The Traitors Series 3 Contestants – Meet the players joining Claudia Winkleman in the castle

In this nail-biting award winning, reality series, Claudia Winkleman greets a group of strangers as they arrive at a beautiful castle in the Scottish Highlands to play the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust, in the hope of winning up to £120,000.

But hidden amongst them are the Traitors whose job is to secretly murder their fellow players, without getting caught.

It’s up to the others, the Faithful, to try to detect who the traitors are, and banish them from the game, before they become their next victim.

For the lucky ones who survive to the end, they have the chance of winning that life-changing cash. But if a Traitor remains undetected, they’ll take it all. New series, and a whole new game. But who will make it through?

LW

Alex

Age: 29

Occupation: Care Manager

Location: Whitby

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

Well, the first time that I watched the show, I thought the whole concept was so cool. Psychological warfare AND a game show. I watched it with my mother-in-law, and she said, “I think you’d be really good at this.” I mulled it over, watched the second season, and had seen that you could apply for the next. And I thought, you know what, I think I’m going to do that.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I’m quite a funny, silly sort of character that people take at face value quite a lot. Some might assume silly equates to being stupid so, I’ve found that throughout my life, a lot of people have maybe overlooked me or underestimated me. That sort of thing in the Traitors could possibly be weaponized almost. I observe a lot, I’m quite good at cataloguing things. I might appear to be just having fun, but I am taking everything in.

What did you think of the previous series?

I’ve rewatched ahead of this. Failure to prepare is preparing to fail!

I remember looking at Paul and thinking that he did such a good job, being a larger-than-life character. When I watched it again, I had a different opinion because I think he set himself up to fail a little bit. He became a little bit blinkered, where he was so dead set on this game plan that he had that it stopped him from seeing that things were falling apart around him. Harry just played an absolute blinder, and he was thinking on his feet as well.

I think that as soon as you start taking things for granted, or expect that things are going to happen the way that you think they are, then that’s when things change. And it’s about being ready to run after you stumble. In my work, no two days are ever the same, plans go out the window at the drop of a hat and you need to be ready to drop the expectation of how the day was going to go and pick something else up and run with that instead. So, I’m hoping that being able to be a bit resilient and being able to think quickly on my feet will put me in good stead.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I think some things will definitely hinder me. Sometimes I cannot help myself but say something. I’m always the one that fights for the underdog, I will speak my mind, it’s how my mum brought me up. If you’re going to start being really opinionated, right at the beginning then your head’s on the chopping block straight away.

Do you have a game plan?

For me, I think it’s just to be observant, trust nobody, and catalogue events as you go. Pick up on the things that people say even early on, remember them in case you need them later. Overall, I don’t think you can go in with a game plan and stick to it rigidly. I think my broad game plan is to play it a bit stupid and be the nice guy. Try and have a laugh when people get their barriers down and just kind of see what I can pick up even in subtle conversation. That’s what I hope to do, now watch me go in there and do none of that!

When you play games with your friends and family are you very competitive?

I would like to say that I’m quietly competitive. I have a real competitive nature. However, I’d never like to look like the sore loser either. So inside I’m really competitive and have this winning spirit and enjoy winning. However, I don’t like to look like the sore loser, I’m not a stamp your feet, throwing the Monopoly board across the room when I’m out of money person. I try and be quite gracious in defeat.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I’m in a mix of minds about it. I have always been more of a starving artist sort of person as opposed to a sort of athletic person. These days I’m just an artist because I’m definitely not starving, and I love pasta! I’m not particularly physically strong, possibly stronger than I look, but definitely would try and avoid physical activity where possible. The closest thing I’ve got to a sporting achievement was attending PE once in a three-year period! So, I’m not particularly physically active, I am known as a bit of a weed. I’ve tried to lift weights and when it when it comes to running, I think I would just rather not know how unfit I am.

I think the mental challenges seem better. I hope that’s where I’ll come into my own. I have found that when there has been more of a mental aspect, solving puzzles or figuring out chords or whatever, I tend to click on to that quite quickly. So perhaps if I falter in the physical aspect of things, I’m hoping to soar in the mental aspects.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

Well, obviously, I don’t know how I’m going to react when I’m in there, the pressure is massive. But there’s part of me that is hoping to be a Traitor because I feel like the chances of getting to the end are a lot better if you’re a Traitor. I think that I can cope with the pressure, I think I’ll be able to do it and there would be a slight relief to be a Traitor perhaps.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

I hope so. When I spoke to my mum about it, she said you’d make an excellent Traitor. And I was like, what does that even mean mum?! Basically, what she said – and some other people throughout my life have said the same – is that it’s quite difficult to read me sometimes. I’d say that would be quite a useful skill to have.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I’m a very empathetic person, I really care about people, and I really love people as well. I’m a big feelings sort of guy, I’m quite emotional. So, I think that it might be quite difficult for me initially, but there’s money that I can potentially win. That’s what’s going to give me a family, that’s going to give me a new start and I need to think it’s me or them. And it’s a game at the end of the day.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I’ll probably use the same ideas, being observant but perhaps keeping my mouth shut for a bit because I think you’ve only got the opportunity to say exactly how you feel once you get a few rounds into the game. Choosing alliances carefully, trying to be well liked by people would be all important. It’s not a popularity contest but I think at the beginning there is an element of that, so just trying to try to keep in with everyone until you’ve got that freedom to start pointing the finger.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

I think that I’ve got a good gut instinct. Usually, I can get quite a good measure of people just by meeting them. I do like to observe things. I quite like being the centre of attention, when you’re the centre of attention it gives you quite a good 360 view of everybody. Even though I’m the first that’s in the centre of everything, some people would probably see that as a drawback, but I think you get to see how people react to you. I’m quite sensitive to other people’s emotions and I’m quick to pick up on a change in mood and whatnot.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

Me and my wife aren’t able to have biological children and it’s obviously very expensive to start IVF so that would be the first thing on the list. I’m desperate to be a dad, I’m just a big kid and just always wanted to be a dad. So that will be first on the list. And then just boring stuff, pay off debt, take my family on a holiday, all that sort of stuff. You know, give them a bit of a treat.

Alexander

Age: 38

Occupation: Former British Diplomat

Location: London

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

Firstly, I love doing new things, and I always take opportunities where I can. I just finished visiting all 15 of London’s disused underground stations. When I was in Bologna recently, I went down the sewers. I went to Murmansk a couple of years ago to see the world’s northernmost McDonald’s and nuclear icebreaker. I’ve lived around the world in different countries. I hope this will be something I’ll enjoy… and if not, it’ll be something new!

Secondly, I think it would be fun to bring my diplomatic skills to the game – a diplomat is meant to win people over and be good at influencing and negotiating!

And finally, it’s a show with heart.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I’d like to think I have an ability to get on with a wide range of people. I’ve lived around the world, working with everyone from victims of attacks or natural disasters, local tribes, schoolchildren, politicians and briefly royalty. I’m meant to build relationships for a living, so I’d like to think I have a good radar for who I can trust! Either way, I’m looking forward to meeting some people with interesting backgrounds in the castle.

I’m quite resilient – I worked on human rights and negotiations in conflict zones and used to lead fast-response teams to crises overseas. So, I’m hopeful I’ll be relatively calm in quite a pressurised environment. That said, there’s a large element of luck so there’s a good chance I go in saying this and then get voted out on day one! I don’t think there’s a huge amount you can do about that.

Hopefully I’ll also bring warmth and humour!

What did you think of the previous series?

I thought series one and two were quite different. I thought in the first series people were figuring out the game as they went along, and I think in the second people were much more suspicious and craftier! I loved the intrigue. I like the fact that people seem to bond so strongly, I think that’s really interesting even when they know that there’s a risk that there’s people amongst them that they shouldn’t bond with, people can’t help it and do take emotive decisions, we saw that in the final of the last series.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I think the people that play the game particularly well are people that are smart and pretend to be less so. For example, Harry is a smart guy, but he plays this cheeky chappy, who couldn’t hurt a fly, except every so often puts his head above the parapet to assassinate somebody then goes back down again. And then there are some people who maybe aren’t as suspicious of others or get close to Traitors and stay in the game that way. I think that can also work!

What do you think you’ll bring to the game? You’ve touched on your skills in your current position.

It’s one of those things where it’s easy to say yeah, I’ve got this like everybody does. One thing life teaches you is you don’t really know until you get there. So maybe I have forged strong relationships with some unusual groups but that doesn’t mean it will work the same way. I don’t really know, but I think remaining open is probably not a bad plan.

Do you have a game plan?

Watch and wait. If there’s one thing my job teaches me it’s to listen and watch more than you talk, at least initially. And take a genuine interest in others and do your processing inside your head.

Are you competitive?

Yes, I’ve always been quite competitive. In my education and career I’ve found myself in environments that encouraged me to push myself. Although I’m pretty competitive I do try and pretend not to be, because it can make you seem like a horrible human being!

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I like to think I’m a good team player. I’m good at finding a role in a group that’s needed. I am good at corralling people and bringing them together.

The last thing you need is too many leaders. It’s best to find your role. If the group lacks somebody to go do a miserable task, then fine, I’ll do the thing that needs doing. I don’t have a big ego, I just want to get things done. If people are not pulling their weight or not trying, I think I’ll find that difficult and I’ll show it.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I’ve thought about this. My life has been sort of one of public service from secondary school teacher, diplomat, civil servant, trying to do stuff that’s good. I think naturally I’m more Faithful. I think I can be leaky with my emotions and that worries me, I wish I wasn’t. I think I’d find it stressful to lie because I don’t generally, but I also think I’d be reasonably good at it.

It feels a bit to me, like in Harry Potter when the sorting hat is like “you can be in Slytherin or you can be in Gryffindor?” The point is it shoves Harry into Gryffindor, not because he couldn’t be a good Slytherin but because he asked to be. I feel a bit the same. My natural moral compass always points me that direction, but there’s a part of me that I think has the capability and also would enjoy being a Traitor.

Do you think you’ve got a good poker face?

If I find somebody a bit oblivious or if I’m getting annoyed, I’ll tend to show it and it’s not my best characteristic. But if I need to hide something as part of a strategy, then I think I’ll just compartmentalise it and I just become unemotional about it.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

Would I do anything within the game? Yes, but so would everybody. You’re not actually being malicious or nasty, you’re just playing the game.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I think what you want is strong relationships, that’s your first buffer so that people tend not to take against you or dislike you. Ideally, you’d also stay mid-pack in the earlier stages – try not to stand out in any way – we’ve seen a few times someone make a light-hearted comment that then becomes huge at the Round Table!

I think I’ll also need to establish some sort of narrative about why I’m working for the good of the group and for me, that’s public service. I’ll then try to build up trust – one really interesting thing about your role as a Faithful is that you never have to lie, unless you want to.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

Not very good and I say this because everybody’s not very good. Nobody’s good at spotting a liar and that’s partly anecdotal, we’ve all been caught out. We know by watching the TV show people get it wrong almost all the time, and we know from studies that almost every person’s ability to spot a liar is about 55/45. So, I think what I bring is self-awareness on that more than I would bring capability.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

Maybe awareness of my own capabilities (both good and bad!), but also, an ability to watch and learn from others – are they being consistent and are they leaving clues? I still think you can pick up a lot from people, even if you can’t spot a liar.

Have I taken notes from both series? Yes. Do I think I know what the tells are? Yes. Would I keep notes at the end of every day and run them? Yes. Would I tell people? No, that would be weird, it also makes me look a bit strange. What you can do is sift the evidence and I suspect if you keep it on enough people, over time I bet people slip up.

There’s also an interesting point that it doesn’t really matter if you identify Traitors at the start because they’ll just be replaced – you’re better holding on to your theories until later in the game…

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

Part of it I’d give to a charity called The Royal Mencap Society – my brother used to go to a Mencap holiday every year and it gives respite for parents so that special needs kids can have a holiday and so can parents, which was awesome. I was a carer at Mencap five years running and I really enjoyed it, my brother really enjoyed it and my parents got a break too and I’d like to help bankroll that a bit.

I’d also like to buy a flat because civil servant salaries are not as large as people think they are!

Anna

Age: 28

Occupation: Swimming Teacher

Location: County Wicklow, Ireland

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

This is absolutely not something that I normally do! I initially watched The Traitors by accident, my housemates turned it on while I was waiting for my dinner to cook. Then I binge-watched nearly the whole thing in three days, I was obsessed.

It’s the only TV show I’ve thought I’d be good at that! I’ve got a brain that can compartmentalise things and I can be quite personable. I think a lot of it does depend on your ability to control your emotions in that environment and your ability to get people on your side, which are two things that I think I have a bit of a skill for.

I applied on a whim while my boyfriend was watching football. I just filled in the form, didn’t think anything of it. I cannot believe that I got chosen.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I’m a big talker. Sometimes if someone asks me a question, I will go on such a tangent that I have forgotten what the question was, but so will they! I think I have the gift of the gab. I might talk myself into a situation, then hopefully out of a situation and then everyone’s going to forget what the situation was in the first place!

What did you think of the previous series?

I was obsessed. It’s so fast paced, which I really need from a TV show. I love that there are so many games within the game. It’s like mental gymnastics; you’re trying to think about getting close to people but not getting too close because you don’t want to look like you’re forming an alliance. I just think it will be so fun, it’s not only fun if you’re a Traitor. I think there’s a specific way you have to play as a Faithful and that also seems like a bit of craic too. They both seem like a total challenge.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

Obviously, Harry played the perfect game. I really admired his game plan, but I don’t think we’re similar personalities so I don’t think it would work for me. I think your game plan has to suit your personality type. I’m thinking of Andrea from series one, not that we have super similar personalities, but I really admired her reaction when she was brought up at the Round Table. I think she was really good at containing emotions.

Do you have a game plan?

I have a bit of a game plan but it’s hard to say whether it will work or not. I do think the Faithfuls have to work together, but at the end of the day, if I’m a Faithful and figure out who a Traitor is I don’t have to pull them up straight away. I think a good game plan is to figure out who the Traitor is and become good friends with them, that would help get you to the end.

I think if I’m getting pulled up at the Round Table, my style will hopefully be not getting super annoyed or emotional. I want to keep calm, and I think that normally works better. I also think if I was a Traitor I would have to play the exact same style.

What are you like playing games with friends and family? Are you competitive?

I love a game of charades or board games and things like that. It’s totally when my competitive side comes out. I do play a lot of those with my family and my friends, we’re quite into those!

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I’m really, really excited for the Missions. They’re one of the main reasons I wanted to go on the show. Saying that, I don’t think I’m going to be the person that’s winning us all the money! I think I’m going to be a real big team player and I’m definitely going to be cheering everyone on and throwing myself into it. The ones that really worry me are the problem-solving Missions. I’m thinking don’t make me do maths in my head on telly! I loved the ones where they got buried alive, or they’re at a carnival, all those ones I think look so gas.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

When I did the first half of the casting process I said: ‘I absolutely don’t want to be a Traitor, I really want to be a Faithful.’ The reason that I applied for the show is I want to play, and I don’t want the anxiety of carrying the secret to stop me playing the game, having fun and making connections. Now I think no matter what happens, I’m going to be stressed, I’m going to be under pressure and feeling guilty so I might as well be a Traitor! I think if I got a tap on the shoulder, the first feeling would probably be dread, but I’d try to take it on! It’s kill or be killed, so I may as well be not getting murdered at night.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

I think it totally depends on the situation. If it’s withholding a secret from my friends, I’m not great, but when I’m in the zone I’m really good at lying. When there’s so much on the line, I’ll hopefully have a good poker face!

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I’ve thought the least about actually winning the game, I’ve thought the most about just getting to the next round. If I get to seven days, I’ll be happy and then I’ll go from there.

At the end of the day, we’ve all come there to play it so you can’t feel too bad if you betray someone. It’s going to happen to you otherwise, but I am a bit of an empath so I worry I can’t go that far…

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I’d have to get the trust of all the other Faithfuls, that would be the main thing. But I’d have to be keeping a really big eye on not getting too close to anyone, which I think could be a problem for me because I’m quite social and I find it easy to make friends. I do think a massive reason for getting murdered is building too strong an alliance, I nearly feel like I would be more likely to get murdered in the first few days than to get voted out!

The game as a Faithful is obviously figuring out who the Traitor is, but I think the best way, if you’re sure who they are, is to just hang on with that information till you get to the right point and then just vote them out. Although I guess that didn’t work for Jaz!

