If, like us, you’re feeling pretty sad that the festive season is over already, then the return of The Traitors is welcome news. The hit reality TV competition is back for its fourth series, and host Claudia Winkleman has teased that this will be the best one yet!
“What happens in this series is truly extraordinary, with moments that made me gasp,” Claudia said in a press release for the new season. “I can’t wait for people to see it. The producers have the greatest minds.”
Claudia’s comments come hot on the heels of an epic teaser trailer which introduced a red cloak – prompting many viewers to theorise what it could mean. While we don’t know the answer to that just yet, we do know that 22 contestants have made their way to the scenic landscapes of Scotland for their chance to win £120k – or, at least, a portion of it. Here’s everything we know about the contestants on The Traitors season four so far…
The Traitors season four confirmed line-upAdamAmandaBenEllieFaraaz FionaHarrietHugoJackJadeJamesJessieJudyMatthewMazNettyRachelReeceRossRoxySamStephen
For more on the cast keep scrolling.
The Traitors season four cast details and verdictAdam
BBC
Age: 34
Job: Builder
Hometown: Essex
Why Adam applied for The Traitors:
“Because I love a contest. I love the thought of being able to outthink people, and I want to win it. That’s it, simple. I’ll play whatever hand I need to play, and that’s it.”
What is Adam’s game plan?
“I’ve thought about it a lot. I’ve got the sort of brain that thinks of something 100 times before anyone else has. It’s just the way I am. I love to plan stuff… A lot will depend on the personalities that are in there. You have to act a certain way around certain people, not everyone will come from the same background as me. You have to sort of blend in and adapt to the situation that you’re dealt.”
“If I’m a Faithful, I won’t lie about anything. Everyone’s going to know my name, what I do for a living. The only thing I’d have to lie about is if I’m a Traitor. I don’t understand why people add more pressure to be anything other than themselves. When I answer something, I want it to trip off my tongue, not to hesitate.”
Our verdict: Adam looks set to be a calm, highly strategic player who blends in socially while quietly outthinking others, making him dangerous whether he’s a Faithful or a Traitor.
Amanda
BBC
Age: 57
Job: Retired Police Detective
Hometown: Brighton
Why Amanda applied for The Traitors:
“I was a detective, and I’ve done lots of interviews with criminals and victims. You have to put the pieces together to find the truth and see through the lies. I’ve learned a lot about being deceptive, devious and cunning. On the other side of the coin, I am a good person, and I became a police officer to help people. You have to be nice and calm, even when there’s a big storm around you. I’d bring all these skills into the game, whichever role I am assigned.”
What is Amanda’s game plan?
“I think in this game there are so many on the hoof, dynamic situations that require you to make very quick decisions, and my game plan is to almost not have a game plan. I’ll be myself, try not to stick out, but equally not be too quiet, and I really want to have fun.”
Our verdict: Given her career background, Amanda is likely to be a quietly formidable presence, using her detective instincts and calm authority to read people accurately while staying under the radar and adapting effortlessly to the chaos of the game.
Ben
BBC
Age: 66
Job: Retired
Hometown: Hampshire
Why Ben applied for The Traitors:
“I’d never seen anything like this before – it intrigued me. I was taken in totally and kept saying it’s like Columbo and Agatha Christie.”
What is Ben’s game plan?
“I don’t think I’m going to go in with a game plan. What I have got is the skill set from my time in the forces. And I can read people very well.”
Our verdict: Ben is likely to be an intuitive, observant player who relies on life experience and people-reading skills to quietly assess the room rather than drive the game.
Ellie
BBC
Age: 33
Job: Psychologist
Hometown: London
Why Ellie applied for The Traitors:
“I think it is so psychologically interesting. I’ve watched it, and I love analysing what everyone’s doing and thinking through why they’re convinced that they know something, when to the viewer, they’re quite clearly wrong. I had to get involved, I had to understand it and get in there and play the game.”
What is Ellie’s game plan?
“I’m hoping to be a Traitor, but I think it’s absolutely about trying to form bonds with people early on, because we know that voting around the Round Table isn’t just about who’s suspicious, it’s also about the bonds that you’ve made with people. So that’s kind of the plan, to try and befriend everyone and see how that goes. I am also going to be hiding my occupation as I don’t want people to make assumptions about me.”
