01 January 2024 , 00:01
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Claudia Winkleman admits she’ll be sick with nerves as the second series of The Traitors starts, as she is so desperate for the fans to love it.
The host of the Bafta-winning BBC reality game show about treachery and loyalty also reveals that turning 50 made her more adventurous when it came to accepting jobs, and that the most underhand thing she’s ever done is steal a lipstick aged 15.
At Ardross Castle, where the show is set, Claudia opens up to TV Editor Nicola Methven about its success and her hopes for the new run, which starts this week...
The programme is shot at 19th-century Ardross Castle, north of Inverness (BBC/Studio Lambert/LLARA PLAZA)Q Are you nervous about the second series of The Traitors?
A I really want the people who loved it the first time to love it for a second, and we feel very responsible. When the first episode airs, I’ll be sick.
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Q How would you fare as a contestant yourself?
A I think I’d be quite good! It’s about emotional intelligence and nothing to do with brains.
Q How come you added both The Traitors and The Piano to your roster of shows last year?
A I think I turned 50 and thought I’d take a few more risks. I love The Traitors, I love Strictly, I love The Piano. How lucky am I?
Q How do you view your role?
A I’m with the people who are dancing, I’m with the people who play the piano and I’m with the people who come in here to try to win that money
Q Did you say yes to The Traitors straight away?
A I did have reservations because I’m risk averse and I like lying in my bed. I’m 51, and they were like “Scotland for three weeks?”. I was like “don’t be silly”. But then I watched the Dutch version and was obsessed.
Claudia Winkleman won a BAFTA for her work on the first series (BBC/Studio Lambert/Mark Mainz)Q Did you have any idea it would become a huge hit?
A We are still dazzled and shocked by the way people embraced it. The moment I thought “what is happening?” is when Kathy Burke, one of my heroes, posted about it. And I thought “I must be asleep”.
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Q Did you enjoy the filming process?
A When the game starts, I am obsessed. I watch them, I listen to them, I wait to see who’s murdered. It’s the greatest privilege to watch those people work it out.
Q Did you know you’d be back as host?
A I was hopeful but you don’t take anything for granted. Make no mistake, this is my baby.
Will you be cheering on the Traitors or the Faithfuls? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
Q How did you feel when they invited you back?
A I immediately Googled “funnel necks”. Because I know my job. The look is still Ronnie Corbett meets Princess Anne, with a slight touch of Nancy Dell’Olio. It’s a lot of tweed.
Q Who did you really want to win?
A What’s interesting about this show is that you are on both sides equally. I want the traitors to win. And I just want the faithful to find the traitors and take them down and get that money. It is odd being on both sides.
Q Were you just as secretive about the show second time around?
A When I signed off at Radio 2, I didn’t say I was coming to Inverness. I mean, it’s all quite under wraps. My family thinks I’ve gone out for milk...
Q Why do you think people find the show so fascinating?
A I think it’s because it’s an addictive, meaty game. All our lives, we’ve been told to trust our gut. This game throws all of that in the shredder, because you might be having an absolute laugh with somebody who is going to murder you that night.
Q What’s the most treacherous thing you’ve ever done?
A I stole a lipstick when I was 15. It was a tester from Boots. I told my mum [journalist Eve Pollard], who marched me back to find the manager to apologise and give it back.