Gretel Killeen is officially taking charge of the next season of The Traitors Australia, with 10 today confirming the TV veteran will front the 2026 instalment of the hit reality format.

First reported by The Daily Telegraph, this marks a major primetime comeback for the original Big Brother Australia host, who is currently racing around the globe with daughter Epiphany on The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition.

For 10 viewers, Killeen is a familiar face. She anchored Big Brother’s early years and has since popped up across the network, from guest spots on The Project to singing incognito as the Octopus on The Masked Singer in 2019.

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Given 10’s knack for profiling talent across its reality slate, perhaps we should’ve seen this coming—a celebrity race one month, a traitorous castle the next.

Is Gretel Killeen the secret ingredient to make 10’s The Traitors a breakout hit down under? (image – 10)

Killeen shared her excitement about taking on the new hosting role, hinting at the playful side she’ll bring to The Traitors:

“As a writer and performer, I love a new experience and hosting the new Traitors gives me permission to explore an alternate version of myself in an imaginary place, full of challenging mischief.”

Gretel Killeen

Early speculation in other publications suggested Real Housewives star Krissy Marsh would appear as a contestant, before reports emerged claiming she would host the new season—those proved incorrect. TV Blackbox understands Marsh will still be involved in the series, though the full cast has yet to be confirmed.

Other rumoured contestants include AFLW player and former Australian Survivor castaway Kirby Bentley.

Insiders say this will be a mostly celebrity-filled season, much like the 2023 run that featured Gyton Grantley (actor, Underbelly), Ash Pollard (MKR, I’m a Celebrity), Luke Toki (Australian Survivor), and Hannah Ferrier (Below Deck).

TV Blackbox also understands 10 weighed several other hosting options—including I’m a Celebrity’s Julia Morris and actor Lisa McCune, fresh from Taskmaster Australia earlier this year—before choosing Killeen.

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The new season will be filmed in Timaru, New Zealand—about two hours southwest of Christchurch—produced by South Pacific Pictures, taking advantage of the NZ version’s third-season production to share costs with resources and locations.

10’s new Vice President of Content, Tamara Simoneau, said The Traitors is a global hit ready for an Aussie revival and praised Gretel Killeen as the perfect host to lead a clever, cunning cast through twists that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

For those eager for betrayal before 2026, 10 will fast-track The Celebrity Traitors UK from 9 October on streaming.

Gretel Killeen will host the next season of The Traitors, which is set to air on 10 in 2026.

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