Celebrity Traitors returns to screens on Thursday (October 1), bringing with it a brand-new cast of famous faces ready to take on the nation's ultimate game of deception. Claudia Winkleman is back at the helm of the hit reality show, with this year's line-up including Hollywood actor and author Richard E. Grant, singer-songwriter Leigh-Anne Pinnock, comedian Miranda Hart and former Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh.
With the series just one day away, fans are eagerly waiting to discover which celebrities will be chosen as the Traitors and tasked with deceiving their fellow contestants. But as the pressure of the infamous roundtable begins to mount, some stars could find themselves struggling to keep their cool.
Maya Jama's reality TV experience could work against her
Body language expert Judi James has revealed which celebrities she believes have what it takes to thrive in the castle, and which ones may struggle under the spotlight. Judi pointed towards Maya Jama, suggesting that her experience as a reality TV presenter could potentially work against her in the game.
Speaking to the Daily Express on behalf of Paddy Power Bingo, Judi said: "As a reality presenter, Maya might find it challenging to be on the reality contestant side of things and a little too aware she should be in Claudia’s side of the cameras."
"Her current 'perfect' Love Island image is carefully curated, and it will be good to see her being more than just a fabulous sight in a sexy dress, but will she want to let her hair down and reveal all with a gig like Love Island to retain?"
Amol Rajan and Michael Sheen face challenges
Meanwhile, University Challenge presenter Amol Rajan could prove to be "an extremely bad bet" as a Traitor, according to Judi. She believes this could be down to the challenge of stepping out from behind a desk and into the centre of attention.
"Amol should have the brain and newspaper editor experience to make a confident Traitor but he’s currently making the transition from behind the news desk to being a mainstream tv ‘personality’ and will likely suffer from the ‘Rippon’ syndrome, making him an extremely bad bet as a Traitor," Judi mused.
"A good Traitor needs to hunker in and keep a low profile, and Amol might struggle with that, image and brand-wise."
Judi went on to describe Michael Sheen as a "guaranteed big beast of this series", but suggested that his impressive intellect and extensive acting experience could ultimately work against him if he's chosen as a Traitor.
"Big brains fail spectacularly as they over-think and great acting isn’t convincing when you’re living close with people 24/7. He could struggle in the style of Stephen Fry," she added.
