The BBC has responded to public dissatisfaction surrounding the decision by two winners of The Celebrity Traitors to channel their prize money to organisations supporting refugees.

The controversy followed the conclusion of the show’s 2026 series, in which comedian Romesh Ranganathan and actor Sebastian Croft shared £83,000 after winning the competition as faithfuls. Their respective donations went to the Refugee Council and Choose Love, both organisations involved in assisting displaced people, The Independent reported.

The BBC confirmed on its complaints page that it had received objections from some viewers over the beneficiaries selected by the pair, adding that the feedback had been forwarded to the relevant parties.

In its response, the corporation said: “We recognise that some audience members were unhappy with the charities chosen by the winning celebrities. This feedback has been shared with the relevant parties.”

The donations also attracted criticism on social media, prompting Ranganathan to defend his decision during an appearance on Croft’s Sunday Scaries podcast. He said his frustration with negative public attitudes towards refugees influenced his choice of charity.

Croft, meanwhile, said the reaction to the donations highlighted the difficulties faced by vulnerable people seeking refuge, expressing concern over the hostility directed at charitable support for displaced communities.

Choose Love provides emergency assistance and long-term support to refugees and displaced people, while the Refugee Council assists people fleeing war, violence and persecution to rebuild their lives in Britain.