The hotly anticipated third season of The Traitors, once again led by Claudia Winkleman, finally back on TV screens last night. Returning on January 1, the tense competition sees 22 contestants divided into Faithfuls and Traitors. To win a massive cash prize of up to £120,000, the group must identify and eliminate the traitors from amongst them. If a traitor dodges detection until the final, they take home the entire cash prize.
Ahead of the new series, Screen Time spoke to a former cast member who weathered banishments and betrayal in the first season, which premiered in 2022. It began with Claudia dramatically eliminating two contestants just minutes into the episode, setting the stage for a season full of twists.
Despite the rocky start, former season one star Theo Mayne, 28, fondly recalls his time with the host. The Leeds-based actor and cheerleading coach discussed how his relationship with the 52-year-old has changed since leaving the Scottish Highlands. "I don't think I could have picked an better host for the show. She is a lovely woman. The day I got banished, when the cameras stopped rolling, she came up behind me and gave me a big, big hug and just said 'It's okay' because I was still sobbing.".
Theo was eliminated from the castle by his fellow players in episode nine. His exit was marked by a betrayal from Amanda Lovett, who voted to banish Theo despite having previously expressed her trust in him. If you can't see the poll, click here. Two years later, the actor has admitted he keeps in touch with his fellow competitors, including Traitor Amanda, stating that the experience "bonds you for life.".
