host was left with plenty to celebrate when ratings were revealed for the first episode of this season.

The hugely popular psychological thriller show, set in an atmospheric Scottish castle, achieved around 9.23million viewers for its debut. On the other hand, Strictly was overtaken in the ratings for the first time ever, with 9.1million tuning in.

Despite Strictly coming out on top for decades, and the public going wild for the against the odd successes of - the first blind man ever to enter the show, and then to win it - the tides are now turning. The Traitors maintained most of the audiences it attracted for its debut in episodes two and three as well, with 8.54million and 8.64million tuning in respectively.

Strictly survived multiple scandals last year, as Amanda Abbington made accusations of abusive behaviour against , with six out of 17 of her complaints being upheld; he denies all claims. Fellow pro was then sacked for gross misconduct following allegations that he'd kicked his partner during rehearsals.

He claims it was accidental and seeks to now rebuild his dance career. Meanwhile, historic comments from towards Laila Rouass also resurfaced in recent months, prompting her to tell the world that he is "not racist".

Could it have been the scandals that left Strictly vulnerable to being overtaken in the ratings, after decades of being in the lead?

On the other hand, could it simply be that viewers longing for change have been seduced by the new format seen in the Traitors, which is unlike anything else on television right now?

Claudia admitted during the launch period in December, while she was simultaneously filming for Strictly, that her attention had been divided.

In quotes published by The Sun, she confessed that she was "totally terrified".

She continued: "Even on Saturday I was talking about people's cha-chas but in my head I'm thinking, will they like The Traitors?

"You can't possibly say it's a phenomenon because it hasn't gone out yet and I'm so superstitious."

With the two shows proving to be completely different to each other, they are not direct rivals.

However, the success of The Traitors, which leaves audiences guessing whether cast members are traitors or "faithfuls", has been unprecedented.