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I’m a teacher so I spend a lot of time with kids, and I think one thing about hanging around them is they’re really unfiltered versions of adults, so it’s more obvious when they lie. Adults do similar things but just less obviously, so I think I’m good at spotting little signs. Like when watching The Traitors and an actual Traitor is being questioned, they can’t stop drinking their water or fiddling because they’re so anxious. They’ve got all this nervous energy. I think kids do that a lot, too. So, I think I’m pretty good at spotting a liar.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

I really think a personality that people enjoy being around can get you quite far. I think that happened a lot with Wilf in season one where he was suspected only a couple of times. I think getting involved in the missions, I think you must be a good friend to people, because everyone is going to be so all over the place in there. I think it’s the best if you’re authentic and make real connections…And be a bit of craic!

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I’ve thought about what I would spend it on. I went to college twice, my first degree was media, but my second degree was pattern drafting to be a seamstress. I’m passionate about sustainable fashion and would love to set up a sustainable fashion line that’s slightly more affordable for young women. I really admire some UK brands but they’re harder to get in Ireland, so I’d love to do an Irish line.

Armani

Age: 27

Occupation: Financial Investigator

Location: London

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

I’d seen the show, and I really did like it. I’m very much into problem solving games, all that kind of stuff. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. I might as well just go for it and see what happens.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I don’t want to sound vain, but I’m pretty good at most things I put my mind to. I’ve got a law background, I’ve worked as a financial investigator, and what I’ve been doing for the past five years involves being analytical. Day to day and in my job, I try to see whether someone has done something wrong, and I try to investigate it and discover what needs to be put right. I like to help people, I like to do things in a team, I’ve always been that way inclined. The Traitor side of it sounds like a really fun game. You’ve got to try to see what you can do to make other people follow your game plan. So, it’s just a really interesting concept.

I know I’ll be good at the activities, I’m pretty good at most physical challenges, I love riddles and all those kinds of things. I’m quite a people person and I am a bit of an all-rounder. I can see myself being a good member of the team.

What did you think of the previous series? Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I re-watched the first two series when I found out I was going to be on! The number one word that comes to my mind is intense. Emotions are high. Maybe it’s because I’m looking from the outside in, but when I watch it, I just think you are all playing the game wrong! It’s not a personality competition and I refuse to trust anyone. I think the best Traitor of all time is Harry. I think he just played it so smartly. He eased and schemed his way through, not drawing too much attention to himself. When he did get questioned, he was like, ‘it’s impossible’ or ‘it can’t be me’. I’ve always thought that was brilliant.

I think Faithfuls need to be a little bit more strategic. And I think that’s something I could probably bring into it.

Do you have a game plan?

Absolutely. I have thought about this for the last couple of months. I will be planting seeds everywhere I go. You need to strike a fine balance between oversharing and then not sharing enough. People get voted out at the Round Table or get killed off that are too quiet and equally for being too loud.

What are you like playing with family or friends? Are you competitive?

I am very competitive. I would love to say that I am not a sore loser, but I don’t know if that’s true. I really love to win, and I hate being bad at things. I’m pretty good at most things I put my mind to, but there are obviously a few things that aren’t my strong point, and there’s no worse feeling than that. When it comes to games I just want to win, so coming into the Traitors I’m wanting to win, I want that money.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I’ll enjoy anything that’s a puzzle as I’m very analytical. When it comes to sport it’s not my strong suit. I’ve got quite good physical strength, but I hate running and things like that.

If you were a Traitor, how do you think you’d feel?

Fantastic. I’m not really stressed either way, but I just feel like as a Traitor it’s a completely different game. There’s the sense of security that you’re not going to get killed off at night-time, but then there’s the fact that you’ve got to lie for the whole game, essentially to the people that you start to build relationships with. I’m not going to take it to heart if someone betrays me, I’d do the same. If I got killed off as a Faithful, for example, I would just be like, what a shame, but it is what it is.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

I’m a very honest person which is why I’m a very good liar. I don’t see the point of lying but It’s very easy for me to lie, because I rarely do. When I have lied I’ve gotten away with it because you wouldn’t even think to think that I’m lying. My poker face is a ten out of ten.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

There’s barely anything I wouldn’t do. Realistically, if it doesn’t go against my morals, I think I’m cool.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

Honesty is the best policy. I’m going do my best in the Missions, I’m going to try to win people over and just go with the flow. You’ve got to be strategic, no matter how you look at it. At the end of the day, I want to win. So, if there are people that I think are weaker links, I’ll be planting those seeds of doubt. I don’t think I necessarily want to go as far as to say, ‘I think this person is a Traitor or not.’ Because at the end of the day, especially from watching the show in the past, people get it wrong 90% of the time. I’ll say what I think is necessary, but I will not be the loudest person in the room, which might be a little bit difficult for me. I keep telling myself not to be the loudest and not to be the centre of attention.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I feel like I’ve got great intuition. I don’t judge people straight away and I don’t really believe in first impressions. I wait and see how they interact with other people, I’m always listening to everyone else’s conversations, whether they know it or not. I am a fly on the wall as much as I can be. I think because of that, it allows me most of the time to see what people are about.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I’m going to be an adult and realistic, I’ve got debts to pay off. Number one, law school was not free, and my family is not rich, so that’s got to get paid off.

I’m in a long-distance relationship with my boyfriend right now and we’re coming up to the two-year mark. We want to get married and want to have the whole shebang. He’s from France so he’d have to get a visa which is so expensive, so that’s on the list. Hopefully a wedding and a down payment on a house, that will be fantastic. It’s very much of the basics of life and everything else, I would really like to try to put some into savings because I want to think forward, be smart, and then treat my family to something somehow.

Charlotte

Age: 32 (at time of filming, 33 now)

Occupation: Business Director

Location: London, recently moved to Hampshire

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

I have loved the show since the very start and think it would be such a fun thing to take part in. A real ‘money can’t buy’ experience getting to play the game.

What did you think of the previous series?

I loved them. I applied to go on series two after series one as I was such a fan from the very beginning! But I didn’t hear anything back. I think series two benefited from everyone really understanding and playing the game. What I love is not only the main game, which is amazing, but all the undercurrents of secrets – I gasped when the Diane/Ross connection was revealed! It’s just such a great show. I’ve loved chatting about it and dissecting it with friends and colleagues, so to be actually going on it… it’s very surreal but so exciting! Going into series three, I am really aware there will be different challenges they’ll put in. I think it’ll be quite unnerving and exciting.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I thought in series one, Amanda played an amazing game. She flew under the radar for so long and I wish she had got further. In series two it was funny when Paul got so much hype for being an incredible Traitor, which he was, but I loved it when Harry rightly pointed out that he was the Traitor still standing…

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I will be friendly and chatty, and hopefully bring people together and be great on missions. But I am not afraid to go against someone and vote for them. Just because they are a friend, doesn’t mean they are not a Traitor!

Do you have a game plan?

In terms of actually being there, I’ve just got to see how it goes. I think the reality of playing the game will be very different to thinking about playing the game. But in terms of an overarching game plan? I have one. Not sure if it will work or not.

When you play games with family and friends are you competitive? How do you generally approach it?

I am the most competitive. I love playing games and having board game nights with friends. I get very into it and will always play to win. I don’t mind losing so long as everyone is trying their best. That’s what I love the most about the idea of playing The Traitors. We will be playing an incredible game where everyone is following the rules and everyone is trying to win.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I am really, really looking forward to the Missions, though am worried I’m not fit enough! I love team sports and play netball – though as Goal Shooter I mainly end up being cheerleader for the rest of the team and panicking when the pressure’s on for me to score. I think the missions will be a nice break and a good way to do something all together as a team. It will have that extra element of earning money for the prize pot, too, which will be great.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I know I will have to control my reactions if I’m picked to be a Traitor. I was watching the first Australian series the other day and the guy described it articulately when he said he felt this adrenaline surge through him, and he had to do all he could to just push it down. That will be me 100%. I will have to suppress every natural reaction and then just really breathe, quietly and subtly. I think I’ll have such a thrill if I’m a Traitor, and if I’m not, I’ll be listening hard. Often when I play games with friends, like Mafia, you can find out quite a lot from just listening.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

No, I have a terrible poker face! I wear my heart on my sleeve, and everyone always says they know what I’m thinking.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I will do whatever it takes, you have to! I think the thing with being a Traitor is that it gives you safety initially. You’re safe from murder and you’re probably safe from maybe one or two roundtables. But from that moment on, it’s the other Traitors that are going to turn on you and each other. So, I think that although being a Traitor would be thrilling, it would be a fine art to play.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

If I’m a Faithful, then it’s so unpredictable. I think to stay in I’ll need to make friends and make myself valuable in challenges. You don’t want to be too vocal and put your head above the parapet. If I’m a Faithful I’d try to be a bit like Maddy from series one and Jaz from series two, voting for who you genuinely believe is a Traitor and making it clear, rather than going with the crowd.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I think I’m good at picking up subtle interactions and think I could spot a bit of dodgy behaviour. I’ll be wary of who’s chatting to who and who’s having little side chats.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

I think the odds are so slim that I almost haven’t thought about it. Making it to the final as a Faithful will require luck. It’s so hard to control. Hopefully I’ll make some strong relationships and see what happens.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

There are a few things; we’re looking at going through fertility treatment soon, so money towards that would be great. A. safari holiday would be incredible because why not celebrate if I win! And we’ve recently moved so I would love to redecorate and bring all my saved inspo pictures to life.

Dan

Age: 33

Occupation: Bank Risk Manager

Location: Liverpool

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

I’ve always loved strategy games; I’ve always loved the opportunity to see how people manipulate and deceive in different types of games. And I just really wanted an opportunity to do something that you don’t do in your everyday life; throw myself into a game like this and see how I do. The first two seasons were really engaging, and I wanted to be a part of the next part of the story.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I think I’ll bring a different way of thinking to the game because I don’t tend to follow group thinking a lot of the time, I’m quite steadfast in my own opinions. So, I’ll be able to form my own decisions without being influenced too much by other people. My autism means that I’m not too bothered about conforming too much, or about making people feel good. I’ll be quite honest with what I say and sometimes that can make me an outcast. But I also think it will bring me some fans as well, and some supporters in the team. So, there’s that and then there’s also a heightened level of strategy that I think I will bring to the game as well, do things in the game that maybe haven’t been done before, or approach problems in a different kind of way.

What did you think of the previous series?

I thought The Traitors, for example, were very predictable in how they behaved in the last season. It’s time to throw another one of them under the bus and they all did it consistently. If I were in that team, I would do something completely different to make myself stand out from that type of behaviour. I also think that people get too hung up on the idea of what a Faithful is versus what a Traitor is. For me, what’s more important is what is an ally like for me, I want to take that deep in the game. Because if you’re a Faithful, there’s always a chance that you can get recruited as a Traitor and you can always use your knowledge of who you think might be a Traitor to benefit you to get you further. I think I’d attack the game in a very cerebral way, not let emotion dictate it too much. I’d just be really self-interested and think how can I get myself another step further.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I think Jasmine, in the most recent season. I thought she approached everything in quite a logical, pragmatic way, and was confident and articulate in her opinions. That’s something that I’d like to be in the show. I can probably name more people whose gameplay I wouldn’t want to emulate.

Do you have a game plan?

I think it really depends on what my role is at the start. My ultimate game plan is to make sure I’ve got enough people in the game that have my best interests at heart, no matter what side of the fence they’re on. I can have allies if they’re Traitors, but I can also have allies who are Faithfuls too. I just want to make the best move possible for me, no matter what situation I’m in. And not be afraid to be strategic, so for example, shields will be a huge part of my strategy. If I’m a Faithful and another Faithful has got a shield, I think that is reason enough to punish them at the round table. Not because I think that that indicates Traitor behaviour, but just mathematically speaking that will give me a better chance of surviving the murder. I don’t mind playing a really self-interested game where it doesn’t matter whether somebody is a Traitor or a Faithful, all that matters is that this increases my odds to go further.

When you’re playing games with friends and family are you very competitive?

I’m not very popular with friends and family when we play games. There was a game in Covid actually, it was a game over Zoom where you get 20 people together. I got friends and family involved, and you had to vote each other out when you moved between Zoom rooms. I voted my best friend out in round one, I voted my cousin out in round two. They all know that I play to win and I play hard. I’m not really here to play a congenial game.

How will you make alliances?

I think I could have two different faces of my personality, the face that’s among everybody else is the charming smiley Scouse, not really thinking about the game too much, maybe gets a little bit erratic at times. And then behind the scenes, I’m constantly working the numbers, working what’s the best self-interested move for me to make and how can I avoid becoming a target.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions?

I think I’d be good at the Missions. I’m quite physical and especially the Missions with an element of intelligence or puzzles and problem solving involved I think I’d do really well at those.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I think I’d feel good about being a Traitor, because I’d want to have as much control over the game as possible. I wouldn’t want to do something that Traitors in the previous seasons have done, as they’ve all done the same thing. They’ve turned on each other. But I think they’re missing a massive opportunity here because a block of three or four people who are deflecting votes from each other is so powerful in the game. Then if we bring more people into that sphere, without it necessarily being about who’s a Traitor, who’s a Faithful, you could be unstoppable.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

I think so. I think that I’m quite dry in what I say, which I think will lull people into a false sense of security, because there’s not really that much emotion attached to it.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I’d play every card I could in order to win the game. At the same time, my ultimate strategy is still to work with the Traitors.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I think both roles are very, very difficult. I think that as a Faithful I would need to identify quickly who I think the Traitors are. I believe that there are patterns in who the Traitors have been in the first couple of seasons, and I could use a bit of that intel to my advantage. I’m quite good at deciphering people’s intentions so I would cosy up to them, not threaten them at all and I’d constantly use words that make people feel good; use words like trust, comfortable, respect, just to get people on side and not have people think, ‘oh, he’s too bright. He’s thinking too much about the game.’ Just have people think he’s got my back no matter what role they’re playing, so that they don’t want to get rid of me.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I think I’m quite good. I think over explanation is a common tell, as well as being overly defensive. Trying to compensate for something so, for example, in the round table where everybody’s got their blindfolds on, if somebody is suddenly completely different to how they were before, that’s a bit of a red flag for me. Just something that’s not consistent with their behaviour. So, if somebody expresses a lot of emotion to somebody that doesn’t look like they’ve given two hoots about before, I’d think, what’s behind that?

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

Probably sucking up to people. Having people think that you’re non-threatening because ultimately the Traitors have the most amount of control in the game. So, you want to make yourself as appealing to the Traitors as possible and that is by appearing non-threatening. Then you also have to be vocal enough and I think if you come across as strategic or if you come across as causing too much of a wave, you’ll easily get targeted at the Round Table. So, I’d need to show that I’ve got some emotion behind me, and I’ve got some opinions behind me but not so much that it would make me a target at the Round Table. I think it’s a really fine line that you have to walk.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I’d like to go travelling a lot more.

Elen

Age: 24

Occupation: Translator

Location: Cardiff

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

Firstly, because I love the show’s authenticity. It’s not scripted and it’s full of ordinary people. That was the first reason. And secondly, I genuinely thought I’d be really good at the game.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game? Do you have a game plan?

I’m a very bubbly and energetic girl. English is my second language, Welsh is my first. Because of this, I’m not as articulate in English as I am in Welsh, so people tend to associate that with being dumb. Every time I mix with English speaking people, they tend to underestimate me. However, how I present myself on the outside, doesn’t really represent what’s going on inside. That’s something I feel like I can use in the castle to my advantage.

What did you think of the previous series?

I have different thoughts about both series. I thought everybody loved Mollie last year. She was lovely. There were a lot of arguments in the first series. I fear it’s going to be the same in this series. So, I’m preparing myself for that.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

Well, it depends on whether or not I’m a Faithful or a Traitor. If I’m a Traitor, I really like Amanda’s approach in series one. She made one slip up, which is a shame, because that’s the slip up that led to her being banished. But if she hadn’t done that, I genuinely think she would have reached the final. She embraced her background, where she came from. A grandmother and a mother, just a very ordinary person from South Wales, and no one suspected her. I’m from a very rural area. I’m not confident even speaking English, so I’d probably just embrace that further. Then, as a Faithful, I liked Andrew in series two. He was such an emotional man. I loved him. I’m pretty sure all he did was cry in the last episode and that would be me, as in, cry because I’m stressed, cry because I’m happy, crying because I’m sad. That’s me!

Do you have a game plan?

Well, I’ll definitely see what it’s like when I get there because I’m so convinced that there’s going to be a big twist in this series. Everybody loves a twist. They love to catch people off guard. I’m preparing myself to have to change my game plan on the spot. However,

I’m going to embrace my innocent demeanour. Also, I’m a very flirty person. I flirt a lot. Depending on who’s in there, if I see an opportunity where having some boys on my side would benefit me, I might do it.

Would you say you are competitive when you play games at home with your family and friends?

