Singer-songwriter Cat Burns has lifted the curtain on the intense psychological warfare behind the scenes of BBC's The Celebrity Traitors, revealing how the high-stakes game affected contestants both during and after filming.
In an exclusive interview, the BRIT Award-nominated artist shared her experiences navigating the treacherous landscape of the Scottish castle where the hit reality series was filmed.
The Mental Toll Of Deception
Burns confessed that maintaining the facade of faithfulness while potentially being a Traitor took a significant psychological toll. "You're constantly second-guessing yourself and everyone around you," she revealed. "The paranoia seeps into everything, and it's emotionally draining in ways I never anticipated."
The atmosphere within the castle walls became increasingly tense as the game progressed, with trust becoming the most valuable - and scarce - commodity among the celebrity contestants.
Unexpected Strictly Connections
In a surprising twist, Burns disclosed how her experience on the show created an unexpected bond with the Strictly Come Dancing contestants during Halloween week. "We were all discussing the psychological aspects of performance under pressure," she explained.
The singer noted striking similarities between the mental fortitude required for both competitions, despite their vastly different formats. "Whether you're hiding your role as a Traitor or perfecting a dance routine, the camera captures every micro-expression, every moment of doubt."
Life After The Traitors
Since her time on the show, Burns has reflected on how the experience changed her approach to trust and relationships in the real world. "You learn so much about human nature when deception becomes part of daily life," she mused.
The artist also hinted that the skills she developed on the show might influence her music career, particularly when it comes to reading people and situations in the cutthroat music industry.
With reality television continuing to dominate entertainment landscapes, Burns' insights provide a rare glimpse into the emotional complexity behind the glamour of celebrity competition shows.