The Traitors Legend Alexander Dragonetti Unveils the Playbook for an Unbeatable Faithful
Veterans urge newcomers to pace themselves as the first day looms: don’t burn out on day one.
The Celebrity Traitors is almost here, and the castle is about to get very dramatic again. BBC One kicks off the celebrity spin-off on Wednesday 8 October 2025, with Claudia Winkleman back in her cape. The regular version is also due back on BBC One in the new year. And if you fancy seeing how you’d cope with the paranoia: applications are already open for season 5. Yes, season 5. The timeline is a little wild, I know.
How to survive as a Faithful (from someone who learned the hard way)
Alexander Dragonetti, who made it to the finale in season 3, has some very practical advice if you find yourself wearing a Faithful’s cloak. He told me this at the British Podcast Awards, and it tracks with what we’ve all seen on the show: standing out is usually a great way to get banished, and disappearing completely is a great way to get murdered.
"I’d say don’t throw yourself out on day one, don’t offer to get off any trains. I would also say the best advice I’ve got is to be the grey person."
Quick translation: on his very first episode, there was a twist where he and two others effectively volunteered themselves out of the game. Do not do that. Beyond that, he swears by living in the middle lane: not too loud, not too quiet. If people find you suspicious, they will banish you. If you give them nothing, the Traitors will handle it for them overnight. Aim for that boring-but-safe middle ground.
The Celebrity Traitors: who’s playing, and what’s different
The BBC revealed the celebrity lineup way earlier than usual — back in March — so we’ve had months to imagine this bunch side-eyeing each other over a silver goblet:
- 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
- Sir Stephen Fry
- Tameka Empson
- Tom Daley
All 19 will be trying to dodge the Traitors’ night-time murders while also avoiding getting railroaded at the roundtable as the most banishable face in the room. The usual social chess, but with famous people who know how to sell a reaction shot.
The Celebrity Traitors begins Wednesday 8 October 2025 on BBC One and iPlayer. The regular series returns in the new year, and the BBC is already casting season 5. If you’re thinking of applying, take Dragonetti’s advice: be useful, be calm, and for the love of Claudia, don’t volunteer to jump off any metaphorical trains on day one.