The hit reality show,The Traitors, has captivated audiences – and even a member of the Royal Family. The game of deception and trust, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, has proven irresistible, drawing in millions of viewers each week.
Sir Stephen Fry, a “Faithful” contestant who was banished from the game, revealed a surprising fan: The Prince of Wales. During a Royal Variety Performance, the Prince confessed to being “locked into” the series, completely engrossed in the unfolding drama alongside his family.
Fry shared that the show’s impact was “extraordinary,” reaching across all demographics. He even admitted to proactively telling presenter Claudia Winkleman he didn’t want to be a Traitor, believing he lacked the necessary “cunning.”
Historian David Olusoga, a finalist on the show, surprised many with his deep run despite a relatively quiet presence during roundtable discussions. Fry pointed out a distinction between intelligence and cunning, noting Olusoga’s brilliance didn’t necessarily translate to the art of deception.
Jonathan Ross, who excelled as a Traitor before being the first to be exposed, confessed the experience was surprisingly “unpleasant.” Despite enjoying the role, he found the constant lying and the emotional fallout of seeing fellow contestants banished deeply unsettling.
Ross described the pain of knowing he contributed to the elimination of people who genuinely wanted to continue the experience. He acknowledged the emotional weight of engineering someone’s departure, even when they were innocent.
Despite the discomfort, Ross harbors no regrets. He described his time on the show as a “great experience” and a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, ultimately thrilled to have participated in the thrilling game.
The intrigue continues with the upcoming fourth civilian series, promising a larger prize pool of £120,000 and even more challenging physical missions. Contestants will need to build trust while simultaneously avoiding “murder” in the night.
Fans can expect further immersion into the world ofThe Traitorswith the return of the spin-off show,Uncloaked, hosted by Ed Gamble. The broadcaster promises “epic missions, deception, banishments and murders aplenty.”
Casting is already underway for series five, and a second series ofThe Celebrity Traitorsis confirmed, with names like Bob Mortimer and Daisy May Cooper circulating as potential contestants. However, don’t anticipate seeing Jeremy Clarkson among them – he’s firmly stated he’d “never in a million years” participate.
The Traitorsseries 4 premieres January 1st at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, ready to once again deliver a captivating blend of strategy, betrayal, and suspense.