Stephen Fry

The Celebrity Traitors may appear like it is all fun and games on TV, but some of the participants have explained that they really did find it difficult to live under rules and deception for several weeks during filming

The makers of The Celebrity Traitors have confirmed mental health experts are on hand to support the contestants at all times after Jonathan Ross revealed he struggled while making the show. The star-filled version of the game show has been a ratings smash for the BBC.

But it seems lying to all those around you can play heavily on those taking part, both faithfuls and traitors alike. In a recent podcast, talk show host Jonathan, 64, admitted that he found it difficult to lie to the fellow stars in the first UK celebrity version of the show.

He was selected alongside comedian Alan Carr, 49, and singer Cat Burns, 25, as a traitor – and tasked with killing off fellow stars and working to manipulate the other contestants to wrongly guess who the traitors were. But speaking on his podcast, Jonathan remarked: “You’re on the defence this whole time” – and complained it was hard to be constantly lying.

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Fans of the Traitors will note that a psychologist, Victoria Plant, and a psychotherapist and counsellor, Tanya Taylor-Wright, are listed as part of the crew. A source told The Sun that the mental health experts were on hand to support those taking part.

They said: “People may think it is just a telly show, but when you’re living the game 24/7, it takes a toll. It was made clear to the celebrities that help was on hand for them if they were struggling with the mind games.

“There is a duty of care in television now, so medical experts are employed on set, but it was of paramount importance on The Traitors because of the nature of the show.”

A spokesperson for The Traitors confirmed to The Mirror that the exact same measures are put in place for the civilian version of the show – and that showmakers take ensuring the care and safety of contestants is met at all times extremely seriously. This always includes making a psychotherapist and a psychologist available to the cast.

The spokesperson said: “Since the very first series in 2022, we have had a dedicated welfare team and psychological support on hand at all times who monitor and regularly speak to all of the players in private to ensure they feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Our priority is and will continue to be supporting the well-being of our cast, and this is the case before, during and after filming.”

So far, the traitors have managed to avoid being uncloaked as the 16 faithful contestants have either been picked off like sitting ducks or tricked into banishing their fellow faithfuls.

Viewers have been left in amusement as the traitors have expertly taken out the other stars while competing to win a prize of up to £100,000 for charity. Alan spilled the first blood when he marked singer Paloma Faith for death in plain sight when he completed a task which involved planting a black mark on her face.

Jonathan’s time could be running out, however, as the faithful contestants have speculated that either he or Stephen Fry could be a traitor, but they voted out the Blackadder actor at a round table.

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The players are having fun getting to know each other but are proving spectacularly bad at spotting Jonathan Ross, Cat Burns or Alan Carr as The Traitors on the BBC series

Two more of the Faithful bit the dust last night in The Celebrity Traitors with Clare Balding the latest big name to exit, along with Irish actress Ruth Codd. The players have remained collectively useless at rooting out the Traitors and getting rid of them.

And Stephen Fry pointed out that if one more of the Faithful exits – leaving 12 players – the Traitors will make up a quarter of their numbers.

After being voted out at the Round Table, with seven votes, a startled Clare relished her moment of telling them that she was, in fact, a Faithful. Actor Mark Bonnar was so furious he punched the table and said “for F***’s sake” – immediately drawing attention to himself for what others perceived to be over-acting.

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Speaking after her banishment, Clare said she’d loved the digital detox while in the castle. “I think my personal highlight was being able to spend quality time with no distractions of phones or anything,” she explained.

The sports TV star, 54, was completely happy to have been a Faithful and, asked what she’d learned about herself, laughed. “I had confirmed what I already knew, which is I am a rather pathetic people pleaser. I’m not suspicious enough – but I’m quite happy being that way. I’d rather live in a world where I trust everyone, where I see good in everyone, and where the world is always bright, shiny and positive. And if that was my downfall, I’m fine with that.”

