The Traitors (series three) starts New Year’s Day at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
It’s back! And we are promised some delightfully wicked twists and turns in The Traitors (series three). Once again, Claudia Winkleman will greet 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.
Let’s meet this year’s contestants.
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.
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 the 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 to 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!
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 and 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!
The Traitors (series three)
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 and 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.
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 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!
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.
The Traitors (series three)
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?
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.
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 and 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. I 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, and 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.
Francesca
Age: 44
Occupation: Interior Designer
Location: East Sussex
Why did you apply to be on 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 a mum. I do interior design, but 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’ll bring to the game?
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 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 sectors, which 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.
The Traitors (series three)
Freddie
Age: 20
Occupation: Politics Student
Location: Peterborough
Why did you apply to be on The Traitors?
I’m quite a big fan of The Traitors. I watched the first two series of the UK show, and I 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 do you think you’ll bring to the game?
I used to be number one in the UK 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 sports 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, and being able to hold myself in arguments. I think they’re all pretty important strengths you need in the game.
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 and 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 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.
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 do you think you’ll bring to the game?
I’ve been 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 realise I’m in the wrong, I always 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.
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 who have watched; 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 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.
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 I 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, and 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 undergame if I end up being a Traitor. I can’t wait to find out.
The Traitors (series three)
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, ‘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, that’s why I applied; I just thought I could 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 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, and all religions; it just comes naturally to me! I was a licensee for many years, and my wife and I always used to be front of house, meeting and greeting people and chatting. I got on with everybody. 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.
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 and 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 realise 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, I 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.
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 about 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 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 who don’t like me, so I think that will all work to my advantage.
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. In a mad moment, I looked it up on the internet and saw 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 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!
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, and 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.
The Traitors (series three)
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’d 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.
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. The 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 and 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 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.
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. My husband, my mother-in-law, and I love the show – we 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.
What do you think you’ll 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 want 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 who wants to organise everything for everyone. Sometimes, I’m a bit of a control freak, but I’m always getting everyone involved.
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 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.
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.
What do 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 to 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.
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 speciality, and I am so obsessed with it that I have a PhD in the subject from Oxford. Analysing how information and emotions 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 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 my own discipline in my spare time and also during my PhD, which I’ve called 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.
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