Very competitive, very strategic, I can be manipulative. All very useful traits for this game. That’s why I applied honestly. I just remember seeing it on TV and thinking, oh, my God, this is right up my street.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

Again, it depends. Physically, I’ll be fine. I’m a sporty girl. I’m active. I do strength training. I think I’d be quite good in that aspect. I’m also very good at riddles and mind games. Not so good with things that involve insects, heights, and being buried alive!

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

A lot of adrenaline, it’s what I want. The only way I’m looking at this game right now is from a Traitor’s point of view, it’s what I want.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

I’m actually training to be an opera singer. I’ve been performing since I was a child. So, I’m used to putting on that mask and just getting in the zone. I’m not in the Royal Opera House in London, yet but that’s the dream.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I’d like to think I will do whatever it takes. I’m so competitive and I want this so much. I really want that money. However, I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m very emotional. I love people deeply. I don’t know what kind of friendships or bonds I’m going to make in there. If I really love the people, it’s going to be hard. Then again, they might be awful. So, it depends. To be honest, I’m intrigued either way.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

Slightly similar to being a Traitor, as in, I would still try and get nobody to suspect me. I’ll just try and make people like me.

How good are you at spotting a liar? Do you think you have a good read on people?

Yes. However, when I do fall in love with someone or form friendships with people, it’s as if I subconsciously just ignore red flags. I have no idea who I’m going to meet. But hopefully it will be good.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

Apart from the fact that I do think in this game there’s a lot of luck involved, I do think being likeable is important. It’s not a popularity contest but, subconsciously, it is. Traitors are going to murder people they don’t like. Faithful are going to banish people they don’t like. I don’t know how conscious they are of doing it, but I do think being popular is going to get you far. So, it is something I’m going to try and do. Despite it not being a popularity contest, I am going to have to try and get people to like me. Anything to just keep me around.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I was recently diagnosed with stage four endometriosis, and it’s really bad. I suffer every time I’m on my period, sometimes in-between cycles as well. However, since I’ve been diagnosed, I’ve been referred to an endometriosis specialist, and that waiting list is six to twelve months. Once I see that specialist, I will be on another three-year plus waiting list for surgery. It is a condition so under researched, underdeveloped and underfunded, despite one in ten women having the condition. It’s so devastating I wish to honestly raise awareness and to have the money to fund my treatment privately.

Fozia

Age: 50

Occupation: Community Development Manager

Location: Birmingham

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

It was on my bucket list. I have been watching all the previous series, and it’s not like any other programme. There are other shows where the game is answering general knowledge questions, and then you win a prize. Whereas this one was more strategic, psychological, it’s twisted, and I love it. I used to get on the phone to my sister after watching and we’d chat all about it.100% loved it. Whoever was behind the concept and idea was bloody amazing!

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I’d want to bring myself as a Faithful. I’m keeping my mind open to things though. I think I’ll bring a bit of fun to it as well, and I get on with people. I have always been a people person. So, when I saw the show, I saw that it is about building friendships, building trust, building allies, even though you then maybe might throw them under the bus. I’ll get on with people on different levels as well and I feel I’ve got quite a bit of life experience and things that I might share culturally, you know. I think I’m quite a strategic thinker, too. And I’m a planner, I’m pretty organised.

What did you think of the previous series?

It was shocking that it was a young person who got all the way through. Harry was so young, and he was so calm and collected. And then Mollie, oh my God, he did her over right at the end. I really did feel sorry for her at one point, but then I thought, well, you know it was a game. And I think if you if you go in with the mindset – I’m in it to win it and I’m playing a game. Yes, I’m going to make friends but you’re not necessarily going to be my besties for the rest of my life. I want that prize pot! I noticed how you get cliques, there were groups. And then it’s about fitting in, isn’t it? And some people who didn’t, you could tell they maybe looked a bit weak and were banished quickly. And yeah, I liked the fact that you got the challenges, and it was physical and then it was also the mind games. There’s a good variety in it.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I liked Paul’s game plan and Harry’s. And I really liked how Jaz approached things, although I felt he held back too much, I think. I don’t know, would I do that myself? I don’t want to get banished! I think he kept too much to himself too late. Because he was so close, he got to the end and he was a Faithful. I think him and Mollie could have quite easily won, he just had to win her over. He was true to his game and he was true to himself and he got so close. But I thought Jaz, you could have won this.

Do you have a game plan?

I’ll go in and make friends, and make sure that I can be trusted, I’d be myself, talk about stuff outside of work, show some level of compassion, you know, I want them to see the real me. But at the same time, I want to be strategic about it because you can’t trust anyone. I am going to be careful about what I share and don’t share. And normally I can smell a rat.

When you’re playing games with family and friends are you very competitive?

Oh, I’m competitive. Yeah, I’m really competitive and I want to win.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

Yeah, I think like with some of the physical missions, even if I’m not physically too fit to get involved myself, I’m going to do all of them and give my all. But if I can see someone’s doing a bit more than me, if I’m a Traitor and I can see someone’s doing more, I’ll be like yeah, let them carry on! Like if someone wants to take the lead, alright carry on. If I’m playing any game, I actually don’t cheat. I always like to win on my own merit, and I’ll work towards winning. But yeah, even in Monopoly I don’t cheat. My brother’s always the Banker and I’ll always catch him out sliding the 500s under the table.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I was thinking about that and I thought, I’ll embrace it. Because throughout this whole process, even though I’d been saying I’d like to be a Faithful I realised hang on a minute, you could actually be a Traitor, and put this mask on. And people would think, oh, she looks quite innocent, it won’t be her. I think I could quite easily get away with being an evil Traitor and people not knowing.

That would be the plan, building my allies, building the trust.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

I’m going to have to probably work on my poker face a bit more. When I’m at work and focused, people are like “oh, she means business, we’ve got to get this done.” Friends and family also see me as someone who will take charge and I have good leadership skills. So, I don’t know if it’s a poker face, but it’s almost a don’t mess with Fozia face!

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I think with Faithfuls, maybe still taking a lead because it depends on the personalities, but being influential is important, and sharing stuff with the other Faithfuls and kind of steering them and saying, “Look, we want to win this, we’re going to be Faithfuls. If you’ve seen something, we need to tell each other.” Or “You be on your guard with so and so.” I’ll be watching behaviours and people’s tone, language ,eyes. Where have they gone to? Who’s just suddenly disappeared out of the room? Like, that’s just the way I am.

Are you good at spotting a liar?

I think so. Or especially someone’s who’s two faced. Yeah, I’ve met a few snakes in my time.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

I think staying true to yourself 100%. And then to be a Faithful it is building the friendships, the allies, sharing some information with Faithfuls, doing things collectively. You’ve got to be a good team player because they’ve got to see you’re part of a team to trust you as well. That’s quite key.

And then being approachable as a Faithful. Because if you’re trying to do your own thing, it’s a bit weird, you’re kind of playing the mind game by yourself. But physically, you’re all actually together, because one minute you’re all doing the group activity, then you have your chats, I wouldn’t be someone who’s going to then just go on a corner and keep everything to myself. I want to know what people are saying and I’d want to share what I’ve got to say or what I’ve seen. I think over time, when you build friendships, you start sharing more don’t you? Yeah, and then you’ve got your core group of Faithfuls that you’re kind of moving with until a Traitor spots them and goes “Oh, god, there’s a threat there. Let’s murder them.”

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

Ooh, the prize money. I could do with a new set of veneers. My niece is calling me Nanny McPhee. That’s how bad it looks! But now on a serious note, I’ve got two, I say kids, but they’re adults, and they need to fly the nest. South Asian weddings, they cost a bomb. If it’s up to my dad he’s going to invite the postman and the local councillor! The prize money would help with paying for my kids’ weddings, paying the mortgage off and I’m 50 so I want to kind of retire early.

Francesca

Age: 44

Occupation: Interior Designer

Location: East Sussex

Why did you apply to be in the traitors?

I watched the second series avidly, and I thought I could do that. I could be quite good at that. I’ve got four sons, and I think they just see me as mum, and that I do Interior Design – I don’t think they even realise what that involves. I believe they literally think I just plump cushions and hang some curtains. I also entered the competition on a personal level which was I really wanted to challenge myself. I suppose part of me wants to show my sons that anything’s possible.

What do you think you could bring to the show?

I feel like I have a lot of life experience. I trained as an actress and then I started my own interior design business without any training whatsoever. I’ve had to learn to be a very good judge of character. I’ve developed these skills through times of being a single mum, as well as having to work with large groups of people and deal with clients across the commercial, private and residential sector who vary quite a lot. You can always suss out a fibber. If I think someone’s really telling lies, then I will call them out and say, that’s not the case.

I think sometimes people think I’m a ditzy blonde, and that I just make things look pretty. But what I do involves a lot of engineering and architecture. Sometimes people assume I’m one thing but actually there are different layers, and I like to surprise people.

What did you think of the previous series?

It was fascinating. I find people fascinating. With the last series, I enjoyed watching the dynamics and the friendships that formed, but also the betrayals. Watching Harry and Mollie was like watching a really bad betrayal between a lovely young couple. Paul was really entertaining too. He played it very well. At first, I thought, oh my gosh. He’s really like that. Then I realised he was playing a character, so it was quite interesting. Some people expose themselves when they get quite nervous and let themselves down in the game a bit. They probably got banished when they shouldn’t have got banished, but they were flustered. The dynamics of how people react under pressure, I find really fascinating.

Was there anybody that you admired?

I thought Diane had a good game plan because she was firm. She eventually got murdered but she was firm and strong. She wasn’t too quiet, she wasn’t too loud, she was just being herself and got quite far. Paul was brilliant because he put on this villain character, and it turned out he was, in fact, really nice and inside he was laughing. I found them all interesting. Ross, I found interesting because he was playing a nice guy. He got really far and he didn’t seem to be too tactical – quite the opposite from Paul. It’s quite interesting how people get through, some have lots of tactics, and then some, not so. Harry was being massively tactical, but it was just under the radar the entire time, which was, as we all know, a brilliant game plan.

What will your game plan be?

To be myself as much as possible and to read people. I won’t be too loud, but I also won’t be completely quiet. I’m able to read a room and then I get a little bit louder and bubblier as I become more confident. I’m very straight talking as well. I’m not a natural liar. I normally say how it is, and if I have an opinion on something, I will say it. On the other hand, I wouldn’t say anything to offend somebody or hurt somebody. I’m respectful, but it’s just sort of finding a balance and trying to say, ‘actually, I don’t think that’s fair’. I think if you’re being massively duplicitous you should do that in a somewhat authentic and sensitive way.

Do you think you’ll be good at the missions, and what do you think you’ll bring to them?

I like problem solving games, like Sudoku. I can run, although I’m not the sportiest of people and I’m not a massive outdoorsy type, so I’m not a serious gym bunny or anything. I do Pilates and yoga, so I think physically, it might be challenging. I’ll give anything a go. I’m not going to admit to enjoying a freezing cold lake, but I’ll do it. I’m not going to say, ‘yay. I’m so excited about that!’ But I don’t mind getting my hands dirty.

If you were to be a Traitor, how would you feel about that?

It’s funny, because throughout this process my mind has changed. When I first started, I thought; oh, I’m definitely a Faithful. That’s my nature. That’s who I am. I don’t tell lies. I’m very honest. Then, as the process progressed, I started thinking about it and my mind changed. For example, I’m lying to my kids about what I’m doing, because they don’t know the reason I’m going away. I’ve made up this very elaborate lie and it just gets worse and worse. I think that I’d be quite good at being a Traitor. I’ve found this inner side of myself, and I would do it. No messing around. If I’ve got to be a Traitor, I’m just going to do it. Maybe this has just unleashed an inner deceptiveness in me!

Have you got a good poker face?

I’m good at poker. I once visited a friend in Sheffield, and they had a poker night every week. I’d never played poker before, but I got the hang of it. We played poker and I kept pretending that I had never played it before or still didn’t understand the rules, and I won, and they were livid. I had a royal flush! It was almost like I was infringing on this hardcore poker group. I wasn’t invited back up to Sheffield.

If you were a Traitor, how far do you think you’d be prepared to go to win the game?

Without being really horrible to somebody I would go as far as I needed to go. There’s a little bit of inner ruthlessness in me that has caught me by surprise.

If you’re Faithful, what will your game plan be?

I will observe quite a lot. In a previous series the ones that were quiet got quite far. The ones who were asking a lot of questions got murdered quickly. I think you’ve got to read the room a bit and distinguish between the strong characters and the quieter people and find out where you fit into that. If I was a Faithful, I’d befriend people as much as possible so there’s a bit of teamwork and understanding of who you might think that the traitors are. But if I suspected someone as being a Traitor, I might befriend them a little bit to get to know them. If I thought they were lying, I’d call them out.

Do you think you’re good at spotting a liar?

Yes, I am. I have spotted a few in my time, and I’ve not been wrong. But these aren’t people who are taking part in The Traitors and those who are might be very good liars, so I don’t know. I think in everyday life, it’s probably easier to spot a liar than in a game like this. But generally, I can tell when someone’s lying. I know someone who slightly flares their nostrils when they lie and I can tell when kids are lying because they do funny things with their eyes, or they change the subject. Others twitch a little bit. There’s often just something in a person’s eyes or their facial expressions which means you can tell that there is a bit of a porky going on somewhere.

If you were a faithful, what qualities do you think you would need to get yourself to the final?

Holding your nerve. I think Jaz was really interesting, because he held his nerve, and he stuck with his game plan and to his convictions. He knew when not to say things and when to say things. I think that’s a really good skill to have. Reading the room and kind of knowing the right timing is the best thing. You’re Faithful, but you can be murdered at any point so even if you think you know who the Traitors are, you shouldn’t try and get people’s backs up too much so that they want you murdered. Perhaps you shouldn’t be too inquisitive or domineering so people don’t think they’ve got to get rid of you. I think that was what happened with Diane in the end. She was being too firm and was getting too close to the bone.

If you were to win, what would you do with the prize money?

I would put it towards my boys, who are the motivations of my life. When I was a single mum, I had a difficult time, and then people started to say, ‘Oh, I like the way you’ve done your house. Can you come and do my house?’ The requests kept coming and soon I was designing for stately homes and hotels. So it was a strange experience, but I was to able build a business and provide for my kids, and that’s always been my motivation. Although, I would quite like a nice handbag!

Freddie

Age: 20

Occupation: Politics Student

Location: Peterborough

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

I’m quite big fan of The Traitors, I’ve watched the first two series of the UK show and I’ve watched the Australian one as well. I just think it’s such an interesting concept for a game, it’s very strategic and psychological, and it’s all about using your brain. I think I’ve got a skill set that makes me suited to being quite good at the game and I thought why not just give it a go and apply, and here we are.

What did you think of the previous series?

I thought they were class. I watched the first one when it came out and then the second one with Harry and Mollie which was so big, it just took a massive turn and everyone was talking about it.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I used to be UK number one in the athletic sprint hurdles from the ages of 14 to 17. So just from that I’ve got a very competitive, driven mindset. I don’t do sport anymore because I tore my hamstring in 2020, so I’ve sort of shifted that mindset into everyday life. If I’m doing a job, if I’m studying, I want to do it to the best of my ability and bring that drive and passion.

For stuff like the Round Table, I’ve studied politics for A-levels and at university now and I think I’m quite good at articulating points, bringing evidence to the table, being able to hold myself in arguments. I think they’re all pretty important strengths you need in the game.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

Harry, just because we’re quite a similar age and obviously he won. I liked the way he played into the idea that you would never think it was him because he’s just a nice boy, who’s young, so people underestimated him. I also liked the Australian series two with Sam, the way he just got away with it, time after time is crazy, he was such a character.

Do you have a game plan?

Definitely. I want to obviously be authentic, and I think if I keep pretending to be someone I’m not then cracks will start showing. I think I’m likeable and quite sociable, so I think I’d get along with everyone. I’m a bit of a flirt sometimes so maybe a bit of flirting to get where I need to be. Just staying consistent as myself and then as I get into the game, and hopefully go through the rounds, I’ll be able to start to put together a proper strategy as I get to know everyone.

I think you also need to try to not be too loud and not be too defensive at the Round Table, but also not be so quiet that everyone thinks “why are you not speaking to anyone? You must be a Traitor.”

Are you competitive when you’re playing games with friends and family?

I’m the most competitive person and a massive sore loser. My cousin is the same so we’re really competitive with each other. Monopoly boards have been thrown – it can get very heated sometimes!

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions?

I think yes, I’m young and I’ve got an inkling that I’ll probably be the youngest, just from looking at other series. Obviously, I used to be an athlete so I’ve got that skill set, I can run and carry heavy weights, stuff like that I think I’d be good at. I am scared of a few things though, I hate the idea of roller coasters or jumping out of a plane or anything like that, so we’ll see!

