Claudia Winkleman is back in black to host The Traitors, returning for its fourth series on New Year’s Day to welcome us into 2026.
With £120,000 on the line, 22 fresh-faced players from across the UK descend on a brooding Scottish castle for the ultimate psychological showdown of trust, treachery and poker faces.
This year’s line-up is a vibrant mix of personalities and professions. From ghost-hunting builders to former detectives, crime writers, psychologists and gym-buffed personal trainers, let’s meet the contestants…
Adam
34-year-old builder from Essex
Adam applied because he enjoys competition and is driven by winning, saying, “Because I love a contest. I love the thought of being able to outthink people and I want to win it.” He describes himself as outspoken and dramatic, explaining, “I speak my mind completely like there’s no filter there.” Adam believes he can read others well and says, “I’ve studied body language.” Ideally, he wants to play as a Traitor, adding, “I would want to be a Traitor,” but says he would adapt if he were Faithful. If he won, he says, “I’d take all my family to Florida.”
Amanda
57-year-old retired Police Detective from Brighton
Amanda was drawn to the show because of its investigative nature, saying, “As soon as I started watching the series, I thought this is really interesting.” She links the game to her former career, explaining, “I was a detective, and I’ve done lots of interviews with criminals and victims.” Her approach is flexible, as she says, “My game plan is to almost not have a game plan.” She would like to be a Traitor, describing it as “amazing.” If she won the money, she says, “I would like to donate a percentage to that charity.”
Ben
66-year-old retired from Hampshire
Ben says the show immediately caught his attention, explaining, “I’d never seen anything like this before, it intrigued me.” He believes his personality will help him, stating, “I’ll bring my charisma, my charm, my personality.” Ben admits he is highly competitive, saying, “I’m the only person allowed to win.” He strongly prefers the Traitor role, adding, “I would love to be a Traitor because you’re in control.” His prize money plans include learning to fly and treating his wife.
Ellie
33-year-old psychologist from London
Ellie was drawn in by the psychological side of the game, saying, “I think it is so psychologically interesting.” She hopes her professional background will help, explaining, “I’m hoping I can bring that psychological perspective.” Ellie wants to be a Traitor and says her plan is “trying to form bonds with people early on.” She admits she would be ruthless if needed, saying, “I’m definitely prepared to throw anyone under the bus.” If she wins, she says, “It’s going straight towards buying a flat.”
Faraaz
22-year-old internal auditor from Middlesbrough
Faraaz applied because he loves the show, saying, “I’m a huge fan of the show.” He believes he can stay logical under pressure, explaining, “I can detach from my emotions quite easily.” His early game plan is cautious, as he says, “You can’t win at the start. You can only lose.” He would prefer to be a Traitor, noting it gives “control in the game.” If he won, he says he would spend the money on “a religious pilgrimage.”
Fiona
62-year-old local government officer from Swansea
Fiona says the show appealed to her because it is tactical, explaining, “It’s a game which requires a lot of tact and a lot of psychological manoeuvres.” She describes herself as warm and trustworthy, saying, “People naturally warm to that.” Fiona would enjoy being a Traitor, stating, “I would be thrilled to be a Traitor.” Her prize money would mainly go towards her pension and charitable causes.
Harriet
52-year-old crime writer and former barrister from London
Harriet believes her career fits the show perfectly, saying, “The Traitors is like the quintessence of people not being who they seem.” She plans to downplay her sharper side by focusing on being approachable. She would be “absolutely delighted” to be a Traitor. If she won the prize money, she says she would donate it to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Hugo
51-year-old barrister from London (Born in Cardiff)
Hugo describes himself as obsessed with the programme, saying, “I’m obsessed with The Traitors.” He hopes to be a Traitor because of the advantage it brings. His plan is to be visible and sociable, explaining, “I’m going to hide in plain sight.” Winning would allow him to support Amnesty International, which he calls “very dear to my heart.”
Jack
29-year-old personal trainer from Essex
Jack says he applied because he is a huge fan of the show and enjoys the challenge. He has studied past series closely, saying, “I’ve deep dived into everything.” His main strategy is to be underestimated. He wants to be a Traitor but says he would accept either role. If he won, he says he would use the money as “a deposit for a property.”
Jade
25-year-old PhD student from West Midlands
Jade compares the show to games she already plays, saying, “I play a lot of video games which are similar to The Traitors.” She describes herself as observant and strategic. Her plan is to blend in while staying sharp, calling herself “a bit of a shark amongst the little sheep.” If she won, she says, “I would really like to buy a house.”
