It’s no secret that The Traitors is a gruelling game show; hence, bosses brought in mental health experts to look after the stars of the celebrity edition.
Hosted by Strictly icon Claudia Winkleman, The Celebrity Traitors is well and truly heating up now, following a series of shock murders, devastating banishments, and fiery roundtable debates.
But still, Traitors Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross, and Cat Burns remain undetected, with the likes of acting legend Sir Stephen Fry, musician Paloma Faith, and Welsh songstress Charlotte Church having already left the Scottish castle.
As the game progresses, bosses understand that things can be emotionally and mentally taxing for the players, as the format relies on secret-keeping, manipulation, deceit, and betrayal, not to mention physical exertion during the cash-building missions.
So, with their duty of care at the forefront of their minds, BBC higher-ups hired chartered psychologist Victoria Plant and psychotherapist and counsellor Tanya Taylor-Wright, both of whom are named in the credits after each episode.
Speaking about the decision to bring in the experts, a Traitors spokesperson told The Sun: ‘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.’
They added: ‘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.’
Furthermore, a BBC spokesperson added to Metro: ‘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.’
Metro understands that the same support measures are in place for both the celebrity version of The Traitors and the civilian series.
As millions continue tuning in, desperate for more Traitors action each week, the players themselves have been sharing an insight into their experiences.
One of those is Mark Bonnar, who has admitted his ‘regrets’ over becoming ‘so involved’ in the programme.
The Line of Duty star was banished last Thursday after his fate was decided through the Chest of Chance following a voting deadlock between himself and David Olusoga.
In hindsight, the Scottish star said he would’ve played the game differently if he had a second shot, believing being so vocal is what got him the boot.
He said: ‘I would have played it slightly differently with hindsight, not being quite so involved, not being quite so enthusiastic, wide-eyed, and forthcoming with theories.
‘Claudia said, “You know, remember, keep your eyes open at all times,” or something like that.
‘I was certainly doing that in observing everyone, not sure I was subtle enough about that, which possibly put a massive target on my back!’
Despite being disappointed by his exit, Mark, 56, acknowledges it was still a ‘good TV moment’, since he was the first-ever contestant to be banished by the Chest of Chance.
Elsewhere, talk show legend Jonathan has hinted at there being more action than what is shown to the public.
Having noticed that several moments didn’t make the final edit, he said on his podcast with daughter Honey: ‘Bear in mind, 19 contestants in our version, challenges to do as well, and chunks of day that they have to have. It’s almost impossible for them to condense.
‘I think they’ve done an incredible job, and there are lovely people who worked on it. They looked after us all.’
He continued: ‘But obviously, there’s so much left on the cutting room floor. There are so many moments.
‘I think they should release a director’s Alan Carr special. Because there are so many funny things he did and said, which I know already should have been the first episode, should have been the second episode.’
Also on the dad-daughter pod, Jonathan, 64, who shot the series in spring, said he knows a second celebrity version is already in the works.
‘I know because I’ve had two celebrity friends of mine call me and say, “I’ve been approached—is it good to do? Is it bad to do?” So I’m giving them the benefit of my experience, which was I didn’t enjoy it.’
He was later forced to clarify his comments, taking to X to hopefully not discourage any of his showbiz pals from signing up.
‘I am pleased I did it—an extraordinary experience—but I did not enjoy the duplicity as the game progressed,’ he confessed.
And proving the importance of having mental health experts close by, he added: ‘It’s a tougher psychological challenge than I expected, is all. But I would never try to talk anyone out of it—just trying to give them a sense of what to expect.’
The Celebrity Traitors continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday at 9pm.
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