I’ve also seen throughout the series, if you do really well in the Missions, there’s a correlation – they think you’re a Faithful because you’re doing well for the team. Or even if they do think you’re a Traitor I think deep down they’d rather keep you in for a bit longer if you’re bringing in loads of money because at the end of the day, it’s benefiting whoever is there at the end.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I think the good thing about being a Traitor is you have the control of the game. I kind of live by the statement: ‘it’s always good to control the controllables’.

Obviously, if you’re a Traitor, you’ve got the upper hand, you know how the whole game is playing out, you know who’s a Faithful and who’s not. It’s hard that you’re lying to everyone else, but everyone’s in the same boat because we’re all going to be trying to portray ourselves as a Faithful. I think being a Traitor would be quite fun; I’m quite strategic, I’m quite calculated, I like thinking of moves and countermoves and thinking a few steps ahead of the game.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

Yeah, definitely. I think throughout life just playing poker with my friends at uni and with little things, trying to bluff. I’m the type of person who likes to do loads of little lies, just as a joke. Just small things, like I live with seven people at uni and say someone ordered something, I’ll be like, “Oh, your package has arrived, I put it on your bed.” And then they’ll go to their bed and it’s not there. Little pranks like that.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I’d go above and beyond. I think everyone who applies for this show knows that you’ve got to put your all into it. The end goal is to win the 120k for my family, not people I’ve known for a couple weeks! I think I’d always have that as a motivator. If I made a really good friend, it would be a bit rubbish throwing them under the bus but if needs must then it has to be done. Sorry.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I think the whole idea of being a Faithful is just being able to portray yourself with the right sort of faithfulness. You don’t want to be so Faithful that everyone knows you’re a Faithful, because then you’ll just get murdered. It’s a fine line between convincing the right people, but you don’t even know who they are, obviously it’s a hard task.

I think also just doing well in the challenges, having the right allies and also using your voice in the Round Tables, not just being someone that sits back and doesn’t bring anything to the table. If you’re saying nothing and going with the flow each time, just jumping on the bandwagon, you’re not really a good Faithful.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I did psychology A level and got an A in it and I think I’m quite good at reading people, their signals, their body language and seeing if they’re nervous and stuff like that. I also love murder-mystery type shows where you have to figure out who’s the killer.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

I think you’ve got to be extremely likeable, extremely sociable, fit into all sorts of groups that there are. There are always little cliques that form, you want to be either in a strong clique that sways who gets voted out or you want to be a sort of floater in and out of different groups, who everyone likes, and everyone thinks is a Faithful.

I think it’s being charming and being charismatic. I think being young does help in the sense that I’m going to try to make the ladies want to look after me. I’m 20 but I’m still quite young at heart, quite a mummy’s boy. I think leaning on those tendencies to portray that could help.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I’d definitely help my mum. My mum has been a single parent since I was about five years old, she has three jobs and has always worked and hustled to make sure we’ve got a roof over our head and dinner on the table. She always puts me first, so I think it’s time for me to give back, pay off a bit of her debt, maybe take her on a holiday. I’m also thinking of doing a fourth-year conversion course in the law school at university. It doesn’t come under Student Finance, so I could put the money towards that. It depends how much I’d get, but I’d obviously also want to put some in some savings for a deposit for a house in the future.

Jack

Age: 24 (at time of filming, 25 now)

Occupation: Market trader and landscaper

Location: Yorkshire

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

My mum told me to apply, funnily enough. I was obsessed with the show, started watching it with my parents, and she just thought I would be a dead ringer to be on it. Also, the money isn’t such a terrible incentive, there’s more reasons than I can shake a stick at really, as to what I’d do with £120 grand! So, mother and money!

What did you think of the previous series? Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I think it’s a bit of a B Tech answer to go, ‘Oh my god, I absolutely loved the last two seasons, they were amazing!’ But to be honest, I think the main thing that I was feeling while watching the last two series was that I was just jealous of everyone who was having the experience. I wanted it for myself.

In terms of a game plan I admired, obviously Paul is the man on everyone’s lips. After watching the first few episodes, I absolutely loved everything that he was doing, and I was watching him thinking, I want to emulate this type of behaviour. However, I think my favourite contestant was Andrew, I really loved Andrew. I just thought he was such a genuine guy, everything that he did made me smile. So, I think I’d like to play it like Paul but come across as more of an Andrew type character. Even though we’re completely different people, I just think that displaying that genuine side of yourself… I’d feel proud if I did that.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I have secretly trained as an actor. I moved to London when I was 18, moved away from Yorkshire and I didn’t really tell too many of my family and friends that that’s what I was going to do, because I think there’s a bit of a stigma around it in the area that I live in, people think ‘oh he wants to go off and chase the acting dream.’ So, I think I’m used to being put into situations which are hostile and unfamiliar. I think I can kind of play it a little bit dumb, maybe act like the ditzy gardener and landscaper who secretly has his own agenda, and hopefully a couple of acting skills to back that up.

Do you have a game plan?

I’m the type of person who likes to think I have a game plan, but as soon as I’m in there, it’s just going to be balls to the wall. Let’s go. I think my entire life; I have been a bit of a winger. I have been the sort of person who talks the talk, and then normally, when it gets down to brass tacks, I’m finishing my assignment 20 minutes before the deadline. I’d like to think that I’ve got a decent game plan, but I’m not too sure how that’s going to work.

What are you like playing games with friends and family? Are you competitive?

I had a friendly game of Monopoly over Christmas time, and my then girlfriend came to pick me up, and I left her outside in the car for about another 30 minutes while we wrapped the game up, constantly telling her that it was going to be five more minutes. So I like to think I have the attitude of ‘it’s okay, he won the game fair and square,’ but no, I’m absolutely desperate to win at all costs

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I think the Missions are going to be my saving grace. I feel like, if at any point in the game where people are starting to become suspicious for whatever reason, if I make massive effort to just win the goal at all costs and be that team player and be that useful, valuable player, hopefully, if it comes between me and Doris, because Doris hasn’t won any money, and I’ve maybe bagged 10 or 15 grand for the team, that could be a factor to keep me in. I’m fit, I’m active, I go running, I go to the gym, I play sports. My work also dictates the fact that I have to be in good physical form, so I am quietly confident. Perhaps not so much with the mind games but definitely, if it comes to swimming through the loch and running over the Highlands, then let’s get this money.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

Sublime. The entire time through this whole process, I have, in my mind, been a Traitor from the start, I don’t think that I’ll be able to completely fulfil my role in the process if I’m not a Traitor. I think that really the Faithful are the players, and the Traitors are the game masters. I want to win, and I think that’s the role which I will be able to perform to the best of my abilities in order to ensure the coinage.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

I’ll take my chances. I am loud, but I am quietly confident.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I’m not just playing this game for me, there’s a lot riding on this. I have the most amazing circle of friends. My family is just huge, and I love them all so much. I’ve said it from day one, if I win this money, it’s not just my money, this is our money to create something big. I am a massively empathetic person. I do find myself trusting people somewhat easily and I do find myself falling into relationships with people very easily. However, I’m doing this for myself. Coming from where we’ve come from, a lot of my nearest and dearest have been through a lot, and I just think this is my chance to really have an impact on the lives of the people around me. So that is the focus.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I am going in with a slightly different tactic. Obviously, the ground rules and the basis of everything stays the same. But I don’t want everybody to just instantly believe I’m a Faithful. I think the people who are known to be Faithful are the people who get voted out the quickest. So I don’t mind switching it up and maybe having the occasional argument, causing the occasional sparks and flames, which obviously I’m going to love. Hopefully, I don’t mind doing that in order to cement myself as someone that the Traitors want to keep around. Because at the end of the day, you’re not just playing the game to banish the Traitors, you’re also playing the game to keep yourself in which I think a lot of people, as I’ve watched the series, have forgotten.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I think I am a naturally trusting person, which somewhat counteracts the whole I want to be a Traitor. So, I guess I’ll just need to cross my fingers and pray. I suppose that’s all you can do, right? I suppose you can just be the best version of yourself and hope for the best.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

I think I play the fool pretty well. I feel like I do that quite a lot, just in general social circles. I am also often the shoulder to cry on. I don’t often do the crying. I’m normally someone who people come to if they have issues or any kind of problem or just want some emotional support. I think I am very emotionally open, which I think as a Faithful you need to be, you need to wear your heart on your sleeve, first of all, to get people to trust you, and second of all, to make people believe that you don’t pose a massive threat. So, I think you just need to be open and honest, which I am.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I am going to spend the money on buying a plot of land, a small plot of land somewhere relatively close to home. Mum and Dad are over retirement age but they are still working the markets most days, and they’re not in a financial position, as of yet, to be able to fulfil their dream, which is to have a small holding and spend the rest of their days working little farmers markets, having a couple of lodges to rent out and then a static caravan for them to live in. So that’s what I would do. I would put the money as far as I can into helping us wrap up everything at home, sell up and move out. That’s the dream, to go off and live off the fat of the land.

Jake

Age: 28

Occupation: Project manager

Location: Barrow-in-Furness

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

I really like the show. That might be quite a bog-standard answer but I do just really like the show. It’s actually the only thing I’ve ever applied for. I’ve always been into mysteries, even when I was younger in my Scooby Doo days, I’ve always liked the guess who’s the murderer game so this show is the perfect kind of game for me. I think I’ll be good at it as well. When you watch it from home, you’re only getting half the experience because you know who the Traitors are, but I’ve always said that I’d love to be on the other side of it and be in the castle and get the full experience of not knowing anything and not trusting anyone.

What did you think of the previous series? Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I enjoyed them. I’m always sat there thinking, I could do better. I’m chatting my wife’s ear off saying, ‘I could do that,’ ‘they should do this’ and I make out like it’s easy! So, I’m very vocal, and I’m always backing myself that I could do a better job.

In terms of a game plan I admired, obviously Harry played a very good game. The whole shield scenario that he had was very well played, and actually, as soon as he got the shield, I thought people might have been more suspicious of it, I think maybe one person mentioned it, but mostly everyone bought it straight away.

But I suppose the other thing is, with each series that comes out, people will become more switched on. With series one, it was brand new, nobody knew what it was, but now when people say certain things or do certain things, people are more switched on and notice quicker so it’s harder to pull things off, but I thought Harry played a good game. I also think you need a lot of luck in the game, you need to be in the right place at the right time and build relationships with the right people. The people that seem to get furthest are the ones that build relationships with the right people, people like Meryl from series one or Mollie from series two. Obviously, they were both Faithfuls, but they built relationships with Traitors. And even though only one of them won, it’s about building relationships to get you further along, but then you can also build relationships with the wrong people, and that could be to your detriment.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I’m very highly opinionated, ever since I was a kid, living at home with mum and dad, when it got to teatime and the TV would be on, even if it was the news, I would debate with a brick wall. I love to get my point across. Even if I’m halfway through an argument and I realise I’m in the wrong, I always still double down and think, I’ve gone this far now, I’ve got to prove myself, even though the writing is on the wall! All my mates always say that I’m always biting because I must get my opinions across, I can’t just sit there and just be quiet, I just have to say it as it is. So, I think that will be quite interesting.

Do you have a game plan?

When I’ve been watching at home, I’m always thinking I’ll be really strategic, and I’ll say this and I won’t say that and I’ll play it this way. But then, because of the luck element, I just think you’re best off going in and being yourself, you can’t fake yourself. I’d hate to get sent home and think oh maybe I wouldn’t have if I had said something at that point. And I just think it’ll be easier to play yourself rather than trying to play someone else. I also think I’ll try and get on with as many people as I can, but also not be afraid to say my piece, because it’s a game, and you’ve got to ruffle a few feathers in the game! You’ve got to be able to adapt as well, it’s a fight or flight sort of thing.

What are you like playing games with friends and family? Are you competitive?

I’m so competitive. I make everything into a game, so even when I’m doing a chore, or a task around the house or something, I’ll challenge myself do it in a certain amount of time. And if I’m playing a game with people and someone says, ‘it doesn’t matter, it’s just a game,’ I’m always thinking, if I’m doing something I’m in it to win it! There’s no point in playing a game for second place. Go in to win it, or you may as well not bother.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I’ve played for the cerebral palsy England football team so I’m quite a physically fit person, so I feel like I’ll be quite good at the Missions. I think that will play to my advantage, because people who are good at Missions tend to be seen as favourable. Obviously, you can earn more money, and it helps the team. People don’t want someone that doesn’t really get involved in Missions. So, I feel like by me helping and doing well in Missions, which I think I will do, I think it’ll help me with people’s opinions of me.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I’d feel good because I love a challenge. I’m used to being in high-intensity environments from my time playing for England and obviously it’s very challenging and intense being a Traitor. I feel like as a Faithful you could just attack it with complete innocence, whereas as a Traitor, you’ve got to play it as a Faithful, but then in your head, play it as a Traitor. So, you’re balancing two things at once, but I quite like the fact that it would be a challenge. Living with cerebral palsy isn’t always easy but I’ve always found a way and I’ve never let it stop me from achieving my goals; this would be no different. I always think of it as being a puppeteer, being able to pull the strings of the other players, I’d relish having that level of control and power. If I was able to pull people in a certain direction, I’d quite enjoy that, because I’d be leading them down different paths.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

Yes, I’ve always thought I’ve been able to turn my emotions on and off quite well. I don’t know if it’s because I used to do drama when I was younger and I was quite good at it, but I feel like I’m quite good at getting in and out of character. And I think that’s how I’d play it as a Traitor, I’d be Jake during the day, but when I need to switch to this different character, I’ll be able to as I’m good at that sort of thing.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I would leave no stone unturned. Everyone’s your friend until they’re not.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I don’t really think it would be too different to my game plan if I’m a Traitor. I think I’ll just come with a certain energy from day one and just try and be myself. Obviously, it’s through a different lens.

If you’re a Traitor, there will be times when you’ll have to pin it on someone that you know is a Faithful. Whereas, as a Faithful, you won’t know who the Traitors are, so it’s more a case of treating everyone as guilty until they give me a reason to trust them.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I’ve always thought I have a good sense of judgement of people. I feel I’m quite good at reading people, but then I suppose we’ll see when it comes to it because it’s easy to spot lies once you know they’re lies and when you have hindsight, but obviously when you have people lying to your face, and particularly people you don’t know, it’s going to be a lot harder.

I do feel like there are certain signs that you can pick up on with people even if you have only known someone for a couple of hours. I think the more personal you get with someone, in terms of talking about personal things, you’ll see where they’re less likely to be lying about things, whereas when you get talking about the game that’s where you can then try and notice differences in body language, so that may make it easier to spot.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

You need to be seen as nice! And get on with people I think, because it’s all well and good people saying, ‘I’m not going to vote for people just because I don’t like them,’ but if someone doesn’t like someone they’re far more likely to see them as a Traitor. I feel like I’m quite a bubbly person, I’m always having a laugh and a joke, so if I can get on people’s good sides and have them see that I’m a nice guy, then it will help me in the long run.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I’d want to treat my wife and my mum and dad to a nice big holiday to just show my appreciation of them, for everything they’ve done for me. And then on top of that, I’d like to put some money into my house, because I didn’t realise before I bought a house that it’s just money draining! There are so many things I ought to do to the house, but there’s just no money there, so I’d like to put some towards that.

Joe

Age: 37

Occupation: English Teacher

Location: Southampton (Originally Yorkshire)

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

I think I felt like most people that have watched it, it’s such a fun show. I’m one of those armchair viewers that with so many shows over the years always sits there and says “Oh, I could do that. I’d enjoy that.” I used to love reality TV growing up, but I’ve not watched it properly in years. I watch EastEnders so I was watching iPlayer, and this came on automatically after. I’d caught up on EastEnders, I was making a coffee, and I remember saying to my flatmate, “I’m not watching whatever this is, turn it over.” And then we were drawn in and we just got so invested in it. It was like real life Cluedo, it just looks so fun to do. It’s puzzles and clues and a big old whodunnit.

What did you think of the previous series?

I loved them both. Watched the first one and it was good, it was different but I wondered how are they going to do it again in a second series? However, I actually enjoyed the second one more. They upped it with the challenges and they started doing the immunity that made it more exciting, because they had something more to play for.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I think Jaz played such a good game because he knew who it was. There was Paul and for a while no one was on to him, he played it so well. Harry was really good and deserved to win. However, there was a part of me that thought, oh Jaz did well to get there and suss them out so part of me was disappointed and I thought he was going to convince Mollie. I think he nearly had her, but she still stuck with her loyalties.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

Because I’m a teacher, my life is based around planning. I have to plan for every moment, every possible question, everything that could go wrong. So, I think I’m already going to be in that mode, and I think it will be helpful. I think I’ll be more tactical with things. I think I’ll read between the lines, I won’t listen to just what’s being said, I’ll think about what’s not being said.

Do you have a game plan?

I’m going to find it tricky, but I know that I need to befriend the ones that I think might be the Traitors because that’s what I need to do to get through. However, if I suspect something I’ll find it very difficult not pointing it or calling it out. So, that is one of the things I’m going to have to think: Joe, just keep your cool, don’t say anything yet. I need to think about the long game.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

Anything to do with water and swimming; I’d love that, I love being in the water. I think my weaknesses will be when I’m trying to solve things. Sometimes I’m a bit ditzy with things even though I’m a teacher so, I think if I’m on the spot, and there’s pressure and I’ve got to solve something quickly, I think I could just zone out a bit.

How are you when playing games with friends and family? Are you competitive?

We don’t really play games, to be honest. I’d love to be one of those families that all goes to the caravan and gets the boardgame out, but I think the last time I played a game was Hungry Hippos or Rounders. So, it’s been a while since I played a game to be honest. When I was younger, I felt like I was okay. It was my brother that was the one to slam the board down and storm off. Then again, I suppose I was the one winning, so I was just smug. [laughs]

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I think it’d be tricky because I think I’d instantly feel guilty. It’s like when you go through the airport and you go through the check in and it’s like, oh, have I got a weapon on me? When you know you don’t, but you just feel paranoid. So, I think to be chosen as one you’re already going to feel paranoid. I suppose to look at the positive side, if you’re a Faithful and people are spreading stuff about you and you know it’s not true, it’s going to be frustrating. But if you are a Traitor, you’ll note it and think well, it IS true, I just need to address it.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

I’d like to think so. I keep my cards very close to my chest. I mean, I’ll happily have a gossip when other people want to share their life stories but when it comes to mine, I’m normally very selective about what I share.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I suppose as far as possible. I get that you’re making friends, but it is a game. We’ve not gone through all this just to be like, oh, I can’t do it because of this. At the end of the day, everyone wants to win the game and that’s all it is. You’re all going to come out of it, and you are going to be fine afterwards. So, I just think you’ve got to remember that’s why you’re all there.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

If I think I know one of the Traitors, I’ll try and befriend them. On the flip side that could go against you because the Traitor might think ‘well cut them off because that’ll throw people off the scent’ because why would you ditch your friends? So, it’s all this double guessing but at the start I just want to sit back and listen and form an opinion. I don’t want to just go in all guns blazing because then that’s my game over and I’m back home.

Are you good at spotting a liar?

I think so. I can normally tell when there’s just something not right. Even if I can’t put my finger on it. In the past I’ve had a sense where I don’t like a person, and I don’t know why.

People might say “Joe, you’re so harsh.” And I’m like look, I’m not going to be rude to them, but I just don’t like them, there’s something about them. And it normally comes out that I called them right, I could tell from their character they weren’t someone I’d trust.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

I just think listening. People like talking about themselves so divert the topic so that they’re chatting about themselves and not you – I think that’s good. Ask a lot of questions but not intrusive questions.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I need to learn to drive. I’m nearly 40 and I can’t drive. That would be one of them. I need to learn to drive, I’d love to have a Mini Cooper. My gran had one of the old fashion minis and she had to put a peg in the clutch to get it started. That’s one of my early childhood memories. Probably go travelling again during the summer break. I wouldn’t mind owning a pub. I’ve always said I’d quite fancy being a landlord like Peggy Mitchell, but I don’t know anything about pubs other than ordering a pint in them. So, I don’t know.

Kasim

Age: 33

Occupation: Doctor

Location: Cambridge

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

It looked like great fun. I really liked the first series, and I actually applied for the second, but didn’t really think much about it. I never heard back, and I was thinking I can see why because I did a really bad job on the application! Then out of curiosity before the second season came out, I saw applications for season three were open and I thought, I might as well chuck another one in because I know what went wrong last time. It was definitely the right thing for me, because season two was phenomenal. I thought whatever is going to happen next time, I need to be involved in it.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I’m quite a happy go lucky, bubbly person, I very much go with the flow. I’m quite open, quite honest, very happy to talk to anyone about any issues that come up and it’s part and parcel of what I do. However, when I get competitive, a very different side of me comes out. I can be quite ruthless, cunning and tactical. Generally, if I’m playing things like board games, I will absolutely stab you in the back to get what I want.

It all depends on what the situation is like when we go into the castle. I’ll either be just normal me if I’m a Faithful and just be my open, happy, bubbly self. Or I’ll be playing normal me but also a tactical under game as well, if I end up being a Traitor. I can’t wait to find out.

What did you think of the previous series?

I remember when series one came out, I’d never seen anything like it, it was so cool. I found myself getting into the heads of everyone and thinking about what personality they had and what I would do if I was in this situation, or what I thought they would do based on what I’d seen of them. Me and my family all got quite engrossed in it in different ways. The overarching theme was I really want to give this a go.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I think there are aspects of people’s game plans which I really liked. Jaz is a great example of a Faithful as he laid low and pretended he was unobservant but he was actually switched on. The problem was he was slightly over suspicious of people and enacted the correct plan, but a tiny bit too late.

I thought Ross and Diane had a great game plan as well. I was really gutted when Ross became a Traitor, not because he was a Traitor, but because I hoped he’d stay longer. Harry played a blinder, and Wilf did too in the first season. Amanda was also great.

I think there are little bits to pick from people and lessons to learn from how people have played it. But it’s all so dependent on who the other players are.

Do you have a game plan?

I’ve got rough ideas of little things that I’d like to try if I can. It all depends on whether I’m a Faithful or a Traitor, and what the other people are like. I think that’s the key thing. Finding the right people around you and see who can and can’t be pulled in whatever direction, depending on what my aims are.

As a medic registrar often you’re the person who has to come up with the final plan for a patient. You have to try to keep people happy but at the same time, what needs to happen is what’s going to happen. That’s quite a big part of my game plan as well. I’ve learnt to make people think that my ideas are their idea.

Are you competitive when playing games with friend and family?

Yes, and I come from a family where everyone is the same. Eventually someone just starts crying in the corner – usually my little sister – but I’m always thinking she just wants everyone to feel sorry for her!

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I’m dead excited to see what comes up and just to give it a go. Some of the previous Missions looked amazing. The more active ones I think would be great fun, if it’s jumping off cliffs or whatever, I’m very happy to do it. Hopefully I will get far enough to have the opportunity to do something crazy like that. I’m a little bit of an adrenaline junkie. I do enjoy games that you have to think a little bit deeper about, like riddles or strategic thinking, hopefully I’m quite good at those.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I’d be so hyped. Firstly at least then I don’t need to think about being murdered, that’s nice. Secondly let’s create some chaos!

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

My face does say it all, but I’ve learned to use that to my advantage. People know that I’m quite over expressive and I make it very clear that I am, so I tend to play on that. For example, in a card game, if I get a good hand, I’ve learned just to play it cool. Everyone knows that I’m so expressive that they think they’ve jumped onto that and that I’ve given my whole game away. People tend to assume that I’m a lot more stupid than I actually am.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

Pretty far. I’m still me and I still would look out for the people around me. No matter what happens I’d still be mindful of other people’s emotions. If there’s someone who I specifically like, I’ll probably want to push them closer to the final. I’m going to consider people for recruitment without telling anyone who I’m considering. Then if the time comes for me to switch up, I will. The objective of the game is to win, or at least get as far as possible.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

It’s really easy to say that you just have to fly under the radar because you don’t know what the radar is going to be like. There has to be a degree of playing up your uselessness or being useful in the right way. I think there are advantages to looking like you’re switched off. I think it would be advantageous for people to underestimate me.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I can be quite trusting but I’m often aware of when someone is trying to play the game against me, so I like to think I’m quite good. Part of my job is picking stuff up, and that’s often subtle cues.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

I hope that just by being myself enough to make people think I’m a nice enough guy. But with a bit of a dumbing down as well which I think is necessary. Which again, is why I think Jaz’s gameplay was perfect, because he was clearly smarter than he was letting on.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I’d like to spend more time with my daughter. And I’d try to think logically about long term security more than anything else. Obviously, the cost-of-living crisis has hit everyone bad. I tend to do an extra shift every other week to balance our books, but it means that I’m missing time at the weekend, and therefore I miss a lot of family time. It would be nice to have some financial security. I think my wife, Zara’s probably got plans for what she could do with the money! There are certain things we do need to get like a family car, because my car’s falling apart. But I want to be strategic with it.

Keith

Age: 65

Occupation: Window cleaner

Location: Bournemouth

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

Wow, that’s a million-dollar question. I watched the first and the second series and with the second series, I was sitting on the settee watching as Harry won and as soon as it finished, I said to my wife, I said, ‘You know something? I could do that’. And that’s the reason why I applied. I like to play games like this, it excites me. It reminds me of an old TV programme called Columbo, he was a lieutenant, and he always knew who the murderer was. He knew they did it, but he just needed to work it out from start to finish. So, and that’s why I applied, I just thought I could I enjoy these sorts of games.

Also, I’m one of nine in my family. I’ve got a very big family, lots of brothers and sisters who used to play tricks on each other, wind each other up, the works! So, with all that in mind, that’s why I applied for The Traitors.

What did you think of the previous series? Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

The first one, I thought it was absolutely excellent. I thought all of them were brilliant, and the Faithful won and that ending was so dramatic. I actually had a little tear in my eye! It kept me on the edge of a seat because I wanted them to get the Traitor. And even the Traitor, Wilf, wanted to be found out. He seemed to want to give it to the Faithful because they got so close and became really good friends.

In terms of a game plan I admired, it has to be Harry from series two. From start to finish, he was superb. And he was a military bloke, so he understood the discipline and the camaraderie. I’ll try to put myself in his shoes, because that’s how I would play the game.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I’m a little bit of a comedian and so when I’m talking people always smile. I’ve got that persona, I don’t know what it is, it’s just something I’ve always had. I’ve always been the clown of the family. I get on with people from every walk of life, all ages, all religions, it just comes naturally to me! I used to be a licensee for many years, my wife and myself, and I always used to be front of house, meeting and greeting people and chatting. I got on with everybody.

And then when I bought my professional window cleaning business, that continued. As soon as I get to the people’s houses to clean the windows, there’s a cup of tea and biscuits and I’m ready for a chat! I don’t start work till about half an hour later than planned because we just end up talking! That’s the kind of person I am. I’m never sad, never miserable. I don’t take things too seriously and I’ll be bringing that to the castle.

Do you have a game plan?

The game plan is to stay behind, don’t go out too bold and just be very wary. You also need to get to know everybody, that’s the most important part but don’t trust anyone! You need friends, but you never know who will end up an enemy, so you need to keep that little distance and just remember all the time that it’s only a game.

What are you like playing games with friends and family? Are you competitive?

I’m quite easy going. I don’t take anything too seriously. If we were competing in a race, and you won and beat me, it wouldn’t bother me. It wouldn’t upset me in any way, but I would try my utmost to beat you.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

Ah yes, the Missions! I’m 65 but I’m also a black belt in Taekwondo… I will be bringing my Taekwondo outfit when I head to Scotland. I’m still fit, but I must say, I don’t like heights I’m not a baby, I just hate heights! Even though I’m a window cleaner… We don’t use ladders; I use extra-long sponges so I can keep my feet firmly on the ground!

I hope I can keep up with the young ones, that’s my main thing and I’ll give it all a good go!

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I think I would like to be a Traitor. If Claudia picked me, I would be very excited. But, being a Traitor, means I still need to come across as a Faithful. That’s the whole game and I can juggle, I can play the two roles. Because of my Taekwondo I am good at keeping two plates spinning at one time, focusing my mind.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

Yes, I would.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I will do whatever it takes. I’m going to try my utmost to get right to the end and it’s not all about the money for me, it’s all about winning the game. The most important thing for me is getting as far as I can as possible and if I win the game it will be absolutely incredible. If I go out the first week, I go out the first week. I’ll be devastated and I would be lying if I said otherwise but it’s only a game. That is the most important thing that will keep me strong and on the straight and narrow. I’ll always remember, whatever is happening to me, it’s only a game. As soon as I land in Scotland that game starts.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

If I’m a Faithful, I will really stick to it, give it my all and try and work with my other Faithfuls to get the Traitors out. However, I would try to keep everything close to my chest and try to suss people out – do my lieutenant Columbo bit, trying to find out who is a Traitor and who’s not.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

It’s all about the body language. It’s like doing Taekwondo, you’ve just got to realise what you can and what you can’t do in that moment. With body language, it’s just little signs, maybe the eyes twitching or the way they move. It’s just sussing that out and I’m pretty good at that.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

I think I’ll need to put my stage shoes and hat on. I’ll need to perform! I think that’s what I’ll do, I’ll act with as much drama as possible. You’ve got to go with the flow and play the best game you can possibly play.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I’d pay off my mortgage. That’s the first thing I would do, and then I would take my wife on a fantastic holiday and buy a new car.

Leanne

Age: 28

Occupation: Veteran

Location: Holywell North Wales

Why did you apply to take part in The Traitors?

It just looked like so much fun. I remember watching series one when I was pregnant with my partner, Sophie, and she said to me, oh, you’d be so good at this, because I tend to get away with a lot. I tend to tell a few white lies to my boss for a couple of days off work, and I somehow always seem to get away with it. And she said you’d be so good at getting people wrapped around your finger. Sounds awful, doesn’t it?! And I applied in January.

I remember we were watching an episode, and she fell asleep on the sofa with the twins, so I obviously had to pause it, because I would have had to end up watching it twice because we can’t watch anything without each other. And I thought, how funny would it be if I went upstairs applied, and by the time she woke up from her nap, I could have been like, I’ve just applied to be on The Traitors. So, I did it. I ran upstairs, and I didn’t realize how much was on the application and the video! I was trying to do the video as quietly as I possibly could.

What do you think you will bring to the game?

I think I will bring a lot of enthusiasm. I’m a really enthusiastic person. I always, even if there are things I don’t want to do, try and do it with enthusiasm, because it’s best to bring a bit of light into a dark situation. I’ve rewatched the show again this week, and I’ve been looking at it in a different light and trying to understand how stressful it is, how stressful it is going to be, and just trying to process that and understand it. So, I just think, if I can be my enthusiastic self, it can just try and make that situation a little bit brighter for everyone else as well. Hopefully. I’m actually lying about my job in there as well, so I’m not telling anyone I was a soldier.

What will you say?

I’m going to say I’m a nail technician, and I work in the salon that’s down the road from my house. I’m in that salon all the time. I might as well work there, because my sister-in-law owns the salon with her best friend, so I’m always in. I know a lot about the salon, I do feel like I’m part of the team anyway and that’s how I feel like I’ll get away with it.

Harry won last year. Obviously, he was a soldier, and he bare faced lied his way to the end. I feel like it would put me at a bit of a disadvantage to divulge my previous job because people are automatically going to assume anyone in the military is smart and strategic.

Did you enjoy the previous series?

I think they were great. It was gripping and Harry played it amazingly. Series one was good, and then series two was even better,

Was Harry’s game plan the one you admired the most. Was there anybody else that you admired their game plan?

Mollie was really sweet and herself. And as much as I’m going to go in lying, I’m also going to go in and be myself. I’m going to be really honest about my life experiences, apart from things like deployments, of course. I’m just going to be my happy self, and I’m hoping there’s not too much talk about our work but if there is I’ve got my story covered. I just admired how down to earth and lovely she [Mollie] was. And to be honest, Harry was as well. He was just a good liar. I think they all played it well.

I’m just going to be a friendly person. As friendly as I would be if it wasn’t a game, and I wasn’t going in to try and win money. I’m just going to be everyone’s friend, not talking too much about people behind their backs, because I want my name brought up at the Round Table as little as possible.

When you’re playing games with your friends and family, are you competitive?

So competitive. My mum’s the same. We always cheat as well. Honestly, we drive each other mad.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you’ll bring to them?

I think I’ll be great at the Missions. I’ve been in the Army for 12 years. I’ve done a lot of physical exercise. However, I have had children very recently, so I’m also really hoping my physical side won’t let me down. I’m really looking forward to the Missions. I can be a bit bossy, but I’m going to try and hold back from giving out instructions and be a really big team player.

If you’re selected as a Traitor, how would you feel about that?

I’d be excited. I feel like I’m already lying anyway, and I’ve got a great poker face. I think there’s one less thing to worry about at nighttime, and hopefully I can have a good night’s sleep knowing I’m not going to get murdered.

And, as a Traitor, how far would you be prepared to go to win the game?

As far as it takes. I’ll have my little boys in the back of my mind the whole time and just remember it’s a game. We’re all going to laugh about it afterwards, so I’m going to do whatever I need to do.