Ruth, 29, was murdered by the Traitors as part of Jonathan Ross’s audacious double bluff strategy. While rugby ace Joe Marler saw through the Traitor tactic, the chat show host received just the one vote at the round table. But afterwards Celia Imrie, 73, was kicking herself for not voting for him, saying that she’d been distracted by his “deliciousness”. Speaking afterwards Wossy, 64, admitted he had no idea how he was still in the game having had so much suspicion on him. And in the turret, he laughed to the other Traitors Alan Carr and Cat Burns: “It’s like playing chess, but with five-year-olds!”

Ruth, who became a fan favourite for her outspoken style, said that she and Clare had become friends. Admitting they made an “unlikely duo”, she joked: “I kind of look like her goth child that should be a disappointment, but she’s incredibly proud of.” Last night it emerged that the BBC1 opener last week has now been watched by 11.7million after seven days of viewing. The fourth episode will air on Wednesday (22 October) with the ninth and final instalment now scheduled for Thursday 6th November.

Meanwhile Celia Imrie’s funny fart from Wednesday has been hailed as TV gold by fans, as it helped The Celebrity Traitors to a series high of 6.9 million on Wednesday night.

The players howled with laughter when the actress, 73, let rip as host Claudia Winkleman was welcoming them to their latest mission, which she described as the “worst team-building away day experience in history”.

As the other players guffawed and Claudia asked what had happened, The Thursday Murder Club actress piped up: “I just farted Claudia. It’s nerves, but I always own up.”

Afterwards some TV experts suggesting the scene-stealer from Bridget Jones star Celia could be a contender for the next Bafta Memorable Moment award. Fans agreed, with one saying: “Her comic timing was impeccable.

I watched this over and over again and am still laughing. TV moment of the year.” Another called it “the most taboo-breaking moment in TV history”.

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Singer Paloma Faith was ‘fuming’ after finding out her close pal Alan Carr was responsible for sealing her fate, along with fellow Traitors Cat Burns and Jonathan Ross

Paloma Faith “threw a wobbly” over being the first in The Celebrity Traitors to be thrown out the castle, sources have revealed.

Last night viewers saw the singer, 44, have her fate sealed when the lid on her coffin was slammed shut during the mission and she was physically carried out of the game.

But off camera, Paloma was said to have been “fuming” over her murder, especially when she discovered that the three Traitors who’d killed her off were people she felt close to. One source said: “She threw a wobbly afterwards about being the first to go.

“Some players just shrug it off when they leave, but Paloma was fuming when she discovered who had betrayed her. She couldn’t work out what had actually happened, and when she found out the details it only made her feel worse. Paloma is loud and wears her heart on her sleeve – it’s fair to say that she wasn’t happy with going home first.”

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As well as being close to comedian Alan Carr, the chart-topper also felt let down by Cat Burns, because she’s on the same record label, and Jonathan Ross, because she has known him for years and appeared on his chat show.

Speaking afterwards, Paloma described the experience as having been “up and down”. She explained: “I found it quite nerve wracking 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.”

And she quipped: “I don’t think my technique was great in this game, but it works very well in real life.” Saying she’d have made a great Traitor, she added: “I feel like it was a big fashion mistake not to see me in the cloak.”

Asked who she’d like to see triumph in the game, Paloma snubbed the Traitors, saying: “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.”

On last night’s show, viewers saw Alan commit the murder in plain sight by brushing some hair from his pal’s cheek during a chat in the kitchen.

He went for Paloma in the poison pollen plot after she’d told him cosily: “I definitely trust you.” But after the killing, he admitted: “I feel awful. I didn’t know what else to do! I’ve gone and murdered one of my best friends.”

Alan, 49, also told the cameras that carrying out the murder had challenged him: “It was a stretch fo my acting ability – I don’t know how Meryl Streep does it.”

But when Alan spoke of his guilt to fellow Traitors Jonathan Ross and Cat Burns, he was told to “toughen up” after claiming that killing her off “broke my heart”. Wossy insisted: “You’re not a bad person – you’re a good Traitor. I don’t want to hear any more of this broken heart nonsense. We’ve got to start enjoying this.”

Later, there was confusion when all 19 of the group arrived for breakfast. Not realising she was a dead woman walking because of the slow-working poison, Paloma said she felt “happy and relieved” adding: “I thought thank goodness not to be the first one dead.”