Our verdict: Socially adept and psychologically sharp, she focuses on early alliances and subtle analysis, positioning herself as a powerful behind-the-scenes player.
Faraaz 
BBC
Age: 22
Job: Internal Auditor
Hometown: Middlesbrough
Why Faraaz applied for The Traitors:
“I applied to be on The Traitors because I’m a huge fan of the show. I’ve been watching it since series one, and I thought it would be something that I’d really love to take part in and just immerse myself in that experience.”
What is Faraaz’s game plan?
“I’ve had a chat with my sister about what game plan I should have and I think, once it starts, it’ll be all up in the air really! One thing is, it’s important not to be too boisterous at the start, because you can’t win at the start. You can only lose. So, I think just keep some opinions and some cards close to your chest at the beginning and then observe everyone else, whilst spreading little nuggets here and there, but not making yourself the centre of attention straight away.”
Our verdict: Based on his cautious, observant approach and willingness to stay out of the spotlight early, we think he could quietly go the whole way if he times his moves right – but leaving it too late to assert himself could see him overlooked or caught out.
Fiona
BBC
Age: 62
Job: Local Government Officer
Hometown: Swansea
Why Fiona applied for The Traitors:
“I’ve never applied for anything like this before, but I really enjoy the show. I think it’s the most authentic reality TV show, and I’m not big into reality TV. I think because it’s a game which requires a lot of tact and a lot of psychological manoeuvres, it just appealed to me.”
What is Fiona’s game plan?
“Yes, I do. I just want to get to know people, warts and all. I’m not afraid to confront or challenge people, but not in a bullying or harassing way. I wouldn’t dream of doing that to anybody. I would definitely be somebody that wouldn’t be afraid to speak their mind. However, if I am a Faithful I’d be very wary to be as formidable and confrontational. I’d keep it in a bit.”
Our verdict: Fiona could go far thanks to her perceptive, no-nonsense approach and confidence in challenging others, but if she reveals too much of that formidable edge too soon, it may put a target on her back.
Harriet
BBC
Age: 52
Job: Crime Writer and Former Barrister
Hometown: London
Social media:
Why Harriet applied for The Traitors:
“I’ve watched the show and love it – it’s one of the very few TV shows that I think I have a skill set that could be useful for. I’m a crime writer and used to be a criminal barrister. I spend my life making up horrible ways for people to die and killing people on the page. The idea that I might get to actually plot to kill people or to track down a murderer, but, you know, without actual blood being shed, it’s the closest that I’d get to that experience in real life. So, quite honestly, what’s not to like?”
What is Harriet’s game plan?
“I think what I’m going to try and do is dial up the housewife, mother side of myself that’s quite lovable. I can bake cakes. I cook. I look after my family. I’ve got a lovely Golden Retriever and a lovely Labradoodle. All of these things are completely true. But there is also another side to me, so I think the juxtaposition of being nice and then hiding the more cutthroat part of me is the big strategy. I’m not going to be dishonest. I’m just going to play it down.”
Our verdict: Harriet could make a deep run by using her charming, approachable side to disarm others while quietly plotting strategically, but if her more cutthroat instincts slip too early, it could put her under suspicion.
Hugo
BBC
Age: 51
Job: Barrister
Hometown: Cardiff
Why Hugo applied for The Traitors:
“I really love the show. I’m obsessed with The Traitors. It’s such a fascinating game, and what really gets me is watching people around the Round Table and how wrong they get it. I’m a barrister, so I talk to juries, but they go off and make the decisions in a quiet room, so I never get to see it, but this, you just think, how could you be so wrong? I can’t take my eyes off it, I love it.”
What is Hugo’s game plan?
“That will depend on whether I get a tap on the shoulder and whether I’m a Traitor or not. Because it’s series four, I think everyone tries to hide in the middle of the pack and everyone tries to keep a low profile. I thought ‘do people like lawyers? Should I perhaps pretend to be something else?’, but that’s been done, and I think everyone’s smart, we’ve all seen the show. So, I’m going to hide in plain sight. I’m going to be myself, and I’m going to be quite out there telling stories, telling jokes and singing. I suppose I’ll be one of the older ones at 51, so I’m going to be very positive and try keep things upbeat and happy.”
