When the final curtain fell on the second edition of Celebrity Traitors, Sebastian “Bash” Croft emerged as one of the two champions, sharing the £83,000 prize with comedian Romesh Ranganathan. The pair split the winnings evenly, and Croft immediately announced that his £41,500 share would be given to Choose Love, a humanitarian outfit that supports displaced people, especially those fleeing persecution because of their sexual orientation. Ranganathan directed his half to the Refugee Council. Their generosity set off a wave of praise and, unsurprisingly, a flurry of criticism from politically-conservative voices who objected to taxpayer-funded money being sent to “queer” charities.
The win and its immediate aftermath
Beyond the cash, the victory cemented Croft’s status as the fourth openly gay winner in the UK version of the series. He joins Alan Carr, who triumphed in the inaugural celebrity season in 2025, and Stephen Libby with Rachel Duffy, the civilian champions earlier this year. The previous civilian edition also saw Leanne Quigley and Jake Brown take the trophy. Croft’s partner on the journey, Romesh Ranganathan, expressed admiration for his co-winner’s composure, noting that Croft’s background in drama and music seemed to give him an intuitive edge in deciphering the ever-shifting alliances of the game.
Why queer contestants seem to have an edge
During a TikTok interview with BuzzFeed UK, Croft reflected on a social-media thread that highlighted the disproportionate number of LGBTQ+ victors. He agreed that “you learn to read rooms, and you learn to survive.” In his words, the constant need to assess social cues and negotiate identity in everyday life equips queer people with a kind of situational awareness that translates directly into the high-stakes environment of The Traitors. Croft added that mastering the art of “getting on with people” becomes a subconscious skill set, one that can turn suspicion into alliance and vice-versa at a moment’s notice.
A pattern of LGBTQ+ victories on The Traitors
The recurring success of gay contestants has sparked a broader conversation about representation in reality television. While the format itself rewards strategic empathy, the data points to a clear trend: four out of the eight series winners to date identify as LGBTQ+. Critics argue that this could be coincidence, but supporters claim it illustrates how queer visibility is reshaping mainstream media narratives. Croft, known to audiences as Ben Hope from the groundbreaking Netflix series Heartstopper, embodies that shift, bringing both a fanbase and a lived experience that many see as advantageous in a game where trust and betrayal are constantly measured.
Charitable donations and the right-wing backlash
The decision to funnel the entire prize fund into refugee-focused charities has not gone unnoticed. Political commentator Julia Hartley-Brewer labeled the move “the most BBC thing ever,” framing the donations as a misuse of licence-fee money. Opponents framed the charities as “queer refugee” organisations, attempting to politicise what Croft described as a personal commitment to humanitarian aid. Nevertheless, Choose Love’s mandate to aid LGBTQ+ asylum seekers aligns with Croft’s public advocacy, reinforcing the notion that his victory extends beyond personal glory to a platform for community support.
Personal anxieties and a career boost
Despite his confidence on screen, Croft admitted on a morning radio show that stepping into the castle felt like a “sink or swim” moment. He described himself as “terrified” because, despite being a devoted fan, he was one of the less-known faces among a roster of British “national treasures.” The pressure of competing alongside celebrities with decades of public exposure forced him to lean heavily on the very social instincts he believes gave him an edge. Winning the competition not only elevated his public profile but also reinforced his belief that the skills honed while navigating queer identity can be a decisive factor in any arena where perception and persuasion dominate.
