'Don't worry - the new series of The Traitors is just as tense as the last'

03 January 2024 , 22:05

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The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman (Image: BBC)

Watching the first episode of the second series of The Traitors was even more tense than expected, because of the obvious worry.

Last time we had zero expectations, no idea it would be so amazing it would hook millions of viewers and win a well deserved Bafta. What if, now we know what we’re in for, now our hopes could not be higher, the magic is gone? What if it’s that difficult second album? The disappointing sequel? The Spare rather than the Heir?

One minute in, we’d seen Claudia Winkleman, in a really nice jacket, having a conversation with an owl, and met some of the players we’re clearly going to be obsessed with, and could breathe a massive sigh of relief.

It was perfectly cast again, with people of all ages, from all walks of life, some who had jobs that could be an advantage in the game – Chess coach! Parliamentary Affairs Advisor! Clairvoyant! – and some who hadn’t – two Vets!

Larger than life characters, wallflowers, and everything inbetween. The one thing they had in common was that they were all doing uncanny impressions of that Eagle Eye Action Man doll who had a switch in the back of his head to move his eyes frantically from side to side. Though they might have been smiling and chatting on the surface, they were desperately trying to take absolutely everything and everyone in.

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Claudia selects the three traitors (BBC)

Claudia chose the first three Traitors by walking around a table where all the players sat blindfolded, and squeezing their shoulders. I would yelp, which is why I didn’t apply. Again, perfect choices – butter wouldn’t melt 22 year old Army Engineer Harry, 45 year old Events Co-ordinator Ash, and Business Manager Paul, who described himself as “cruel” in his interview with Claudia, before threatening to murder her.

When they all removed their blindfolds, they stared at each other even more intently than before. The Traitors tried to look like everyone else, but not like they were trying too hard to look like everyone else, of course.

Later came the standout moment from the episode, where the Traitors all meet, wearing massive cloaks, and one by one remove their hoods to reveal their identities to each other.

Then they had a decision to make – which Faithful would they recruit to be a Traitor? The person they chose was...Rebekah Vardy’s account. No. Even worse! To be revealed tomorrow night! Argh!

Polly Hudson