Our verdict: Hugo could go far by blending charm, positivity, and social energy to stay under the radar while reading the room, though being too open or gregarious might draw attention if he’s a Traitor.
Jack
BBC
Age: 29
Job: Personal Trainer
Hometown: Essex
Why Jack applied for The Traitors:
“First and foremost, I’m a massive fan of the show. I want something that’s going to take me outside of my comfort zone. Some of the Missions are really physically demanding, but then there are the mental tests as well. You’ve got to be so switched on regardless of whether you’re a Traitor or a Faithful, it just takes one slip-up, and you could be gone. You’ve got to be so locked in both physically and mentally.”
What is Jack’s game plan?
“I have tactics for everything. Different plays with shields, different players around the Round Table, things to avoid. I think the overarching theme is making people underestimate me and feel like they’ve worked me out, so that they don’t perceive me as the threat.”
Our verdict: Jack has the tools to go all the way, combining physical prowess with strategic cunning and using others’ underestimation to stay one step ahead, though any small slip could end his run quickly.
Jade
BBC
Age: 25
Job: PhD Student
Hometown: West Midlands
Why Jade applied for The Traitors:
“I play a lot of video games, which are similar to The Traitors, so I just thought ‘why would I not?’ as I do it in my spare time anyway.”
What is Jade’s game plan?
“I think I’ll play everything that I do down a bit. I’m going to say that I am a master’s student, rather than a PhD because this is my whole life. I can’t go in there and make up a whole new background, as that’s too much effort to keep up, so I will just play down what I do. I have a resting mean face sometimes, which can kind of look like I’m just staring people out, so I need to watch myself as I can be quite blunt and direct as well. My game plan is basically to go in there and try to be part of the crowd, but also be a bit of a shark amongst the little sheep.”
Our verdict: Jade has the potential to make a strong run by blending into the group while quietly staying sharp and strategic, though her bluntness and intensity could risk drawing suspicion if she’s not careful.
James
BBC
Age: 38
Job: Gardener
Hometown: Weymouth
Why James applied for The Traitors:
“I love the show, but I didn’t start watching The Traitors until the second series because people nagged me. I used to play a lot of poker, and it has similarities, especially the Round Table. I have a desire to play the game well. Not in an arrogant way, but in a confident way, I think I could do this. So, I’m here with a passion for the game and sort of geeky vibes. I think that’s what drew me to it.”
What is James’ game plan?
“I definitely want to be a Traitor. If I’m not, I would probably try to seduce the Traitors into seducing me! Do a bit of reverse seduction, like, look good at the Round Table – okay, he speaks eloquently, this guy could handle the pressure. I think I’d give off that impression. If I’m nervous myself, I can affect a happy-go-lucky demeanour.”
Our verdict: James has the confidence and social savvy to make a deep run, using charm and careful observation to manipulate perceptions, though overplaying his persona could put him under scrutiny.
Jessie
BBC
Age: 28
Job: Hairstylist
Hometown: Hull
Why Jessie applied for The Traitors: “I applied to challenge myself, and I love meeting people. I know it will test me, which is good and what I need.”
What is Jessie’s game plan?
“If I’m picked as a Traitor, which I’d prefer, but if I’m not, then I would just be me. I guess you don’t have to do that much as a Faithful, because you don’t have to lie. I would just try and work out how people are, and if people are acting differently and just build lots of bonds and hold back a bit, but not hold back too much. You need a good balance.”
Our verdict: Jessie has the social skills and adaptability to navigate the game effectively, building bonds while staying alert, which could see her make it far – though misjudging the balance between openness and caution might expose her.
Judy
BBC
Age: 60
Job: Child Liaison Officer
Hometown: Doncaster
Why Judy applied for The Traitors:
“I applied because I thought I could do this, and it’s a great opportunity to do it at my time of life. I just think that the whole experience will be incredible, and I will never, ever experience anything like this again.”
What is Judy’s game plan?
“I want to go with the flow, be myself as much as I can be.”
