Tom Daley’s Shower Scene on ‘The Celebrity Traitors’ Sends Social Media Into a Frenzy

Tom Daley is no stranger to the spotlight: as a five-time Olympic medalist and one of the United Kingdom’s most prominent LGBTQ+ athletes, his every move tends to make waves. But on the most recent episode of BBC’s “The Celebrity Traitors,” Daley’s presence rippled far beyond the competition’s murder-mystery premise, thanks to a shower scene that quickly became a viral sensation on social media .

Daley’s appearance was cut short when he became the second “murder victim” in the show’s whodunnit-style game, following pop star Paloma Faith’s exit . But before he left the castle, producers featured a sequence of Daley soaping up in the shower, a nod to his history of aquatic athleticism and a moment that “caused a lot of very thirsty reaction on social media,” according to The Pink News .

Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their amusement, discussing the tongue-in-cheek editing. One viewer wrote: “The gay intern in the edit suite adding in the tom_daly_shower_extendedcut.mp4 into tonight’s final edit knew exactly what they were doing.” Another said, “Celebrity Traitors showing Tom Daley showering for no reason at all, I appreciate the view” .

Daley himself later commented on the scene in an exclusive interview with Digital Spy, calling it “very weird to film,” but noting, “I have spent most of my time half naked diving off diving boards then in the shower anyway, so it feels a bit more normal to me. I think those moments add to the campiness of the show... I feel they add to the drama of the show so you have to be up for it” .

Daley’s time on the show wasn’t just memorable for its playful editing. Another instantly iconic moment came when he gave fellow contestant Kate Garraway a pointed “side-eye” after her repeated use of the word “flabbergasted.” This look quickly became a meme, with viewers praising Daley for what one described as an “Olympic medal-worthy” expression .

In his Digital Spy interview, Daley admitted he hadn’t realized how expressive he was during filming: “I had no idea that I had even given that much of a side-eye but I clearly have no poker face. It’s been funny to watch back” .

The embrace of Daley’s side-eye by LGBTQ+ fans and allies highlights the way meme culture can amplify LGBTQ+ visibility, reframing mainstream reality TV moments as sources of shared queer joy and humor. The online response also points to a broader trend of LGBTQ+ audiences finding affirmation and representation through moments of camp and wit on major platforms .

Despite his popularity, Daley was “murdered” early in the game—a twist that surprised both viewers and the diver himself. “I was obviously gutted,” Daley said. “The way I saw it afterwards, it felt like a compliment and people were shocked that I was murdered… But really I just get FOMO, obviously you want to be able to see what happens and be there for it. But it was nice to be able to go back to my family a little bit earlier and not have to stay for the full three weeks” .

Daley’s departure did not go unnoticed, with many fans expressing disappointment at seeing the beloved athlete leave so soon. His brief tenure on the show, however, was enough to underscore his ongoing influence as a visible, openly gay figure in British entertainment .

Tom Daley’s stint on “The Celebrity Traitors” is emblematic of a wider shift in reality TV, where LGBTQ+ personalities are not only included but embraced for their authenticity and charisma. The show’s producers appeared to lean into Daley’s celebrity and status as an LGBTQ+ icon, using playful editing and camp sensibility to create moments that resonate with queer audiences .

While some have critiqued the use of shower scenes as gratuitous, Daley’s own comments suggest a sense of agency and comfort with the portrayal. “Obviously I was the one to strip off,” he joked, highlighting his awareness of how his image is perceived and received by the public .

The visibility of LGBTQ+ contestants like Daley on major platforms like the BBC continues to be significant for representation, particularly for younger viewers who may be seeking affirming role models. Daley’s ease in front of the camera, combined with the public’s enthusiastic response, demonstrates how reality TV can both reflect and shape cultural attitudes toward LGBTQ+ inclusion .

As “The Celebrity Traitors” continues, the brief but memorable moments featuring Tom Daley remain a talking point—not just for their entertainment value, but for their broader implications regarding LGBTQ+ visibility and cultural representation. Whether through viral memes, playful editing, or authentic reactions, Daley’s impact on the show is a reminder that even fleeting reality TV moments can have lasting significance for audiences seeking connection and affirmation .

The show airs Wednesday and Thursday nights on BBC One, and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer .