The lineup for the UK’s celebrity edition of *The Traitors* has been revealed, boasting a star-studded cast that rivals Graham Norton’s show.
Nineteen celebrities will join Claudia Winkleman at Ardross Castle in Scotland, a diverse group spanning sports and the arts.
Among them are comedians Stephen Fry, Alan Carr, and Jonathan Ross, alongside Olympic diver Tom Daley, all competing in this game of deception.
The lineup also includes singers Paloma Faith, Cat Burns, and Charlotte Church; historian David Olusoga; broadcaster Clare Balding; actress Celia Imrie; and *Ted Lasso* star Nick Mohammed.
The third season of *The Traitors*, which aired in January, attracted over 10 million viewers.
The show’s premise is deceptively simple: contestants are secretly assigned as “traitors” or “faithful.” Traitors eliminate faithfuls nightly, while faithfuls attempt to uncover the traitors’ identities. The remaining players at the end win the prize money (donated to charity in this celebrity edition).
This autumn’s celebrity season promises a captivating blend of fame, ego, and public image. BBC News consulted psychologists to predict likely faithfuls, traitors, and frontrunners.
Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross, Stephen Fry, Joe Wilkinson, and Lucy Beaumont
Psychotherapist Susie Masterson suggests comedians are “obvious frontrunners,” citing humor as a defense mechanism that can mask true intentions. Their quick wit and experience with public personas make them potentially adept traitors.
Masterson highlights Alan Carr as a strong contender: “an affable individual, not afraid to stir the pot.” However, high-profile contestants like Jonathan Ross may face a disadvantage due to the power imbalance their status creates, potentially breeding suspicion.
Stephen Fry’s intelligence and articulation could inadvertently work against him, leading others to suspect strategic manipulation. Masterson also notes his potential vulnerability to criticism.
Paloma Faith, Cat Burns, and Charlotte Church
Masterson believes Cat Burns’ stage experience could prove advantageous, while Paloma Faith and Charlotte Church’s strong personalities might hinder their ability to appear measured enough for sustained deception.
Tom Daley, Joe Marler, and Clare Balding
Masterson predicts athletes like Tom Daley will excel as faithfuls, possessing leadership, motivation, and resilience. She contrasts Daley and Clare Balding’s potentially supportive nature with Joe Marler’s less collaborative approach.
Their success will hinge on their ability to prioritize teamwork over individual competition.
Nick Mohammed, Mark Bonnar, Tameka Empson, Ruth Codd, Celia Imrie
Actors might face suspicion due to their profession. However, the diverse group, from Tameka Empson to established names like Mark Bonnar and Celia Imrie, might mitigate this. Less well-known actors like Ruth Codd and Nick Mohammed could be harder to read.
David Olusoga, Niko Omilana, and Kate Garraway
Kate Garraway’s presenting experience may give her an edge. David Olusoga’s intellect could, like Fry’s, lead to suspicion. Quiet contestants can often struggle, though past examples prove this isn’t always the case.
YouTube prankster Niko Omilana is highlighted as a potential dark horse, given his online savvy and awareness of perception management.
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