Winkleman: It’s problematic that Traitors usually kill women

CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN has said that it is “problematic” that most of The Traitors’ victims are women.

The host of the BBC One hit reality show, which returned to screens for a second series earlier this month, admitted that some of the contestants’ banishments have left her posing questions.

Four of the five contestants who have been “murdered” – or sent home – in the show’s second series so far have been women.

Speaking on BBC Woman’s Hour, Winkleman was asked why this was and whether the series might have a problem with ageism – as only one contestant over the age of 45 remains.

The presenter, 52, said: “I mean, correct. And I would like to sit down and have quite a few conversations about it.

“I don’t want to say anything because what if people haven’t watched?

“I mean, lots of people haven’t and they’re listening now and they go, ‘Oh, this sounds all right,’ so I’m not going to say any names, but yeah, it’s problematic.

“But then you’ll carry on watching and you will see. And that is all I can say.”

The reality series, filmed in Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, returned to TV screens earlier this month with much fanfare and saw six million people tune in to see the first episode.

The format follows 22 people as they relocate to the castle in a bid to win a share of £120,000 by partaking in a murder mystery where the secretly designated “traitors” in the group are tasked with “murdering” a “faithful” player every night.

The traitors then need to convince the rest of the group of their honourable intentions to save themselves from banishment at a daily round table vote.

The latest series began with an even split of 11 men and 11 women, but a number of contestants have since been banished as part of the whodunnit game.

The show immediately established a reputation as a cult hit when it debuted in 2022 and a third season has already been commissioned.

Winkleman has previously admitted taking on the role of host was more of a professional risk when compared with presenting Strictly Come Dancing, but said she “fell in love” with Scotland and “became obsessed” by The Traitors.

However, despite her love for the show, the star has admitted she would be “useless” if she had to take part.

Winkleman said: “I always wanted to be a traitor but I actually think it’s harder work.

“If you’re a traitor, you’re tap dancing all the time because you have to keep a secret so close but then you also have control. I know that either way, I’d be useless.

“I’ve only met [the contestants] and after two minutes I scream when they do missions. I mean, I’ve got to calm down when we’re at the round table. Sometimes I’m shaking – I’m fully involved – I’m invested, and I don’t know which one I would prefer to be.”

The Traitors is on BBC iplayer and BBC One on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9pm.

‘Sometimes I’m shaking ... I’m invested, and I don’t know which one I would prefer to be’

‘I’ve only met [the contestants] and after two minutes I scream when they do missions’