And if you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I’m going to look out for the signs of people who may be a little bit extra tired in the mornings, because obviously, the Traitors stay up a bit later. I’m going to be on the lookout for any couples or mothers and sons, daughters, you know? People who are giving each other the eye or people who are purposely trying to stay apart.

What are the qualities that you think a Faithful needs to get through to the final?

I think they just need to come across genuinely, which I hope I will. Obviously, I’m lying about my job, but other than that, I’m going to be totally honest about everything else in my life.

Do you think would you say that you are good at spotting a liar yourself?

I’m a good judge of character. I really trust my gut.

If you got through to the final and you win the prize money, what will you spend it on?

I would love to go through IVF again. I went through IVF with my boys, and I was very poorly throughout my pregnancy, and then I went into early labour at six months. The boys were only 26 weeks when they were born. Because I was so poorly at the time I feel I missed out on enjoying that newborn stage. I’m so so grateful to have them, and I’m so lucky that they’re alive. When they did come home from hospital after three months, they come home on oxygen, and it was a struggle to take them out. I would love the opportunity to have another baby, hopefully have a bit of a better experience. And to make our family a bit bigger.

Leon

Age: 40

Occupation: Retail store manager

Location: East Midlands

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

I just love the dynamic of the show and what it entails. Having worked in retail all my life, I always joke around at work about the good versus evil. I think about it when someone comes in and tries to get the cheapest deal but I’m on the other side trying to make them spend as much money as possible!

The Traitors really grabbed my attention. I like the fact that everyone is working towards the same goal in the tasks and putting money in the pot, but then as soon as that task is finished, it’s weird how it’s suddenly a different game that you’re all playing. I just really wanted to be a part of it.

What did you think of the previous series? Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I loved it. I kept hearing about it and one of my colleagues at work kept talking about the Australian version and the American version, so one day me and my wife just said let’s see what it’s like. We started to watch episode one of the second series, and then just fell in love with it and went back to watch from series one!

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I think I’m quite charismatic. I’m a Gemini, so I can be like a smiling assassin! I think that I’m very bubbly, and I get along with everybody. Being a store manager, I’ve worked my way through different retail corporations, and I’ve often been in situations where people make assumptions about me based on the way I look – for example I’ve got a gold tooth. I’ve worked alongside people of various backgrounds, and I love breaking down stereotypes that people might have. There are not often people that don’t like me, so I think that will all work to my advantage.

Do you have a game plan?

It’s so hard to say if you’re going to have a game plan because you are being thrust into this castle with all these different people. If I do have a game plan it’s probably going to have to change, so it will be ever evolving.

One thing that I do feel will benefit me is the fact that I’m quite a talkative, people person. I do it every day at work and I’m a good listener and can make conversation. In terms of this game, I know that I could be friends with someone, and they might have to get thrown under the bus, because ultimately my goal is to win and provide for my family. The players are going to be alright at the end of the day. I’m not naive to think that being inside the game properly and feeling that pressure isn’t going to be hard, but I’m here to bring home the bacon! The experience is great, but the cherry on top is to have that money as well!

What are you like playing games with friends and family? Are you competitive?

Well, for example when I play Mario Kart with my son, he’s 12 and he’s autistic, I rarely let him win! He’s gotten better over time so he does beat me, it’s a good father-son rivalry. Don’t get me wrong, I am one of those people that can hold their hands up if a better person has beat me on the day – I’m not a sore loser. But I am competitive, I want to win.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I’m really excited because I like the different elements to the Missions, with some being physical and some more mental. I’m not the most academic but I’ve definitely got common sense and sometimes I am quite smart! I’m definitely looking forward to the missions, and with the more physical side, I love football and things like that, I love the team camaraderie, where everyone comes together for the same purpose to try to get that result.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

Honestly, if I get that tap, I will probably have to make sure I nail myself down to the ground so I don’t levitate or get a surge of power or something! I’ll definitely have to really stay strong because I’m not going to give anything away or smile or anything.

I do feel like I’m ready for whatever the journey is. Don’t get me wrong, my ultimate feeling is that I want to be a Traitor, but I think the perfect experience in this game would probably be to be a Faithful and then be recruited and turned into a Traitor – because then you’re getting both sides. As a Traitor you have more mental stress, because you’re thinking about not getting caught all the time. Whereas as a Faithful you’re worrying about being murdered and being wrongly accused, but you’re mostly thinking, ‘Who is it? Who is it? Who is it?’

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

I think I do, I’ve managed to keep going on the show a secret – I’ve even had to tell people I’ve gone off to Barbados! I think the fact that I’ve had this big secret inside of me and I’ve been able to keep it to myself, shows I do.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I’m prepared to go all the way. It’s not like the friendships I make will go out the window, but I know this is a major game. It’s the same with how Harry played, I’m sure he felt slightly bad, because he was obviously close to Mollie, but he knew what he went in for. He couldn’t deviate from it because he made a friend, she’ll be alright, she would have done the same thing to him!

I know I’ll have to do whatever it takes to win, it doesn’t stop the friendships that I will build and create while I’m in there, but ultimately, I have to do what I have to do to try to get as far as possible.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

My mind is always in overdrive, so I think as a Faithful I would be there thinking, ‘Why has she said this?’ Or ‘Why is he smiling?’ I do that, especially at work, where I listen to other people while I’m talking, keeping my ears open, and taking everything in. I’d want to solve the case, so I’m constantly going to be listening and trying to have conversations.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

Sometimes I let people fester in their lies, I let it build up so sometimes I’ll spot a lie and I’ll just keep it to myself, make a mental note and just let them carry on. I’ll try to trip them up, and maybe even feed them other things to dig themselves deeper into the hole. That’s something that I like doing because it’s interesting, like let’s see how far you’re willing to go with this lie of yours…

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

I think I’ll need to fake it a bit, because I think my face tells 1000 words and sometimes that’s a detriment to myself because people will often see me as a smiley person so when I’m more serious, even if I’m just deep in thought, people notice. I think I’ll have to make sure that I don’t slip into that mode, because then someone might think I’m over-analysing or I have an agenda or something.

I think it’s mainly just making sure that I keep that smile on my face. I think being a talkative person, bodes well for me – it doesn’t matter what role I have, I don’t think I’ll deviate from my talkative nature.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

Well first I’ll have to check with the boss – my wife – and see what’s going on!

If I win, that’s great, because obviously there are bills to pay and the cost of living has gone up. I’d like to sort my garden shed out; we need a new shed! And there are little things around the house that I would like to get sorted out. I’m never thinking we’re going to go and jet off around the world and I’ll just quit my job! My main thing is always family, so I’d also want to give my mum some money for all the sacrifices she made when I was growing up.

Linda

Age: 70

Occupation: Retired opera singer

Location: Hertfordshire

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

I watched the two series, and I thought, do you know what? I think I could do that. And it was in a mad moment that I looked it up on the internet and saw there was a form to apply, and I thought, I’m just going to apply, let’s just see, never knowing that it would go this far. So yes, I love the show. I’m absolutely into it. I love the psychological game. I like the whole idea of fooling people.

What did you think of the previous series? Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

Absolutely amazing. The thing is, when you sit at home looking at it, you’re going, ‘oh, come on, you must realise this!’ But being on it, I think it’s going to be a whole different ballgame, I tell you.

In terms of a game plan I admired, it has to be Harry’s of course. I mean, he won it! He was brilliant right from the start. At one point I thought he got a little bit too confident towards the end, and I thought that might bring him down, but it didn’t! And I thought he played a brilliant game. Absolutely brilliant.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

Well, I’m older, obviously, so I’ve maybe got more experience. I think I’m quite good at convincing people of things that aren’t true! And I think I’ve got quite a funny personality, so I’ll bring a bit of fun! Sometimes I can be a bit of an airhead too, so I might try and use that to my advantage!

Do you have a game plan?

Well, it links to what I said before. I do have a game plan, and that’s to be a little bit airheaded and to play on the being older, and also to be a mother figure. I’ve realised watching the previous series, you have to be prepared to be flexible and to change depending on the people who are around you.

What are you like playing games with friends and family? Are you competitive?

I am pretty competitive, usually when money’s involved!

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I’m apprehensive about them because, having watched them, I mean, I’m 70, not 17, and some of them are pretty physical things! I don’t want to let my side down, so yes, I’m a little bit apprehensive about that but hey, I can only do what I can do!

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I think I’d be excited, because I quite like the idea of being a Traitor, because I quite like lying! So, I think I would quite like to be a Traitor!

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

Oh yes, definitely.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

Again, if there’s money involved, which there is, I can be ruthless.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I don’t mind being a Faithful either. I’m okay with that in some ways. I think being a Faithful is easier because you are able to be more yourself and the only thing you have to fear is being murdered. So, in some ways, I think it’s calmer being a Faithful. That said, I just know that I quite like the idea of being a Traitor!

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I’m pretty intuitive with things like that. However, I can say that, but if people are really good it could get tricky. If they drop little things, I might be able to pick up on that.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

Well, you need to be able to spot a Traitor, for a start, that would be a good one! I think also getting people on your side, but equally, that’s the same if you’re a Traitor. I mean, you have to get people on your side who think that you are a Faithful, so I think it’s the same in a way, you have to play it the same way. It’s like Harry said, he just considered himself a Faithful all the way through.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I’d pay off my sister’s mortgage. And then I’d like to do something similar to how I celebrated my 70th birthday – I took my family to a mansion house for a weekend and we had a private chef and it was really fabulous. So, I’d like to do something else like that and then after that I’d take all my friends on a really great holiday.

Lisa

Age: 62

Occupation: Anglican Priest

Location: Cornwall

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

My main driving force is that I am completely obsessed with murder mysteries. If there’s a murder mystery on the go, I’m there. I’ve watched every episode of Poirot, every Agatha Christie more than once, Midsomer Murders, Inspector Morse, Grantchester, Father Brown, Sister Boniface. I’m just obsessed with murders and the mental aspect of trying to work out who did it.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I like to think that I can think a little bit laterally and I like to think that I’m a pretty good judge of character. Although this is an artificial scenario, because people are bringing to the game, and this includes me, not necessarily who they are as a real person. In standard life I’m sure people are not that treacherous; I’d like to think. I think I’m quite calm. I’m quite a realist. And so, I’d like to bring some sort of calm to situations if they get a bit overwrought. And be there for people as well. Listen to them, but also be looking at people from outside the box. I’m quite an observer.

What did you think of the previous series?

I’ve really enjoyed both of them. I thought Harry played a blinding game and he was just so natural. I was watching it again, recently, as a bit of research. And I felt really strongly for him when he got rid of Jonny, who was his friend, Army buddy, that must have been really hard. But the series was really good. It’s really easy being an armchair critic. When you’re not in that situation, it’s really easy to go, oh, it’s so obvious that it’s them. I thought Jaz was incredible. He kind of sat back, let everything come to him, took in everything, was very careful about what he said and to whom. Although there was at one point where he spoke to Harry about the Traitors and he said about Paul, and then obviously Harry went back and told them all.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

Definitely Jaz. I can’t say I think he should have won because Harry was outstanding at what he did as well. I think there, you’ve got the epitome of the two characters, you’ve got a Traitor who played it brilliantly. And you’ve got a Faithful who equally played a masterful game, and he was just unlucky. And then poor Mollie stuck in between the two of them.

Do you have a game plan?

I’d like to be a bit like Jaz. You know, say things but not too much, which is going to be difficult for me, because I can talk quite a bit. So, be the person who’s there but doesn’t get noticed much. Because you can get noticed by being too quiet and you can get noticed by being too loud. I think I’ll try and be even, what I’ve noticed is that people tend to really hone onto subtle changes in people’s energy levels or their moods. So just try and keep everything on an even keel. It’s going to be really hard. I have no illusions. And I think going in if I say I’m a priest, I think I’m going to have a target on my back straight away.

When you’re playing games with friends and family are you very competitive?

Oh, I’m so competitive. So competitive, people have said to me, and this is something that I’ve had to reflect on quite a lot, about going on a programme like The Traitors where deception and lying is part of the game and how does that sit with being a priest? It doesn’t exactly speak of the values that we uphold as a priest. But this is a game. And just the same as if I’m sitting around the kitchen table with my family, if you’re playing the game, you play the game, whatever that entails.

I think that going into this game, the other thing is the people who are also there, the other cast members, we have all been through the same process. And on numerous occasions, we have been made very aware of what the rules are, what the game is that we’re letting ourselves in for. So, you’re not doing it to unsuspecting people. You know that when they go in there, they know what the role is, and they know what the game is. What confuses it, of course, is because there’s a money pot at the end of it. But genuinely, that doesn’t bother me. I’m not in it for the money. And that’s genuine. If I won the money, I wouldn’t keep it.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I like doing puzzles, so the puzzle ones I will very much enjoy. The physical ones, I’m quite strong for a woman of my age, because I’ve got horses. So, I do a lot of mucking out, a lot of wheeling poo around fields and handling 500 kilo animals at a time who can be quite strong. I have quite a lot of upper body strength.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I would be a little bit anxious. Not because I think I can’t lie or be deceitful because I think we can all do that. I’m not sure how long I could maintain the facade. That would be the issue for me. It would be like I don’t know if I could carry this off for very long.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

Short term? Yes. About the length of the poker game, probably.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I’m quite measured. I’m quite happy to – I hate this expression – throw people under the bus. But if it’s a game, and you’re playing to win, if someone is in competition with you, then you have to do whatever it takes to neutralise the competition.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I’d be the grey man, watching, listening, I’ve got quite a good memory. So, trying to remember what people have done and what they’ve said. I’m quite good at picking up on people who overact. I’ve noticed in previous series, like Will, and also, Paul, that, as they were Traitors, they had a tendency to ham it up a bit more, over-act slightly. And I’m quite good at picking up people who are drama queens.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

Good as I have a really good memory, People’s memories are just not that good. So, it’s all in the small details and catching people out.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

Be friendly, try not to rub people up the wrong way. But then having said that, there’s been other people that have been equally lovely, and they’ve been given the boot. I think being a Faithful, a lot of it is not in your own hands, you could be murdered. I’d try to go a bit undetected, a little bit under the radar. I think that’s what happened with Mollie and Evie. Mollie was lucky she was really good friends with Harry. I think he protected her a little bit. Evie as well – she was there, but she wasn’t there, she took part, she was good fun and she kind of blended in really and didn’t stand out either being too quiet or too loud. So, I think that would be how I try and play it. Just go a bit unnoticed.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

It depends on how much you win, obviously. I’ve got three sons so I’d probably help them out a little bit. I have a friend who runs an animal charity in Ireland who I’d also like to help.

My own parish church, we have an old vestry, that we want to convert into a community place so that we can have lunches for people who have been widowed, who are bereaved and want to come together. I’d like to open a Lego club for kids to come and be able to be creative. I am very fortunate in my life that I have a job, and I have a husband who has a good job and so I’m very blessed. It’s not about the money for me genuinely. Well, okay, that’s a lie. It would be lovely to win the money because I know that I could do some really positive things with it. But if I don’t win the money, I’m not going to be heartbroken.

Olivia (Livi)

Age: 26

Occupation: Beautician and Model

Location: Horsham

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

My mum’s a fan and she thought I’d be really good on it. It’s something I’ve watched, and I absolutely love but not something I ever saw myself going on, because I never thought I’d have the opportunity. I thought I’ll just apply for it, but I didn’t take it too seriously until I got a bit further in the process.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I used to think I’d be amazing as a Traitor, but I’ve thought about it and I’m actually an honest person. I think if I lie, nothing good will happen for me, so I always avoid lying. I do really want to be a Faithful and I think I’d be a good Faithful. I think I get on with everybody, I’m a good problem solver so I’d be able to help the team track down a Traitor. I’ve always sussed people out in my life and if somebody has lied to me, I’ve known straight away. I think I’m a good people reader.

What did you think of the previous series?

They were both really different. In the first series having three Faithfuls win was really good, and the second series it was really sad to see it be swiped away from Mollie! I felt sorry for Jaz – he really had everything sussed out, but Harry played such good game. I think he’s the reason that anyone would want to be a Traitor, because he played the game so well. He was like a smooth criminal, he literally got on with everybody and no one suspected him until the very end. I preferred the second series I think because it was just unbelievable how he got away with so much!

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

Definitely Harry’s. For somebody who wants to be a Faithful, watching Harry almost makes me want to be a Traitor because of the way he played it. I admire his game play, but I don’t think I could hold my nerve if I was in his position. He’s got a very good poker face; he just held it together so well. I think I would do well until I was questioned, then I might crumble a little bit.

Do you have a game plan?

I’ve really thought about it and I’ve gone through so many different scenarios. The bottom line is, you never really know until you’re there and you meet the other contestants. When you meet the other players they might be completely different to the series we’ve watched, and you’ll bond differently with different people. It’s about who you can trust.

