Body language expert Judi James has identified a subtle facial "tell" that helps explain why Maya Jama has succeeded as the last remaining original Traitor on The Celebrity Traitors.
Maya, 32, was selected as a Traitor by host Claudia Winkleman alongside Richard E. Grant, but the actor revealed the secret to fellow players and was soon banished. She has since recruited comedian James Acaster, Professor Hannah Fry (who was quickly replaced by former boxer and influencer King Kenny), and comic Joe Lycett, who admitted "No one will catch them" after discovering the Traitors' identities.
The 'purr' tell
Speaking to Paddy Power, Judi James explained that Maya's giveaway is a small muscle at the side of her nose, which appears when she is in a "'purr' state of pleasure rather than suffering from lie stress or anxiety." This tell, she said, "should help to explain why Maya is tending to be such a successful Traitor."
James also suggested that Maya's former role as host of ITV's Love Island contributes to her effectiveness. "The secret to Maya's success is not coming from her ability to lie as she doesn't need to," she said, noting the show's "ruthless cruelty and blatant disloyalty" mirrors Traitors. Her role, James added, is comparable to Claudia's, as she "monitors the drama and entertainment factor and gives pep talks to her fellow Traitors."
Breakfast behaviour
James highlighted breakfast as a key moment when others display fear, but Maya "exploits the opportunity to merely dine with a sophisticated and 'confident flourish'." She contrasted this with Hannah Fry, who went into "body language melt-down with verbal diarrhoea," while Maya held toast aloft and ate calmly even as Claudia arrived and others froze.
James concluded that Maya's "Bond Villain levels of calm behaviour" is currently keeping her out of suspicion. The Celebrity Traitors airs Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
