January 1st 2025.
It's safe to say that Claudia Winkleman has truly outdone herself with the highly anticipated return of The Traitors. I know it's only January 1st and it may seem a bit premature, but I'm already calling it - this will be the best TV series of 2025.
I've been saying it for months now - ever since its launch just two years ago, The Traitors has been the most thrilling reality television series since the early days of Big Brother. And with the jaw-dropping finale of season one, where Wilf was cornered by suspicious faithfuls and given an undeserved 'parting gift' by Kieran, I thought it couldn't get any better. But then season two came along and I was proven wrong once again, thanks to those infamous three words: 'But Ross is...'
Diane's revelation that Ross was her son and that they had successfully fooled not only their rivals but also us viewers, was a stroke of genius that will forever be etched in my memory. It was clear from the start that season two was going to be just as, if not more, exciting than the first. The exceptional cast, along with the unexpected twists and turns, made it an unforgettable viewing experience.
But now, after watching the first episode of season three, I have no doubt that it will be the highlight of 2025, with two major improvements that have the potential to make it the strongest season yet.
Firstly, Claudia Winkleman has taken charge and addressed the biggest issue from last year by appointing three female traitors. Harry and Paul's underestimation of the women as potential traitors had a negative impact on the series. But with three sharp and smart women now pulling the strings, the game has instantly become more exciting. And Minah, with her charming scouse accent and seemingly kind face, is already a strong contender for the final and the prize money - a surprisingly ruthless player.
Then there's Armani, one of two sisters in the castle, which is a first for The Traitors. We've seen mothers and sons, but never siblings, and never have we had a pair selected as traitors, forced to betray each other. It's a whole new level of drama and one that I can't wait to see play out. Maia, who knows her sister better than anyone, has already picked up on Armani's suspicious behavior since being chosen as a traitor. It's only a matter of time before the truth is revealed and one of them will have to stab the other in the back.
But it's not just the new female traitors that have me excited. Linda, with her obvious tells and terrible poker face, is destined to become a Hunsnet sensation. I have a feeling she'll either be the first traitor to be eliminated or she'll somehow make it to the final by being too obvious to be a traitor. Either way, I'll be rooting for her every step of the way.
And let's not forget about the twist that Claudia hinted at - for the first time in The Traitors history, the traitors in the final will not reveal their true identities until the game is over. This adds even more suspense and uncertainty to the already nail-biting final decision.
The season opener also introduces a new twist - three contestants must voluntarily leave the train before arriving at the castle. It's a clever tactic to see who the biggest game players are early on and serves as a reminder that anything is possible in The Traitors. However, my only gripe with the episode was that there was no real jeopardy since we don't yet have any attachment to the contestants - but I'm sure that will change soon enough.
The cast for this season is once again gold, with producers clearly having the formula down to a tee. From the middle-aged huns to the slightly overzealous Gen Z and the wildly intelligent conspiracy theorist, there's a diverse range of characters to root for. And of course, there's another undercover soldier - this time a nail technician hoping to throw others off the scent with her fib.
One contestant in particular has the worst game plan I've ever heard of - pretending to be Welsh because it's the 'most trustworthy accent.' I can already see the disaster that will unfold when she's inevitably caught out, and I can't wait for the messy joy that is sure to ensue.
One challenge that The Traitors faces, which is not necessarily unique to the show but more of a predicament, is that the more seasons we consume, the more savvy players become to the game. But this doesn't seem to matter as each season brings something new and different, making it feel fresh and exciting every time. And with plenty of characters to root for - some for their excellent game-playing skills, and others for their relatably hopeless nature - The Traitors is bound to be one of the best series of 2025.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves, it's only the first episode. However, I have complete faith in The Traitors team and their ability to deliver an amazing season. I, for one, cannot wait for the rest of the season and I'm sure I'm not alone in my excitement. Thank you, Claudia Winkleman, for making January bearable, and thank you to The Traitors for being the shining light in an otherwise dreary time of year.
Don't forget to tune in tonight at 9pm on BBC One for the return of The Traitors. And for all the latest news, predictions, and behind-the-scenes gossip, join our The Traitors WhatsApp channel by clicking the link and selecting 'Join Chat.' Trust me, you won't want to miss a single moment of this thrilling series.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
