The Celebrity Traitors' seven finalists REVEALED after drama-filled penultimate episode

The Celebrity Traitors' seven finalists were revealed after an action-packed penultimate episode.

During explosive scenes on Thursday, viewers watched James Acaster's epic downfall, Sharon Rooney's brutal murder, and Joanne McNally's banishment.

Their exits meant that Maya Jama, King Kenny, Sebastian Croft, James Blunt, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Michael Sheen, and Romesh Ranganathan are in Friday's final.

At the end of the episode, the group gathered outside the picturesque Ardross Castle and raised a glass to celebrate alongside host Claudia Winkleman.

She told the group: 'What a journey it's been, but you guys have made it to the penultimate night in the castle, and that is worth celebrating.

'Here's the thing, though: the Traitors are thirsty for blood. There will be one final murder tonight. And on that note, I say this. Enjoy your drinks and sleep well, if you can'.

Maya Jama, King Kenny, Sebastian Croft, James Blunt, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Michael Sheen, and Romesh Ranganathan have made it through to Friday's final

One by one, the celebrities head back to their individual lodgings. The last two remaining was Maya and Michael - who were the first two to meet in the Chapel on episode one.

The 57-year-old actor told the camera: 'Right at the end there, it was just me and Maya again. Just the two of us. And yet now I think she's a Traitor.

'I'm just sort of thinking, is this the last night I have here? Only the night will tell.'

With the Faithfuls suspicious of Maya, and after James' shock banishment, it is all to play for.

The comedian took centre stage on Thursday, and in a show first, the comedian revealed he was a Traitor at the roundtable, before the vote had even begun.

James and Maya both came under fire, as the Faithfuls linked them to Ross Kemp's murder in plain sight.

The Love Island host, 32, defended herself, particularly against Michael, who said: 'If you are Traitors, you've done it brilliantly.'

Michael then turned to James, 41, and quizzed him on the specifics of the murder in plain sight, including how he knew about the deadly perfume bottle.

'I understand how you've put it all together,' Acaster responded, adding: 'I can't really argue that it sounds feasible, and that sounds like it could have happened. I can promise you that I didn't spray him.'

James Acaster took centre stage on Thursday night, and in a show first, the comedian revealed he was a Traitor at the roundtable, before the vote had even begun 

Acaster and Maya Jama both came under fire, as the Faithfuls linked them to Ross Kemp's murder in plain sight 

The Love Island host, 32, defended herself, particularly against Michael Sheen, 57, who said: ‘If you are Traitors, you’ve done it brilliantly'

Outside the picturesque Ardross Castle, the group raised a glass to celebrate alongside host Claudia Winkleman

Then, speaking to the group, he shockingly said: 'I just want to explain my situation. I was made a Traitor without wanting to be.

'I've had a unique experience on this that no one has had before, where I wanted to be a Faithful; that's all I wanted to be. I couldn't just go, 'Guys, it's me, vote for me.' But that's all I can do, really.'

Filming was paused as Acaster became 'anxious' and had to gather himself before making his speech.

Acaster received all of the votes, and before his exit told his fellow celebrities: 'When I came into this experience, I told Claudia that all I wanted to be was a Faithful and all I wanted to do was go round this castle and help the Faithfuls as much as possible, catching Traitors. I'm really proud to say that's what I've been able to do under the circumstances.

'I am, reluctantly, a Traitor,' he added, admitting a 'weight has been lifted off his shoulders'.

The Traitors' downfall started earlier in the episode when they committed their 6th murder.

James, Maya, and King Kenny, 29, chose to kill Scottish actress Sharon Rooney, 38, despite the actress having heat on her from the previous roundtable.

'This could actually ruin all of our futures,' Maya said, with James adding: 'This is a risky move, but I'm proud of us that we are taking such a big gamble at this point.'

Viewers also bid farewell to Faithful Joanne McNally, 43, who was banished after last week's cliffhanger.