Our verdict: Judy’s easygoing, authentic approach could help her fly under the radar and survive early eliminations, but her laid-back style might struggle if the game turns highly strategic.
Matthew
BBC
Age: 35
Job: Creative Director
Hometown: Edinburgh
Why Matthew applied for The Traitors:
“It’s an adventure and just seems fun. My New Year’s resolution was to have more adventures, and what I meant by that was more hiking, canoe trips, and camping, that sort of thing, but I’ve watched The Traitors and absolutely loved it, so I just thought why not give it a go.”
What is Matthew’s game plan?
“Anyone but me – that’s my simple plan, as long as it’s not me. I do not care whether they’re a Traitor or a Faithful, as long as it’s not me. I think The Traitors is a social game, and if you’ve got favour with people, or if someone has a warmer feeling towards me than someone else, then that’s the way that the vote will go. I think my biggest tactic is to always be part of the bigger group. No way am I getting off the train or getting in a coffin. I won’t do anything that separates me from the wider group because I think that leaves you in danger.”
Our verdict: Matthew’s focus on staying safely within the group could help him avoid early danger, but his reluctance to take risks or assert himself might prevent him from making it all the way.
Maz
BBC
Age: 59
Job: Civil Servant
Hometown: Preston
Why Maz applied for The Traitors:
“I love the programme, so that’s a good start. I love the whole essence of The Traitors, from the Missions, to the conversations, to the relationships you make and the game itself.”
What is Maz’s game plan?
“Well, I suppose it depends on what I’m going to be. I think that’s the big thing, isn’t it? Whether I’m a Faithful or a Traitor, I’m going to try and be myself as much as I can.”
Our verdict: Maz’s commitment to staying genuine could help her build trust and survive in the early stages, but a lack of aggressive strategy might make it harder to reach the very end.
Netty
BBC
Age: 42
Job: Nursery School Teacher
Hometown: Glasgow
Why Netty applied for The Traitors:
“I love the game. I think it is one of the most amazing games you could possibly play. I also wanted to do something for me, so I thought if I could do this, this would be amazing. Purely selfish reasons, but I just wanted to have some fun and do something that allowed me to get a little bit of myself back. I like delving into people and finding out about them, so I am excited to meet everyone and get to know them.”
What is Netty’s game plan?
“I’m just going to be myself. I get along with most people, but as time progresses, I feel like maybe being myself is not what I should do, because sometimes people get voted out for just being themselves. I’m just going to ask questions and be curious.”
Our verdict: Netty’s curiosity and genuine nature could help her build strong connections, giving her a solid chance to go far – but if she doesn’t adapt as the game intensifies, being too open might make her vulnerable.
Rachel
BBC
Age: 42
Job: Head of Communications
Hometown: County Down
Why Rachel applied for The Traitors:
“I am a competitive person, through and through. My friends and family call me Monica from Friends. I just love games. I love challenges, so I thought I’m going to give that a go.”
What is Rachel’s game plan?
“I’m going to say that I work in marketing, which is true, but it’s leaving out the fact that I do strategic communications across Northern Ireland on a daily basis. I don’t want them to know that speaking to people and getting my point across is very easy for me. I suppose the overriding game plan is to just have fun and be super fun and super positive and be lovely to be around, which is going to hopefully get me a little bit further in the game.”
Our verdict: Rachel’s charm, positivity, and competitive edge could help her navigate the social side of the game and last a long way, though relying too much on being “fun and lovely” might leave her exposed in high-stakes moments.
Reece
BBC
Age: 27
Job: Sweet Shop Assistant
Hometown: Sheffield
Why Reece applied for The Traitors:
“I’ve always been so competitive, and it’s just the idea of having that unique experience because how many people can say they’ve been on The Traitors? I don’t think I’ve done anything in my life which is so unique, and because I also have that competitive edge, I’m excited to see what I’m able to do.”
What is Reece’s game plan?
“I want to be unapologetically myself. I think my individual traits like assertiveness will push me further. Once I get an idea, I will drive with that idea. My boss recently told me I have tunnel vision, and how if he doesn’t necessarily tell me how to get to the end goal, I’ll just smash through walls to get there anyway. So, I’m very much going to go in with a game plan of being myself but heighten those emotions that I need to win.”
