Traitors Star Minah Shannon Opens Up About 'Traumatising' Show Experience and Career Change
In an exclusive interview, former The Traitors contestant Minah Shannon has shared candid details about her time on the hit BBC show, describing it as both "traumatising" and transformative. Alongside fellow contestant Alexander Dragonetti, she reflected on the intense, immersive nature of the programme that captivated audiences last January.
The Immersive and Emotional Reality of The Traitors
Minah Shannon, who was famously backstabbed by fellow Traitor Charlotte Berman, leading to her elimination, revealed the psychological toll of the game. "It's also a bit traumatising by the end, but that's what makes it great," she explained. "It's fully immersive. If you weren't giving it everything, it wouldn't be as fun to play, and it probably wouldn't make such great TV."
Alexander Dragonetti echoed her sentiments, highlighting the complete isolation from the outside world. "You have no phone, no contact with your family, and you're completely immersed in the game for hours," he said. "But you come out with the best friends ever. I've been a fan of the show, so being a contestant was a dream come true. As viewers, people might say, 'Oh, it's just a game,' but inside the castle, it's your reality for three weeks. And honestly, it's such a fun experience."
Life After The Traitors: New Careers and Awkward Encounters
Since leaving the show, Minah Shannon has undergone a significant career shift, leaving her call centre job behind to pursue presenting and broadcasting. "I left my job in November," she disclosed. "I'd been juggling presenting, broadcasting, and being a mum, and it became impossible. So I took a leap of faith, and I'm hoping it pays off."
Her post-show journey has included some star-studded, albeit awkward, moments. At the National Television Awards last year, she met celebrities Maya Jama and Olivia Attwood, an encounter that left her feeling like a fan. "I fan-girled so much when I met them," Minah admitted. "I even told them I've had dreams about them, which was probably inappropriate." She added that imposter syndrome sometimes creeps in when mingling with established stars, but the excitement from others helps balance it out.
Maintaining Friendships and Embracing New Opportunities
The bonds formed during the show have endured, with the cast staying connected through a Traitors' WhatsApp group. "Sometimes it goes quiet, but when the new series airs, we're all chatting, catching up, and it's lovely to maintain those friendships even after a year," Minah shared.
Alexander Dragonetti has also seen his life transformed, now engaging in a diverse range of professional activities. "I do a mix of things, foreign affairs, writing a column for The i, social media work on foreign affairs, presenting for Classic FM, and representing Mencap," he said. "It's a strange and surprising range of opportunities, and I'm loving it."
Both contestants emphasised how the show has opened doors they never anticipated, blending reality TV fame with meaningful career advancements. Their stories highlight the lasting impact of The Traitors, not just as entertainment, but as a life-altering experience for its participants.