And even after Claudia revealed that the Traitors had murdered in plain sight, she had no idea she was the victim, saying: “I had so few interactions yesterday that I don’t feel that I was got.”

During the mission, the group had to try and work out who had actually been murdered. When Paloma found herself lying in a coffin alongside comic Lucy Beaumont and online prankster Niko Omilana, she told the group: “I think it’s me.” Afterwards, Stephen Fry sighed sadly: “Oh Paloma, you were right.”

Weeping during her exit interview, she said: “I thought I wasn’t going to get emotional but I feel really sad. It’s been really a wonderful experience – I wish it had been longer.”

The BBC1 series kicked off with a huge audience of 6.1million and continues next Wednesday, with the result of the first banishment revealed.

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Celebrity Traitors has kicked off as Claudia Winkleman returns to host a line-up of famous faces including Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr, Stephen Fry, Kate Garraway, Tom Daley and more

The highly-anticipated Celebrity Traitors has finally kicked off this week, with Claudia Winkleman returning to the Scottish Highlands to pit traitors versus faithfuls for a potential £100,000 prize pot for charity.

Famous faces including Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr, Stephen Fry, Kate Garraway, Tom Daley, Charlotte Church, Clare Balding, Cat Burns, Paloma Faith and more have headed to the now iconic castle, where they will need to use their wits to figure out who amongst them are the selected traitors.

The Traitors‘ castle has become an iconic location thanks to its picture-perfect landscaped gardens, huge grounds, breathtaking library, living room and even its own bar. It’s therefore not surprising that fans always clamour to find out if they can hire it out for a holiday with their friends and recreate their own Traitors experience.

The real-life location is Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, around half an hour’s drive north of Inverness.

Unfortunately before you rush to book a room at the beautiful 19th century spot, it’s not a hotel. However, it can be hired for the likes of weddings or corporate events. The landmark’s website is quite clear: “The estate is located in Ross-shire and is available for exclusive use hire for both corporate and private clients. The Castle is not a hotel and we do not let individual rooms.”

If you do hire it, don’t expect to find the infamous Roundtable Room; the whole set-up with the table and atmospheric decor is for the show.

It’s not hugely surprising; even during the show, the Traitors and Faithfuls themselves don’t sleep on the property but instead get whisked away to a nearby hotel, as Ardross Castle wouldn’t have enough rooms to accommodate all of the participants. (Although they do of course travel back to have breakfast in that gorgeous dining room, even if those breakfasts can get very tense).

Don’t be disheartened if you were picturing a fun weekend in a castle for a big group holiday; there are plenty of other castles across the UK which are open for bookings. Sykes Holiday Cottages, the Landmark Trust, Host Unusual and Big House Experience all have a variety of castle listings that cater to a wide array of budgets and group sizes.

It appears that The Traitors has caused quite a boost of tourism in Scotland, with increased searches for stays in the areas. Chris Ross, Chief Brand Officer & EMEA Executive Chair at Collinson International, said of the trend: “We’ve seen a remarkable uplift in visits to our Scottish airport lounges, and it’s clear that The Traitors has played a major role in putting Scotland, and especially the Highlands, firmly on travellers’ wish lists.

“Our data shows fans are turning their on-screen fascination into real-world adventures, with more travellers than ever flying to Scotland to experience the drama, beauty and intrigue for themselves. Scotland’s moment in the spotlight really is translating into a tourism boom.”

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Claudia Winkleman is hosting The Celebrity Traitors with 19 famous faces all trying to win £100,000 for their chosen charity – but Claudia isn’t her usual bubbly self

Nineteen huge stars are taking part in The Celebrity Traitors – but all eyes will be on Claudia Winkleman’s fierce fashion choices. Wearing faux fur coats, structured layers and statement knitwear, Claudia has honed a look that’s all her own, and reinvented

it for the celebrity version. “It’s absolutely nuts,” says Claudia. “Unhinged in taffeta was where we went.”

Alan Carr, Cat Burns, Celia Imrie, Charlotte Church, Clare Balding, David Olusoga, Joe Marler, Joe Wilkinson, Jonathan Ross, Kate Garraway, Lucy Beaumont, Mark Bonnar, Nick Mohammed, Niko Omilana, Paloma Faith, Ruth Codd, Stephen Fry, Tameka Empson and Tom Daley are all signed up for the gothic game show, each vying to win £100,000 for their chosen charity.

It’s the spin-off fans have been begging for – but at first Strictly host Claudia was against the idea of yet another celebrity format. “I was scared,” she admits. “Only because I’m in love with this show and I wanted to keep it small. Once a year or maybe once every two years felt like enough. My bosses, thank goodness, ignored everything I said.”

When she saw the calibre of celebrity queuing up to play traitors and faithfuls, even Claudia had to agree the show was a good idea. Working with Stephen Fry was a dream come true for Claudia and bearded comic Joe Wilkinson left her especially starstruck. “I could barely breathe when I saw them all in the Highlands. I’m such a fan of every single one of them,” shares Claudia, 53.

“The whole team were just in awe, it was hard not to scream, ‘You’re here!’ When I talked to Stephen Fry I almost welled up, I told him this was my dream. We’re incredibly lucky to have the cast that we have. Each one of them is tremendous. My family and I are obsessed with Joe Wilkinson, I had to stop myself getting his autograph for my son.”

Claudia oversees the games on the show but admits she finds it a challenge not to get too chummy with the players. “The biggest challenge was being strict,” says Claudia. “All I wanted to do was chat and be friendly but my role is aloof and grumpy. I found it hard not to just sit down with them and have a cup of tea.”

And she finds the urge to help them with the missions overwhelming. “Sometimes I try and drop big clues, but my producer tells me off,” Claudia confesses.

To help her maintain her distance from the stars, Claudia channels two classic villains. “[I’m] Cruella de Vil with a touch of Miss Trunchbull!” she laughs.

Hosting such a huge show is a dream come true for Claudia, but she admits she found the celebrity version tougher than the main show. “It was scarier, because all I wanted to do was chat to them and make them like me,” she says. “But of course, I have to be extremely unlikeable. It was tricky!”

Claudia can’t praise the celebrity contestants enough for the energy they put into the show. “They’re incredibly smart and kind,” she says. “They play the game beautifully and were fully engulfed in it. It was an extraordinary experience and we’re so so lucky this 19 said yes. It’s something we never take for granted and are so grateful for.”

This picturesque seaside town in England dates back to Victorian times, and whilst it might be more low-key than other resorts, it has one of the UK’s best beaches

For some people, a trip to the seaside isn’t complete without a crowded pier, exciting rollercoasters, or a trip to the arcade – and the UK has seaside resorts like this across the country.

But this kind of scene is just not everyone’s cup of tea, and if you have been longing for a trip to the coast, minus the loud attractions – then this picturesque town in Devon that is rich with history is well worth considering for your next family holiday.

Especially if the quality of the beach is your number one priority, then this idyllic seaside town is definitely somewhere you need to check out. It’s also a firm favourite with some very famous faces.

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Sidmouth’s beach has been dubbed one of the cleanest in the UK, so it’s a great choice for people who insist on taking a dip in the sea when they are on their holidays.

On the stunning and historic Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth is picturesque, and its pebble beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for an impressive six years in a row.

From hiking in the unbelievable landscapes to relaxing on the beach itself, you’ll never forget the scenery on this beautiful stretch of coastline – Jacob’s Ladder beach is also well worth a visit.

But there is plenty to do beyond the beach itself, including visiting the town’s museum or the local donkey sanctuary.

For the youngsters, there is the Model Toy Museum, and for anyone looking to browse in the shops, they will find themselves supremely well catered to with independent retailers.

Connaught Gardens is a beautifully landscaped place to relax – but if you’re after a bit more action, consider going out on the water in a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak.

The Sun reports that TV star Stephen Fry loves Sidmouth after staying near the idyllic town while filming Jeeves and Wooster. Meanwhile, Jeremy Vine has also been open about his affection for the seaside town.

“What I love most about Sidmouth is that it feels like a town going places. It’s chintzy in places, drab in others, but it feels real. “And real by the sea is a different kind of beauty,” Vine said.

There’s so many famous people who have holidayed or spent time in Sidmouth that there is even a Blue Plaque Trail you can walk to explore all the places notable figures loved most, from literary icons to the Royal Family.

Queen Victoria, when she was still a baby Princess, came to stay in Sidmouth, and it was the sight of a major historical moment. She was staying in the Woolbrook Cottage in 1819 when her father suddenly became ill and died.

Woolbrook Cottage is now the Royal Glen Hotel, and while it wasn’t a happy moment in the young royal’s life, it shows just how rich with history the area is, and also how longstanding Sidmouth’s popularity has been.

Literary legends like Beatrix Potter, JRR Tolkein – who is said to have written the first sections of Lord of the Rings in the town – and Jane Austen, all used to holiday in Sidmouth, going back as far as 1801.

The spa waters, good climate, and chilled out atmosphere have long been part of the appeal.

The contestants on the UK’s three regular series of The Traitors happily kept schtum when told to by producers – but the famous faces are finding it a little bit harder

The stars taking part in Celebrity Traitors have all been sworn to secrecy about what went on inside the famous Scottish castle. But while that tactic worked weil for the regular version, the celebs are finding it harder to hold their tongues about the much-anticipated BBC show, due to air this autumn.

Ted Lasso actor Nick Mohammed has revealed how one celebrity threw a tantrum because TV chiefs would not tell them the time. He said: “When we were in the castle you’d be like ‘What’s the time?’ And they’d say ‘It’s Traitors time.’ That was their response..

“Every single member of production had to answer with that until someone kicked off. And then someone said it is basically all right and you can tell us the time.” Speaking on a podcast, he added: ”I do think it’s going to be good telly. To see these celebrities together and interacting in this game will be really interesting.”

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The lineup of stars trying to identify the Traitors among the Faithful includes Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr, Clare Balding, Paloma Faith, Kate Garraway, Mark Bonner and Charlotte Church.

Netflix actress Ruth Codd has let slip that she wasn’t keen on every single person taking part. She teased: “Some of the people on it were really, really nice.”

And the Irish star of hit dramas The Midnight Club and Fall of the House of Usher claimed producers grilled her before filming to find out whether she was a good liar – so they could work out whether to make her a Traitor.

She added: “They do ask ‘Are you good at lying? Are you a good judge of character?’ I said, ‘Maybe, because I’m an actor..’”

Olympic diver Tom Daley has revealed that the dramatic music played when the contestants all sit around the big table is not added on after filming – it is actually played when they are there to increase the tension. He said: “You know how when you are watching the show they always play a song at the beginning when the camera goes around the table and shows everyone, well they actually play that.

“So what you see on TV and you think ‘Oh that’s just music added over the top’. No! That’s happening! It makes you go like ‘Ohhhhh!!!”

Comedian Alan Carr compared the show to ‘rehab’ because all the celebrities had their phones and electronic gadgets taken off them. Speaking during one of his podcasts, he laughed :“It was like rehab. It’s cheaper than rehab. They took my phone away. They took my laptop.

“When I got the phone back I was like ‘S**t’ Now I get a lot of spam but I was like.. ‘2000 emails? Oh my god!’ and you start thinking ‘My mum and dad aren’t well’ but then it’s like ‘Hi. Do you wanna buy a freezer?’”

And he teased TV chiefs who told him not to breathe a word about what happened on the show before it gets broadcast, adding: “I’m bezzie mates with Rebekah Vardy who I’ve given all The Traitors gossip to and I know I feel safe with her knowing that!” Rebekah was famously caught up in the “Wagatha Christie” scandal where she was accused of leaking secrets from ex pal Coleen Rooney’s Instagram account.

Author and raconteur Stephen Fry loved being on the star-studded special hosted by Claudia Winkleman, comparing it with being back at boarding school. The national treasure – who narrates the Harry Potter audiobooks – joked that the regular series with members of the public was “the Muggle version”. One insider said the biggest fear from show bosses was that the stars wouldn’t put their all into the gameplay and the missions – but found that they needn’t have worried. “The first mission showed just how committed they were to doing it properly,” one source said. “They gave 100%. It was fantastic to see.”

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