I want to be a Faithful, I find it really easy to get on with people, I’m always an easy talker, I have a lot of laughs, and I think I can adjust myself to different personalities. I won’t be getting involved in any dramas, I definitely won’t be a ringleader. If I suspect anybody, I will not be throwing their names out there because there’s obviously a risk of being murdered and that’s exactly what I don’t want to happen. If I suspect a Traitor, I’d be sneaky and make friends with them and get on their good side, they’ll think that I’m naive and want to take me to the end, then when I get right to the end, I can let loose! I think when players suspect things or people and start telling everybody, they’re murdered in the next few days.

What are you like with friends and family when you’re playing games? Are you competitive?

Yeah, I love playing games. I recently did a murder mystery night, and we all got dressed up in 1920s style – I got so into it, it was so fun – although I didn’t win. I had some good theories though!

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I’m so excited for the Missions! I’m a fighter, I’ve been through a lot in life, I had my eye removed at 14 and at the time I didn’t cope with it very well. When I had my eye removed, I had to adjust to a whole way of living. At the age of 14 all my friends were experiencing being a teenager and growing into adulthood, and I was starting chemotherapy.

I’ve always just got on with it, I’ve never dwelled on it, and I’ve adjusted to my new life. I think that comes with everything now, I never give up, I always push and I want to succeed. I’ve got a baby boy now, and I’ve never been away from him. He’s 15 months old, so I wouldn’t be going into The Traitors if it wasn’t important to me, I’m doing it for him. I’ve got a few phobias and if I was faced with them, I would still take them on because I don’t want to let the team down.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I’ve got my heart set on being a Faithful, but I know it’s not definite, and I could be picked to be a Traitor. I’d have to hold it together. I would just think of my baby boy, and why I’m here. I wouldn’t be obvious, and I think I’d be good in terms of going with the flow and not giving off that I’m a Traitor to anybody. I think it’d be a smooth ride for me until I get questions at the Round Table. When everybody’s onto you it’s a lot. You could either be so defensive or you could be too quiet, and people are going to suss you out either way. It’s so risky being a Traitor. I’m just not a liar so I feel like it’d be very difficult. but if somebody told me to tell a lie to my sister today, and I had to go through with it for the rest of the week, I’d be able to do that. I’ve told lies in the past, very small, silly lies. It’s just if I’m questioned that would throw me, but I’d just have to ride with it and keep a poker face.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

When I get to know people, I do have a good poker face. But if somebody makes me feel a little bit on edge, or they’re a bit heated and a bit abrupt, and I don’t really know them, then to lie on top of that would be quite difficult.

I’m more open to the idea of being recruited to be a Traitor later on. I feel like because by then I’d be used to everyone, hopefully I’d be in a good position where everybody thinks I’m a Faithful, I’d be able to manage with that .

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

Oh, I’d have to go far. There’s just no point otherwise, you just have to do it. I don’t know anybody that’s in the game, so I have to be selfish, and I have to think of my family, I have to think of the money and how it would change mine and my son’s lives.

It also depends how far you go in the game. At the end of the game, on both series, people grew such big bonds and it’s quite heartbreaking to see them be stabbed in the back by their friend who is a Traitor, but I would just remind myself, it’s a game, and anybody in the game would do the same. I’d be silly to be a Traitor and then let myself down and come home early because I wasn’t strong enough to just push through and to take on the Traitor role.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I would just be myself. I think that’s why I want to be a Faithful, because there’s nothing easier in this life than to be yourself. I think I’ll get further being a Faithful in the game, because I wouldn’t be lying. I’m really good at sussing people out so I could then focus on who I think is a Traitor. I’d have my own little game plan in my head, I wouldn’t be giving off too much information to anyone and I would enjoy the experience more because I can relax. Obviously, you go to bed at night and you worry that you’re going to get murdered, but I can live with that.

Are you good at spotting a liar?

Absolutely, I’ve caught so many people out, like my friends trying to hide that they’re on a date or someone telling me the same story two different ways – I always notice. I’m just a good solver; my mum has always said I should have been a Police Officer. I’m always watching crime documentaries; I want to solve some mysteries. I absolutely love it.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

First of all, I’d cry my eyes out. I’m such an emotional person – I cry at happy things because I just know how much it means to people. First thing I would do is take my family on holiday, we never all of us get together and have a nice break and I really want to do that. My sister’s just had a baby so I’d take the children away, that’d be so nice. I definitely want to donate some money to the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust. They’ve done so much for me, they helped me when I lost my hair, they helped me get a wig. They’ve helped me with getting my perfect prosthetic eye which I’m so happy with. I’ve been so unhappy with previous prosthetic eyes and people wouldn’t even notice now. I’m so grateful for them and I want to help the other children going through it. It’s from the ages of zero to five and they go through so much at such a young age, it would mean everything for me to just give something back.

With the rest of the money, I would love to invest in something and do something smart with it. I wouldn’t want to just blow it all, I’m thinking of my future ahead with my baby and my boyfriend.

Maia

Age: 25

Occupation: Full-time Mum

Location: Essex

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

I binge watched the last series when it aired, and I was so invested. I always thought to myself, I could do it better. I literally was thinking you guys aren’t lying properly, you’re not lying correctly, there are too many emotions going on, this is money. So yeah, one was that I felt like I could do it better. Second one was the money. My daughter is going to nursery soon and that’s expensive. It’s like having a mortgage, so that was also a motivator.

I am also a very competitive person in general. Growing up, I was a natural liar. And then I stopped lying, because my family said it was getting really bad. I would always blame my sisters. So, I went the opposite way and I got really, really blunt instead. And it was blunt on the borderline of being rude. So, I’ve had to learn how to assess what’s good to say, what’s not good to say. Now I’m kind of excited to be able to lie again, if I’m being honest! I’m excited to be able to twist some stories and make up things and that will be kind of fun.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

I think I’m a very happy, positive, bubbly person. And I get along with most people that I meet. I feel like I’d be able to really make some good connections and good friends with everyone. I also say everything that is on my mind.

I also used to do cheerleading so I’m good when it comes to the Missions, I know I’ll be able to run around, even though I’m not a gym person at all. I don’t mind getting stuck in. I’m a good team player, I’m all about making teams and forming groups.

What did you think of the previous series?

I was really, really heavily invested last year. I felt like everyone was too emotional. They were getting rid of people that they didn’t like, and I was thinking, guys, it’s okay to not get along with people. I think that’s why I’ll be better because even though I might not 100% gravitate towards you, if you’re getting money in for the Missions then you’ve got to stay. We’ve got to be focused on trying to get the prize pot as high as we possibly can, so we get the full 120 grand.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

Harry, he was the one who made me want to get on the show. Harry reminded me of me, because he’s very friendly. He didn’t do too much, which I liked because you don’t have to be the centre of attention, which was great. Everyone underestimated him, and I feel like a lot of people underestimate me as well. I feel like I’ve never been the brightest person, but I’ve always been creative and personable, and that’s what it felt like with Harry. With him as well, even though we don’t speak all proper and fancy, we are very personable and people gravitate towards us naturally, and they just end up believing what we say. Harry was just the perfect Traitor.

Do you have a game plan?

My game plan is to act dumb, but not too dumb. If you’re too dumb they’re wondering what’s the purpose of you being here! I can’t just sit on that Round Table and not have an opinion. I have to twist everything to make it seem like I’m really, really upset. And I’ve done that a lot in my life. So, acting dumb, but also, I think being good at the Missions. I’m going to try my hardest in the Missions because people need to see that you’re a team player, and that you’re actually trying.

When you’re playing games with family and friends are you competitive?

I am definitely competitive. But I like the fact that we don’t take it too seriously, have a little game and then if we lose, we lose. If we win, we win. But I do want to win!

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

I’m not the most athletic person. I don’t go to the gym, I think especially after having a baby the athleticism is out the window. I can’t even touch my toes anymore, but I try my best at everything. I will try so hard and make sure that everyone is happy and make sure that everyone is getting involved. I am a good leader because I’m very good at assigning roles. I’m very good at seeing your strengths and putting you in the right positions, making sure people are motivated and that you don’t get too upset if things don’t go your way.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I would love to be a Traitor. It’s better to be a Traitor than to be a Faithful because I don’t think I can deal with every night thinking am I going to die tonight? I don’t want to split the money. I want the money to be mine. Normally I’m not selfish when it comes to these things but when it comes to providing for my family, nothing will come between that. Not one thing. Being a Traitor, that would be my dream.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

Definitely. I think because I’m always smiling you can’t really tell the difference. So, these eyes might be sinister, but you might not know.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

As far as I possibly can go.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I think, first of all, I would try and sniff out who the Traitors are. I would try and be pleasant with everyone, get in each group and see who’s moving a little bit different from day one. When you meet them on that train, you can see who people naturally are. And then when they find out who the Traitor is, everyone starts switching up, maybe a bit more talkative, or quieter. I think that’s why I’ll be analysing people so much. I don’t think Traitors will want to get rid of people that are good at earning them money, so, I would need to be as good as I possibly can be in those games to earn as much money for the team as well.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I always know when someone is lying. And body language, body language is so strong. if you’re uncomfortable, even little things like your knees might not be pointing towards me, you’d be pointing toward the door if you’re uncomfortable. If you’re not looking at me in the eye when you’re telling me that lie, then I’m like, where are you looking? Where’s your brain right now? If you don’t respond quick enough and I feel like I asked the right questions, I’ll just keep on going until I find out if that story is true or not.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

I can’t be too questioning, can’t be too conniving. I don’t want to blend too much into the background. I feel like there’s always a hierarchy. There are always the really popular people and then there are the people just below. That’s where I’m trying to be; just the one right below, not too quiet, just in the middle. Kind of like a Mollie because Mollie did just really slide right into the end. I don’t even think she even had a game plan. I think she was just authentically being herself because she’s just a sweet girl. I think that’s my plan for a Faithful is to just blend in, but also be friendly and try to befriend the popular people.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I would put down a deposit for a house. My plan, just in general with life is that I kind of want to disappear off the face of the earth. I want to live in the countryside, I want to have a very quiet life. And then if I have anything left over, I’ve got a lot of debts to sort out, and then I would go on a nice little holiday. I’ve always wanted to go to Bali, because of Eat, Pray, Love.

Minah

Age: 29

Occupation: Call Centre Manager

Location: Liverpool

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

After season one, a couple of friends and family members sent me the link and I thought I’ve got nothing to lose and I probably won’t hear anything, so I did it. I got through the first few stages for season two, but it got to the point of asking work for time off, and I wasn’t able to get the time off. So, it was one of those things where, if something’s meant to happen, it’s meant to happen, and if there’s a reason it doesn’t happen, it was never meant to be.

After season two, people kept saying to me that I’d be so good on that show, so I applied again, and here I am! There’s nothing like it on the telly. Me, my husband and my mother-in-law love the show – we’ve watched the Australian one and the celebrity one from America. I think I like it because I like playing pranks on people and telling them little white lies, innocent lies – I think that’s probably what drives me.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself and what you think you will bring to the game.

It depends on whether I’m a Traitor or a Faithful. I’d like to think I’m easy to get on with – I do just gel with different types of people from different walks of life. But I’m also very playful and always wanting to have a laugh.

If I was a Faithful I’d probably be a bit scatty and feel paranoid, I’d have to remind myself to calm it down a bit. I think overall, I would bring team spirit, getting everyone involved, making sure everyone’s included. I think that’s from my job – I’m asked to be like that at work so I think naturally I’m like that in general. I’m the mother of the group but also the one that wants to organise everything for everyone, and then sometimes a bit of a control freak, but always getting everyone involved.

What did you think of the previous series? Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I thought Harry was amazing. He played the role of a Traitor as perfect as anyone because he was friends with everybody. He would get everyone involved in the challenges, he wouldn’t always be obsessing over shields, but then he’d also go for shields, which obviously makes sense if you’re Faithful. I think the way he managed to grow a friendship with Mollie was perfect, because, if you’re a Faithful you need somebody who is blind to your lies and who will always back you.

I thought Diane was amazing. There was quite a nice mix of people. Zack was a bit bossy, he had Maddie tendencies, but then I know I’d be that person to an extent, where you can be full on with your ideas, and you get people to back you in an idea that’s incorrect. But it’s harmless, isn’t it? With Paul, I personally don’t appreciate that style of Traitor. I feel like he was quite intense. Also, the other thing that I’d like to see in this season, whether I’m a Traitor or not is Traitors being faithful to each other. Obviously, you’re a Traitor, so you don’t have any loyalty to anyone, but in the past they’ve been so quick to just throw each other under the bus sometimes. It’d be nice to see two Traitors win, and having each other’s backs all the way. I suppose though if it’s between you or throwing someone else under the bus, you’ve got to throw them under the bus, haven’t you?

What do you think you’ll bring to the game? Do you have a game plan?

I feel like I have a very similar personality to Harry. In this game I will cheer everyone on in the Missions to get them done and to get the money. Secretly you’re thinking, I need this lot to work hard to earn my money that I’m going to take at the end!

I think you’ve got to be careful not to throw too many accusations and allegations whether you’re a Traitor or a Faithful, because if you’re a Faithful, and you’re constantly accusing people, as soon as you accuse a Traitor, you could get murdered. And then I think if you’re a Traitor, there’s a risk of accusing too much. I’m going to be observant and be like the mother of the group – even though I might not be the oldest mother in the group – and just have my arm around everyone. If people are struggling, if they’re homesick or they just want to have a cousin and coach or someone to help tell them that it’s going to be okay, I’m probably that person.

Are you competitive?

I used to be competitive, but my husband’s family are all so competitive. I think it’s because they were dancers growing up and they used to do competitions. I think if you’re around that energy that much, like I am, you become quite competitive. For example, when Liam, my husband said he was going to learn to drive, my immediate response was well, I’m going to learn how to drive first. If you can do it, I can do it. I passed first, and he started three months before me!

I feed off people’s energy. If someone’s doing something I’m going do it too. I’ll probably do a little bit of a better job. So yes, I’m a bit competitive!

Do you think you’ll do well in the missions?

I’m very athletic, I do a lot of running, I’m quite a sporty person and I’ve always been naturally good at sports stuff, apart from tennis – I can’t seem to crack tennis. I’m not strong enough to hit the ball. I think my fitness levels will help in the Missions, and I’ll be really good.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I don’t know how I’ll feel until I’m in that situation, but I’m going in really wanting to be a Traitor. I’d be really nervous in the moment where you take the blindfold off. It’d be like, oh gosh, game on.

Whereas I feel like, if you weren’t a Traitor, you’d probably have a little bit of time to figure out what the hell’s going on. But I think that’s exciting in itself, and I sometimes think it’s a harder game playing a Traitor. If you’re going to play a good Traitor, you constantly have to convince yourself of this lie, and that has to become your reality. You’re out there trying to find Traitors, all the while knowing that you’re the Traitor. And planning who you’re going to murder, who’s the right person to murder at what stage in the game. I think it is a hard game, but the silver lining is that you know you’re not going to get murdered, so you can probably sleep easy. Aside from that, I’m up for the challenge.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you are prepared to go to win the game?

I’m naturally very competitive and because I always want to win, I’d do anything. But I also like to be honest with people and I think I’d struggle betraying people I’d become close to. I think in the back of my mind though I’d think I’m doing this for my family and that trumps any of the friendships I might possibly make.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I think observing people as much as I possibly can, even the little things, trying to take in as much as I can prior to the blindfolds going on to see if I can pick up on any differences after that. And my game plan, I think, would be not to accuse anyone so full on, because it’s alright when you’re accusing the Faithful, because the Traitors will also back that. As soon as you start accusing the wrong person that’s a Traitor, then you’re at risk of getting murdered. I’ll be careful about putting my energy into being fixated on one person. I get so angry in the first couple of episodes of all Traitors series, as it happens all the time, and everyone votes for the same person. It’s like, why don’t you think for yourself, it’s a little bit lazy, and I think that’s playing it safe. So, I won’t necessarily play it safe in that sense, because I’d just be like, if I don’t think that you’re a Traitor, I’m not going to vote for you just because the rest of the table is.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I’m very rarely wrong about people. I do think, because I take time to – without sounding like a creep – just watch people out the window. I take time to take people in and pick up on little bits. Sometimes the way you say certain things, shows more than what you’re actually saying. I’d like think you can tell if someone’s lying, but saying that, no one can tell when I’m lying. So, if the liars are as good as me, I’m in trouble!

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

The first thing I’d do is book me and my husband a honeymoon. We got married in December 2020, in the height of Covid, and we had a really small wedding, which was lovely, but it wouldn’t have been my choice and we didn’t get a honeymoon. I’d love for us to go traveling around America for three weeks. I’d also use the money for a house deposit, which would be amazing.

