The BBC has announced the latest lineup of contestants for the popular reality show The Traitors, set to premiere on New Year’s Day on BBC One and iPlayer. Among the 22 participants are a retired police detective, a crime writer, and a psychologist, all vying for a share of the £120,000 prize fund. The contestants will engage in missions and tactical gameplay as they attempt to identify the “traitors” among them while navigating nightly eliminations.
Claudia Winkleman returns as host for what she describes as a “brutal” series, promising new twists to keep both contestants and viewers on their toes. This season follows the successful celebrity edition that aired in late 2023, where comedian Alan Carr took an unexpected path to victory.
Among the notable contestants is bestselling author Harriet Tyce, a former criminal barrister whose experience in crafting suspenseful narratives may prove advantageous. At 52, Tyce is known for books such as Lessons in Cruelty and The Lies You Told. She expressed enthusiasm for the show, stating, “I spend my life making up horrible ways for people to die… It’s the closest that I’d get to that experience in real life.” Despite her skills, she plans to downplay her literary background, presenting herself as a housewife and mother to avoid drawing suspicion early in the game.
Joining Tyce is Amanda, a 57-year-old retired police detective from Brighton. With a career focused on uncovering deceit, Amanda possesses a wealth of experience in reading people. She remarked, “To be a traitor, you have to be good at lying… I’ve learned a lot about being deceptive, devious and cunning.” Her insights may offer a competitive edge in the strategic gameplay ahead.
Another contestant, Ellie, 33, is believed to be the first psychologist to compete on the show. She aims to leverage her understanding of human behavior during the critical roundtable discussions, where contestants vote to eliminate a member of the group. Ellie stated, “It’s absolutely about trying to form bonds with people early on… I am also going to be hiding my occupation as I don’t want people to make assumptions about me.”
The diverse cast also includes individuals from various backgrounds, such as outspoken builder Adam, poker-playing gardener James, and Reece, a 27-year-old sweet shop assistant. As the contestants prepare to enter the Scottish castle, the stage is set for a season filled with intrigue, strategy, and unexpected alliances.
With its engaging format and compelling contestants, the upcoming series of The Traitors promises to deliver suspense and entertainment for audiences as they watch the battle of wits unfold.