Our verdict: Reece’s assertiveness and determination could carry him far if he channels his drive strategically, but his tunnel-vision approach might make him an obvious target if he pushes too hard too soon.
Ross
BBC
Age: 37
Job: Sales Executive and Personal Trainer
Hometown: London
Why Ross applied for The Traitors:
“Some of my clients had been talking about it, so I just applied on a whim.”
What is Ross’ game plan?
“I am going to try and hide in plain sight, although just by stature, I’m a big guy and with quite a bassy voice, I don’t think that minimising myself is going to work out well! If anything, it’ll make me stand out even more. I’ll get a good lay of the land and use my good character and charisma, alongside the people skills that I have built up from working with people over the years and then, ideally, try and find a shield.”
Our verdict: Ross’s charisma and people skills could help him build alliances and stay under the radar, but his larger-than-life presence might make it difficult to go completely unnoticed, putting him at risk if suspicion falls his way.
Roxy
BBC
Age: 32
Job: Recruiter
Hometown: Amsterdam
Why Roxy applied for The Traitors:
“When I watched the first series, it was different to anything I’ve ever seen before. The first six years of my life were a little rocky, and I think having that lived experience of adapting to different situations, meeting different people, figuring out who to trust, I thought those skills that have come from unfortunate circumstances, would actually take me really far on the show.”
What is Roxy’s game plan?
“I think it’s just going in with an open mind, and it’s easier to adapt to situations when you don’t know what to expect. It’s really hard to strategise for the unknown.”
Our verdict: Roxy’s adaptability and life experience give her a strong chance to navigate the unpredictable twists of the game, though her success will depend on how quickly she reads others and reacts under pressure.
Sam
BBC
Age: 34
Job: Account Manager
Hometown: North Yorkshire
Why Sam applied for The Traitors:
“I have been the biggest fan of the show across all the seasons. This show is like a breath of fresh air and authentic fun, but also a tonne of emotions, gameplay and competitiveness. It really kind of suits my character and I’m at the stage in my life now where I just want to have as many amazing experiences as possible. I applied on a whim, and then suddenly we’re here.”
What is Sam’s game plan?
“My game plan is just assuming that I’m going to be made a Traitor. I’ve re-watched all of the three seasons recently to see exactly how the good and bad Traitors played the game. The best answer I’ve found is that the first five to seven banishments and murders are pretty much potluck. It’s almost herd mentality; people go into that Round Table and one person says something that people cotton onto, and it becomes a domino effect. My game plan is very much to be in the middle, not too much on the front foot, but still offering some opinions. I will then create the authentic relationships that I need to without being too cliquey, because that can also be suspicious. I’m going to play it in the middle but always be ready to be aggressive when I need to be.”
Our verdict: Sam’s balanced, observant approach and focus on forming authentic relationships could carry him deep into the game, though staying in the middle might leave him vulnerable if others turn on him early.
Stephen
BBC
Age: 32
Job: Cyber Security Consultant
Hometown: London
Why Stephen applied for The Traitors:
“It’s one of those games that you can’t watch without putting yourself in it. There are certain shows where you’re screaming at the TV with every single decision that’s made, thinking why have you done that? Or why have you said that? Or I could do better than that. I genuinely love this game. Maybe I’ve got a bit of a delusional kind of sense that I can do really well in this.”
What is Stephen’s game plan?
“I’m very personable. People seem to let their guard down around me very quickly when I first meet them. I think that’s partly due to having quite a regional accent that I think works in my favour. It might sound like quite a simplistic game plan to just make friends with everyone, but I do think that’s something that does come naturally to me. However, I’m also very competitive, and quite pragmatic, and I’m also taking the game seriously. I’m going to use what I feel is my quite innate talent to bring people close to solidify myself among the group, as someone that they would feel bad about getting rid of.”
Our verdict: Stephen’s natural charm and ability to quickly build rapport could help him form strong alliances and avoid early suspicion, giving him a real shot at going far – but overplaying his friendliness could also make him a target if others sense strategy behind it.
The Traitors begins on New Year’s Day at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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