Nathan

Age: 39

Occupation: Property Consultant

Location: London

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

To win the money and I think partly for the experience. It was actually my wife who said “you would be amazing at this.” I reckon she’s manifested this whole situation. She even said to me, “Nathan, you’re going to get the call that you’re going on.” So, when I found out and I called her she said, “Are you calling me to say you’re going on The Traitors?” She was like “I knew, I just had a feeling.” She’s been my rock since the process started. She’s been amazing.

What do you think you’ll bring to the show?

Chaos. It’s a game and you have to always remember it’s a game. I’ve got no qualms in lying to someone’s face or getting where I need to get to because I know it’s a game. You just have to play the game and I’m not going to take it personally if people want to accuse me. I’ve got to be quite strategic, but I think I will be planting a lot of seeds and spreading a bit of gossip because I quite enjoy it. I just think it’s fun. I’d rather go out with a bang and be the guy that was planting seeds and just causing havoc.

We’ve all come here to win money, and I know it’s going to be so much harder than it looks on TV, but I can’t wait.

What did you think of the previous series?

I thought the previous series were excellent. I thought the first series really captured the essence of what the game is about, but it was very emotional because you reflect back on it now and you think wow, Wilf just pulled the heartstrings where he needed to, and he did a great job. Series two had some great characters in there, it’s all about good people and I think if people can just be their honest selves the best comes out.

Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

I really liked Paul’s game plan. I just loved his calm and I see a bit of me in that. At the same time, I like the cheeky chappie side of Harry, and that ruthlessness – I loved it. I had a soft spot for Mollie too because of the way she is as a person, she was so torn, she did back the wrong horse and it tore her heart out.

Jaz as well, I thought his game was really clever because he said what he needed to say when he needed to say it.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

Apart from chaos? I want to be quite well-liked, people say I make them feel quite special and I’m warm and so I’ll get on with people. Even though we might not see eye to eye on certain things I can get on with anyone and I love to hear people’s stories.

Do you have a game plan?

I think the game plan is to be as strategic as possible in terms of knowing what to say when to say it. If I was a Faithful, it’s knowing what to say at the right times and what not to say. I think that would be my game plan, just knowing when to shut up, because I can talk quite a lot. I’ve always believed that those who speak first lose.

What are you like when playing games with friends and family? Would you say you’re competitive?

I’m a cheat. My family game is Monopoly, and nobody ever wins. It’s very rare that someone beats me at Monopoly. I’m so competitive, there aren’t many board games that we play, because I struggle with words so games like Scrabble, I would really struggle with. Same with pub quizzes – there’s no point. But Monopoly, you’re in trouble. I get upset when I lose but I get over it pretty quick.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

Physical Missons yes, no problem at all. If it’s something like “solve this anagram,” no chance. Anything to do with words and puzzles, I would struggle with but I’ll still give it a go.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I’d love it. I think that’s the part of the game where you can really have some fun. I think you can really embrace the game and stir the pot and just get things going. That excites me.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

Yes, I do. I can stay calm and if I want something I go out and get it. If that means me looking at someone in the eye and telling them whatever they think they need to hear, I will tell them that. I’ve got no issues; I can look people in the eyes and have that conversation with them, I can swear on my heart.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

I would do anything to win the game. You have to do whatever it takes to win and it’s a game of manipulation, lies, building trust but also letting people down and stabbing people in the back. That’s what the game is about.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I think you just have to be careful what you say to who and you have to build good relationships with people that you genuinely feel you can trust, which is obviously going to be really hard. I think it’s firstly listening to people, seeing what’s going on and then making your own judgement from there. Just saying the right things at the right time. I want to have a bit of fun and I want to cause mess, for some reason I just want to cause some trouble. I’ve always been like that, even as a kid I was always naughty. I just want to have fun and play the game.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

That’s a tough question, because I don’t know. If they’re a good liar I’m never going to spot it! I think most people say you can spot lies, but can you? Because if they’re a liar, they’re a liar and if they are going to lie, you would have no idea. I have no idea if I can spot a good liar or not, but we’re going to find out.

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

Two ears and one mouth. The reason why we’ve got two ears and one mouth – we listen more than we speak. I think it’s just understanding the gameplay, trying to read as much of people’s body language as possible. People when they lie do things because they feel guilty or have a nervousness about them, so their heart beats a little bit faster and things like that. I think I’ll eventually pick up on that. I’ll need to blend in and be a bit more relaxed because if they know that I’m onto them straightaway, I’m out.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I would help my dad and my family, I’d definitely treat my wife to something too because she’s been pushing me to do this.

The money would help massively because my dad last year had kidney failure and neither of my brothers or sister got a match to give him a kidney. We had to put him on private medication, which costs an absolute fortune. 120 grand would fix a lot of things in the short term. So, that’s a good motivation to win.

Tyler

Age: 29

Occupation: Barber

Location: Leicester

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

I was watching the first season with my mum, and I just said I’m going to apply for that, I reckon I’d be good on it and my mum said to go for it. When I applied, I didn’t expect to get on at all! I just love the game, if this was just a local game, not on television or anything like that I’d still go for it because I just love it.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you think you’ll bring to the show?

I think my job sets me up well. Every day I’m gaining trust as I cut people’s hair. They’re chatting to me about upcoming weddings and birthdays, if they’re going on holiday so I feel like I can gain people’s trust quite easily. Also, I feel like I can adapt to any situation. I’ve always said, I get on better with older people. Not many people my age really enjoy getting to know older people and I feel like I can just adapt with anyone. I like getting to know people’s stories and when I’m talking to someone, I can kind of feel if they’re telling the truth or not. I’m a good reader of people so I bring that as well. I’ll be really good at the Missions I think because I’m fit and healthy anyway and I like my gym, I enjoy walking and things like that

What did you think of the previous series?

I just love the game. It’s really interesting, and it’s a roller coaster and I want to be on that kind of roller coaster, it excites me, I do want to win. That’s my main objective. It’s like the old saying, I’m not there to take part, I’m there to win.

Was there anybody’s game plan that you admired from previous seasons?

I did like Jaz, just because he was quite clever. He kind of had a feeling who was a Traitor, but he didn’t let it out straight away. I feel like that’s what you’ve got to be like; if you do think someone’s a traitor, you can’t just come straight with it. He waited up, kind of like a bird watching from above, looking for a point when to pounce. He may not have won but he got to the end it was a strong game plan.

Do you like playing games with family and friends? Are you super competitive?

I am competitive. I’ve played sports since I was a young lad, football, cricket, loads of stuff and I’ve always wanted to do my best, but I am also sportsmanlike and fair. So, say if I got voted out first, obviously it’s gutting, but at the end of the day, it’s a game. That’s what you’ve got to think about. It’s a game. And if you make it to the final and you win it – amazing.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you feel about that?

Well, I’ve said I’d want to be a Faithful. But if I get the tap on the shoulder, I just feel like I’ll adapt to it. In my head, I’m just going to be thinking to myself, this is a game. Yeah, it’s not me and it wouldn’t feel very nice getting rid of whoever’s in there if we’ve become friends and I’ve got to get rid of them. I’d have to keep thinking that they’d do the same. We all want to go in there and win it. And if you need to do something as a Traitor, that’s just what you’ve got to do.

How far do you think you’d be willing to go to as a Traitor to win everything?

Everything I need to do. The one thing I’ve seen on previous seasons, though, I feel like the Traitors get rid of each other too soon. I feel like you need to be close, have a good bond in there as you’re working together.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

I’d go towards more the older people, because I’m an old soul I think. I can’t trust younger people. I don’t know what it is but I don’t trust them. I’m more mates with my dad’s mates. I’ve got mates my own age but what I’m saying is I tend to do more stuff with my older friends, like I go to Northern Soul nights and I’m the only young one there. I go to darts on a Thursday night, and I like bird watching. It’s all older people. I feel like, in there, if I’m a Faithful, I’ll be some more towards the older people and getting them on side. Although one of them could be a Traitor of course!

How good are you at spotting a liar?

In my job, I come across different people every single day and I’ve become good at reading people. I know when someone is lying.

What qualities do you think you’d need to get to the final and ultimately win?

Well, obviously, you’ve got to gain people’s trust. You’ve got to not look problematic to The Traitors. And you’ve got to not be targeted at the Round Table. So you have to find a happy, happy medium in the middle. That’s something I’ve got to do when I’m in there. 100%. Not be too out there. If you’re good at the Missions as well, they know you’re going to build the money up. I’ve got to make sure I’m on it with those Missions!

If you should succeed and you win, what would you do with the prize money?

100% buy my own barbershop. I love my barbering, that’s my pride and joy. I wake up in the morning and where some people might dread having to go to work, I can’t wait to get there and just start talking to people, cutting people’s hair, making them look good and that makes me feel good. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve been doing it for five years now. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.

Yin

Age: 34

Occupation: Doctor of Communication

Location: Berkshire

Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?

This game is all about communication and I am a communication scientist. So it would be the perfect opportunity for me to exercise my discipline of communication science. More specifically, The Traitors is about rhetoric – the art and science of persuasive communication. This is my specialty, and I am so obsessed with it that I have a PhD from Oxford in the subject. Analysing how information and emotion are transmitted between individuals and social groups gets me going like nothing else.

The other element of why I applied is storytelling. I believe that there is no such thing as a lie. It’s just a good story. It’s good fiction. And so to win this game, you just have to tell the best story. And if you’re a Traitor, you’ve got to even fool yourself with the fictional world that you’ve created. It’s not a lie. It’s just fiction. I’ve been crafting stories since I was able to physically write on paper. I would relish the opportunity to practise this craft in the high-stakes context of a game that is all about trust and sabotage!

What did you think of the previous series? Was there anyone’s game plan you admired?

Series one, I wasn’t impressed with the gameplay, but I was impressed by the relationships that formed and how genuine they were, and what an amazing family that the whole cast seemed to be. I think that several people had amazing gameplay. So namely, Wilf and Amanda stood out as Traitors, who were both brilliant in their own way.

With series two. I thought the gameplay was a lot richer and more developed and far more interesting. Jaz was my favourite, in terms of how he was playing. I did also think Harry was really good, and he was sailing through the whole time. But I just had a particular soft spot for Jaz because of how scientific he was about how he was disclosing information. The gameplay was next level for me and it shows that certain methodologies, like observing and then working out what to say, at what time, do work brilliantly.

What do you think you’ll bring to the game?

Communication and rhetoric, as I said are the two main reasons why I really wanted to do this. I have over the past, developed in my spare time, and also during my PhD, my own discipline, and I’ve called it communication science. And you have to view it in a scientific way in order to improve it. So be systematic and strategic and really try to measure how well your messages are landing emotionally as well as informationally. This discipline of communication science is basically my secret weapon. It’s going to get me through the process, either as a Faithful or a Traitor. I’m always analysing, it’s not just words, it’s the tone, it’s body language, it’s also what’s not being said, what’s not being done and actions over time, how they match with the words. There’s all of this stuff around it that I notice that I don’t think a lot of people pay attention to.

Do you have a game plan?

I think it’s important to have a game plan. You can’t just leave it all up to chance. On the other end, if you’re planning out every single thing, then that’s also a bad idea, because people are unpredictable, and you cannot foresee the combination of individuals the producers have gathered together. So it has to be in between where there’s some frameworks you’ll follow, like a level of adaptation. You have to adapt to what the reality is. So at any time, I can pivot. You also need to be a bit like Jaz and observe, observe, observe, try to get exposure to all the other contestants. You also need to understand the physical environment of the castle – which rooms are really good for telling certain messages in and which ones are not. I’m going to store this information in my head but also write it down once I’m on my own in the evenings. I have a notebook with my pregame thoughts already.

What are you like playing games with friends and family? Are you competitive?

I’d say 90% competitive, 10% fun. You can’t lose the fun entirely, but if you’re in a game situation, it’s all about the competition.

Do you think you’ll be good at the Missions? What strengths do you think you might bring to them?

Overall, I’m very excited for the Missions. But I’m definitely nervous for some, I can’t swim, so if it involves hopping over rocks or floating objects in a Loch or something, I’ll be the embarrassing person who falls out of the boat or off the wooden plank. I’ll admit my physical intelligence isn’t very high, but I’ve got pretty good IQ, and even higher EQ, which is going to help me win the game.

If you are a Traitor, how do you think you’ll feel?

I would love to be a Traitor, particularly because of that storytelling component. I want to have ultimate control over the narrative. There are three levels here. There’s the Faithful, who have the least control. To put it as a kitchen metaphor, they’re cooking with salt and pepper and eggs and bread alone, not that many ingredients. The stories are a bit weak, and they can’t really have much flavour or spice.

Next level up is the Traitors. They have a full spice rack, your Cajun seasoning from New Orleans, and you’ve got the garam masala etc. so you’ve got lots of spice, because you’re able to kill characters off, and engineer plot twists through putting people on trial, for example. And that’s really spicy narrative. And I love that the next level up is the producers. They are the ultimate people in control, and they are the ultimate storytellers, but they’re invisible. What I love about this hierarchy, is that you lose visibility the higher up you go, and you gain narrative control and storytelling power the higher up you go.

The Faithful, their stories are visually or verbally articulated at the round table, you are exposing what you’re thinking, and it becomes very explicit. Whereas the Traitors, you tell a story through murdering people and then working out how to connect the dots post murder, but that’s invisible, because no one else is in the turret. And then a further level of visibility, of course, is the producers. So I would relish it.

Would you say you’ve got a good poker face?

100% I can do the poker face, but at the same time, my natural state is to be very emotive and expressive. I would try to use that to my advantage.

If you are a Traitor, how far are you prepared to go to win the game?

If I’m a Traitor, I’m prepared to go all the way with the big caveat, which is that I think this series needs a team win, either Faithful again or Traitor for the first time. I don’t like or subscribe to the whole I need to backstab all my fellow Traitors at some point to be the last, best Traitor standing. I wouldn’t go into the game doing that. I would look to form an alliance with myself and one other Traitor who I would absolutely trust. It’s hard to fully trust someone, but I hope we could trust each other enough to genuinely have their back and hope they have mine and I’d try to win with that other person.

If you’re a Faithful, what do you think your game plan would be?

It would be quite similar to if I’m a Traitor. I’m still telling stories; I just have less control. I would still be storytelling about myself and not revealing certain aspects of my identity. So, for example, the fact that I’ve gone to Oxford three times, or work in AI, these kinds of details make people think, ‘oh, she could be a threat,’ so I would absolutely withhold those kinds of things.

I would then try to work out who is more likely to be a Faithful or Traitor, it’s all about likelihoods not definites. Every day, I’d have this visual of a gradient of trust, which has a refresh every 24 hours based upon murders and banishments, and I would adjust the people on that gradient. The key thing is, if, over time, I suspect that certain individuals are definitely or highly likely over others to be more traitorous on that spectrum, I would, like Jaz, try to befriend the more powerful of them. The whole cliche of keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. So I would absolutely be trying to become their best friend whilst not trusting them fully, I think that is key to being a good Faithful, or a faithful that survives.

How good are you at spotting a liar?

I think generally good, but in this particular context, where it’s a new environment and it’s very high pressure so it would be presumptuous and arrogant of me to say that I will absolutely be able to detect liars in that particular context. In everyday context, people I naturally interact with, like my family, I’m very good at knowing when they are lying. It’s easy because I know these people. I think the less you know people, and the fact that everyone there is going to be pretending to some level, makes it even more difficult. But the key thing to me is time, I’m really good at benchmarking people’s words and actions over time. So if I can stay in the game long enough, I should be able to form a pretty good set of hypotheses around who’s lying purely by analysing what they’re saying and doing over time. But first impressions, I will probably be wrong!

If you are a Faithful, what qualities do you think you’re going to need to make it through to the final?

There are two things. One is observation. You need to be good at analysing and hoovering up all the details to be able to make as scientific a judgement as you can about who is more or less likely to be a Traitor. If you don’t observe things and make scientifically grounded or head versus heart decisions, it’s just going to be a game of luck for you. The second thing is, you need to have a really high level of emotional intelligence to be able to persuade the other players that you are manipulatable. That’s the key thing. You have to come across as someone who shares their thoughts and is transparent to some level, and who doesn’t try to control everyone, but can be controlled and can trust.

If you win the prize money, what do you think you’ll spend it on?

I have a pretty large loan from my mother because she helped me buy my first house, which was a really amazing moment, because it happened just before Covid. I’ve been paying her back quite slowly, but this would allow me to finally just send her a sizable amount, because she’s not a wealthy person herself, she’s just self-sacrificing for her children and her family. Secondly, I’ve always been toying with this idea of starting my own website around my communication science discipline. I called the whole thing Yin-powerment and so a bit of the money would be spent towards setting up a website and some social media for that, and content as well.