Paloma Faith was the first Faithful murdered by the Traitors.

How was the experience for you? 

It was up and down. I found it quite nerve wracking because, because I knew when I went in that I have a huge personality and that I’d be very visible. I knew that I couldn’t fade into the background. I’m the sort of person that lets my feelings about people be known by talking a lot, so it was never an option for me to be able to quietly just simmer under the surface. I felt like my Spidey senses kicked off very early on. I was potentially, in hindsight, oversharing a lot of stuff. I don’t think my technique was great in this game, but it works very well in real life.

Were you happy to be a Faithful?

I’d have liked to have been a Traitor, and I’d have enjoyed that. I’d have been quite a playful Traitor, which would have been quite entertaining. I also feel like it was a big fashion mistake not to see me in the cloak.

What’s been your highlight?

I liked feeling how physically competent I was with the Trojan horse. That was such a thrilling group achievement and hard work. Also, meeting people I’d never crossed paths with before. Celia is just an absolute dream. And I love, love Niko. He’s amazing. It was so nice to meet Cat as well. Ruth Codd was one of the funniest, most brilliant people I’ve met in a long time! 

Who would you like to see go all the way to the final? Who would you like to see win? 

I’d like to see someone kind and strategic win like Nick Mohammed, he’s proof you can be kind, considerate and clever to play the game well – you don’t have to be evil.

Niko Omilana was the first Faithful banished at the Round Table.

How does it feel to be leaving at this point?

It feels sad because I wanted to go far, but someone has to go early.

How did you find the Missions?

The Missions were good. They were quite dark but then that’s so The Traitors. I should have known coming on a show called The Traitors that the Missions would be dark. The introduction to the game was us digging our own graves! And then the funeral was so atmospheric. However, from the moment I was put in that coffin I knew I was in trouble.

Were you happy to be a Faithful?

No, I wasn’t happy at all to be a Faithful. I really wanted to be a Traitor, badly. I mean, these things happen, and I was ready for it. I had a good game plan in mind but just didn’t get a chance to see it through really. Going in there, I was automatically put under a microscope because of what I do. It’s really tough when people are already suspicious before you’ve even said a word.

What’s been a highlight for you?

Meeting Claudia was a good highlight. That was nice. Being a big fan of the show, it was nice to meet Claudia. It was actually great meeting everyone. I have to say everyone was really nice…until the Round Table and then it all changed!

If you could sum up your experience in three words, what would they be?

Betrayal. Set up. And loser. [laughs]

What’s Rishi Sunak going to say if he reads this?!

Oh, he’ll have a big smile on his face if he’s been watching!

Do you think you learnt anything about yourself in this experience?

Yes, I have a fear of public speaking. So, at the table, I was quite nervous when I first started talking, but then as it went on, I felt more confident. I’m quite chuffed with that, because I really don’t like public speaking. It’s one of my big fears. Seeing everyone staring at me, having to defend myself and really making sure I didn’t go down without a fight. I think I did that. That was something I learned about myself, which I’m happy about.

Tom Daley was the second contestant murdered by the Traitors.

You were a big fan of the show going in, how was it playing for real?

At home we play versions of The Traitors all the time. Even my eldest son, Robbie, loves to play it with us. I have played both roles and every time I’ve played as a Traitor, no one has detected me. Every time I’ve played as a Faithful, people thought I was a Traitor because I was always trying to figure out who the Traitors were. I can perhaps be a little too vocal with my ideas in pursuit of them, which is exactly what has happened here! 

Did you enjoy the Missions? You really took on a leading role with the Trojan Horse… 

I’m always like this when there’s a task to be done! Whether it is unloading the dishwasher or pushing a Trojan Horse up a hill, I completely focus. When there’s an opportunity to add 15,000 pounds to the prize fund then there simply is no option to fail. I was kicking myself I didn’t look at the second little plaque in that mission and I wanted to give everything I possibly could to get that money.

Mid-way running back, it occurred to me that nobody was particularly forthcoming with the shields! Anyway, we got the result, and it was a euphoric feeling to set fire to the horse in the end and crucially win the money. 

Did you have a strategy, and did you stick to it? 

No, I tried to go in not really overthinking how I would play it. I didn’t want to overthink things or have to think about hiding anything. I just thought, if I notice something I’m going to say it. However, I must have said a few too many things in front of the wrong people! 

How does it feel to be leaving at this stage?   

I’m a little disappointed that I’m out a bit early, but at the same time, it was so much fun to be able to get a little bit of a glimpse into the Traitors world. The castle itself is absolutely huge, and actually going in and having a chance to look around was thrilling; searching for that secret room, wondering which book might open the hidden door, taking in as many of the details as possible.

I have had so much fun in there. Being able to just be with that group of people was so much fun, being able to have conversations with some really interesting people. I was having a great time.

it was so sad when I saw the letter on the chair and I instantly knew I’d been murdered. Because we haven’t found a Traitor yet, I thought there’s no way it can be a recruitment. I was firstly sad and then very confused about what The Traitors are doing because I clearly would be someone that would get banished at the Round Table. If any of the Traitors just planted that seed at the Round Table, I’m sure I would be banished.

They could have murdered someone that they know would never have gotten banished at the Round Table. Maybe they thought of me as a threat. Maybe I was getting too close to the right answers.

Tameka Empson was the second Faithful banished at the Round Table.

How does it feel to be leaving the game now?

I’m a big, big fan of the show and to be out this early? I was not banking on it and it’s sad to go. 

Have you enjoyed it?

I had a really great time. Scotland is beautiful and the castle is amazing. Oh my God, it was incredible. And, you know, we’re travelling in style in that iconic convoy of cars which I adored. I couldn’t get anybody to give me a key and I’m a very good driver.

Anyway, that feeling as you drive up to the castle. It’s amazing when you watch it on TV, but in real life, it takes your breath away actually being there. And the breakfast table is everything that it was, you know, that’s a highlight. The breakfast is good. I tell you, the food was very lovely, and I think I might have put on a few little…let’s say one pound.

You wanted to be a Traitor; you ended up being a Faithful. Were you happy in that role? 

I think Claudia saw the faithfulness in me. And now I think about it, being a Traitor is a headache. It’s a lot of game playing, and you’re going to be up later than anybody else. I think it was right for me to be a Faithful, and I really wanted to be a great Faithful. I had plans to lead the Faithfuls to victory, but that was cut short.

Being banished and being able to tell the group that you are in fact a Faithful – how did that feel?

Oh, I was very emotional. In my mind, I thought, I’m not going out. I was sad to leave the game, because I was really getting to know people. And, you know, in this industry you get to know people to a certain point. In this environment, it was really lovely to spend this length of time and really get to know everyone. Jonathan is a big teddy bear. He really is. So is Big Joe.

How would you summarise your experience in three words? 

Amazing. Stressful. Brilliant.

I mean, it’s been a roller coaster. It was an amazing experience. I loved every minute of it. I wish it was longer.