James
38-year-old gardener from Weymouth
James describes himself as a superfan, saying, “I am an anorak. I love the show.” He compares it to crime drama and poker, calling it “a beautiful lovechild of Midsomer Murders and poker.” He believes people underestimate him, adding, “I’m always analysing and processing.” He says he would “absolutely adore being a Traitor.” His winnings would go on his family and “a camper van.”
Jessie
28-year-old hairstylist from Hull
Jessie says she applied to push herself, explaining, “I applied to challenge myself, and I love meeting people.” She feels she will be underestimated, saying, “People might think that I don’t have it in me to be brutal, but I do.” Jessie would like to be a Traitor and says, “That is my aim.” She believes being useful in Missions will help her stay in the game. If she wins, she says, “I’d love to pay off my mum’s house.”
Judy
60-year-old child liaison officer from Doncaster
Judy says she applied because she believed she could handle the experience, saying, “I thought I could do this.” She describes herself as warm and upbeat, adding, “I’m always jolly. I don’t do mardy.” While she initially expected to be a Faithful, she warmed to the Traitor role, saying, “I think it might be fun.” If she won, she says she would bring her whole family together by booking “a villa for all of us.”
Matthew
35-year-old creative director from Edinburgh
Matthew describes the show as an adventure, saying, “It’s an adventure and just seems fun.” He is highly competitive and wants to win, explaining, “I’m really competitive.” His simple strategy is summed up as, “Anyone but me.” He believes staying part of the main group is key. If he won the prize money, he says he would like to buy “a little cottage in The Highlands.”
Maz
59-year-old civil servant from Preston
Maz says his love of the programme is what drew him in, explaining, “I love the programme.” He believes his life experience will help him contribute to the group. He plans to stay authentic, saying, “I’m going to try and be myself as much as I can.” Maz has chosen to challenge himself by opting to be a Traitor. If he won, he says the money would help his large family.
Netty
42-year-old nursery school teacher from Glasgow
Netty applied because she loves the game, saying, “I think it is one of the most amazing games you could possibly play.” She hopes to rediscover herself through the experience. Her approach is curiosity, explaining, “I’m just going to ask questions and be curious.” She would like to be a Traitor and says she wants to “have more fun seeing the whole picture.” If she won, she says the money would go on travelling with her child.
Rachel
42-year-old head of communications from County Down
Rachel says she is driven by competition, explaining, “I am a competitive person, through and through.” She is clear about her mindset, saying, “I will do anything to win.” Her plan includes downplaying her professional skills. Rachel would love to be a Traitor because she enjoys control. If she won, she says she would create memories with her mum and children.
Reece
27-year-old sweet shop assistant from Sheffield
Reece applied for the challenge and the uniqueness of the experience, saying, “I’ve always been so competitive.” He admits he can be ruthless in a game, explaining, “I’m not shy at being cutthroat.” Reece would prefer to be a Traitor, saying he would feel more comfortable in that role. If he won, he says he would donate some money to charity and aim for financial security.
Ross
37-year-old sales exec and personal trainer from London
Ross says he applied on impulse after hearing about the show from clients. He describes himself as highly competitive, saying, “If I’m playing competitively, I’ll do whatever it takes to win.” His strategy is to use his people skills while trying to stay protected. Ross says he would go “all the way” to win. The prize money would be used to further his education in sports and nutrition.
Roxy
32-year-old recruiter from Amsterdam
Roxy says the show stood out to her immediately, explaining, “It was different to anything I’ve ever seen before.” She describes herself as open and empathetic. Her approach is flexibility, saying, “It’s really hard to strategize for the unknown.” She believes being a Traitor would challenge her morally. If she won, she says she would take her family away and also use the money to start a family.
Sam
34-year-old account manager from North Yorkshire
Sam says he applied because he is a long time fan, calling the show “a breath of fresh air.” He describes himself as “very competitive” and hopes to be a Traitor. His strategy is to stay in the middle of the group early on. Sam says being a Traitor would feel “amazing.” If he won, the money would help him and his wife start a family.
Stephen
32-year-old cyber security consultant from London
Stephen says the game is impossible to watch without getting involved, explaining, “I genuinely love this game.” He describes himself as personable and competitive. His plan is to build connections naturally, saying, “Make friends with everyone.” Stephen believes being a Traitor offers more control. If he won, he says he would give back to his parents and work towards buying a home.
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