The Traitors star Fiona Hughes has revealed what she did when the cameras weren't rolling, from reading and knitting to watching march hares from her window.
Fiona, 64, from Swansea, Wales, made history earlier this year when she became the first ever Secret Traitor. However, she was banished from the show in episode six, after fellow Traitor Rachel led the tense roundtable against her.
Encouraging others to apply
Despite her early exit, Fiona revealed how much she loved her time on The Traitors. While admitting she perhaps wasn't strategic enough, she encouraged anyone considering applying to the show to go for it.
"I had a brilliant time. I would say to anybody if you really wanted to have a go at this game, which is phenomenal, just give it a go. Just put your application form in because if they can choose a 63-year-old woman to go in, then they can choose anybody," she told the Daily Express.
Long days and constant filming
Although she was warned beforehand that filming would be lengthy, Fiona admitted she was surprised by the level of scrutiny she faced throughout the day.
"I was told that the days would be long. I didn't expect to have the level of scrutiny because from the time you were in the breakfast room in the morning until you leave. You were constantly being filmed," the TV star explained.
"I didn't expect the days to be so lengthy. It is a long day. Because there are no clocks and you're not allowed watches or anything like that, that can be quite strange because you're relying on the light and darkness of the days and evenings."
Downtime activities
Despite describing this as a "little bit disconcerting", Fiona confessed she enjoyed being away from her phone and escaping reality. "I know some people struggled, but I didn't. I didn't miss anything of technology, newspapers, nothing at all," she remarked.
When they did get a break, Fiona chose to read a book and take in the views from her window. "I had a book with me. I looked out of the window. I remember there were march hares on the field. Looking at those playfully running around was fascinating. Beautiful birds and things. And then I was knitting because my nephew was expecting a baby," Fiona recalled.
She likened the downtime to going to a spa, describing it as "total relaxation". The contestants also have a TV in their rooms where they can watch films, but Fiona admitted she gave it a miss because she didn't know how to work it.
Secret Traitor challenges
However, it seems Fiona may have had the least downtime of all because her role as the Secret Traitor meant she often filmed later than the other Traitors. "As the secret traitor, I don't know what time I would get back in the early hours of the morning because I'd be there after the green-caped traitors. That was tiring but fortunately, I only need four or five hours sleep, so I didn't struggle with that," she said.
"A lot of people struggle with the lack of sleep, but it didn't affect me at all."
Reflecting on her time on the show, Fiona added: "I wasn't strategic enough. I should have given more thought to it, but I didn't, I just thought about having fun because I couldn't get over I was there and having these experiences."
"I just wanted to drink in everything. 22 of us have got a very active WhatsApp group. We all got on and we were all from different backgrounds, different career paths, different ages, and every single one of us got on great. I think that's the strength of the programme."
Fiona Hughes is available to book for after-dinner speaking engagements through Motivational Speakers Agency.
