The Traitors Final 2026: James is banished after dramatic head-to-head with Rachel
Fans have waited 24 hours for this resultTraitors star James Baker has missed out on a place at the final Round Table after being dramatically banished.
James had gone head-to-head with Rachel but lost out at the last hurdle in a cruel game of chance.
The pair had ended last night’s show on a nail-biting cliffhanger, with a double tie at the Round Table.
In keeping with the rules of the game, host Claudia Winkleman was forced to bring out the chests of chance.
Viewers had been left hanging as to who got the immunity shield and who had an empty chest, which meant an instant banishment.
But tonight, after 24 hours of suspense, the result was finally revealed – and Rachel struck it lucky with the shield.
Accepting his exit, James said to the remaining five players: “It’s been amazing, I’ve learned a lot about myself.
“What a game, thank you. I have been from the start as a Traitful Faithful.”
The Traitors: James is banished
Rachel and James ended up in a deadlock after two rounds of votes in Thursday night’s Round Table.
In the first round, James had received votes from Rachel, Jade Scott and Stephen Libby. Rachel’s name was written down by James, Faraaz Noor and Jack Butler.
This resulted in a tie. The pair made a last plea before Claudia went round again.
Stephen kept his vote for James, while this time Jack voted for him too. Jack claimed he was more convinced that James was a Traitor after hearing Rachel’s plea.
Jade also switched her vote, picking Rachel alongside Faraaz. Jade said: “I really struggled with my confidence throughout this game and while I was 50/50 between the both of you, I feel that Rachel will have made the best Traitor.”
But by swapping their votes, the deadlock was still not broken. This is why Claudia brought out the chests.
“We will leave this banishment in the hands of fate,” Claudia announced.
Fans react to James’s banishment
Viewers were on the edges of their sofas as they waited to see who had what in their chests of chance.
After it was revealed Rachel had the shield, fans quickly began sharing their thoughts about James’s banishment online.
Writing on X, one wrote: “James’ reactions kill me. Bye though!”
Another added: “I think Rachel is going to be in trouble here now that James didn’t get the shield…”
A third person said: “I knew she’d get it!”
And someone else chimed in: “Absolutely loved James winding them up there. That was deserved.”
James’s exit means there are five players left in tonight’s Traitors Final.
They are Faithfuls Jade, Jack and Faraaz, and Traitors Stephen and Rachel.
But who has got what it takes to go all the way and win the prize pot?
