointment. Attempts to reconcile after the cameras stopped rolling were met with silence, Camille believing her age and status contributed to their refusal to engage.
Originating in the Netherlands in 2021,The Traitorsquickly became a global phenomenon, spawning versions in the UK, US, Australia, and beyond. Despite its success, the Australian version was cancelled after two seasons, reportedly due to declining viewership.
The Australian finale remains a benchmark for dramatic reality television, a testament to the power of strategic gameplay and the unpredictable nature of human trust. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most satisfying victory isn’t about winning the money, but about refusing to be betrayed.
