A fresh debate about race and unconscious bias in reality television has erupted following the latest series of the hit BBC show The Traitors.
The Spark for Debate
The controversy began when the first two contestants eliminated from the new series were both black women. Netty Österberg was the first to leave after being 'murdered' by the Traitors, swiftly followed by Judy Wilson, 60, who was banished at the roundtable after receiving a staggering 16 votes from fellow players.
This prompted a discussion on ITV's Good Morning Britain, where former I'm A Celebrity... star Scarlette Douglas spoke out. Douglas, who was voted out second from the jungle in 2022, argued that a persistent pattern exists that can no longer be ignored.
'An Unconscious Bias We Cannot Ignore'
"There is a pattern that we cannot ignore," Douglas stated during the show on Wednesday, 7th January 2026. "I'm not here to say the whole country is racist but we do have to talk about the fact is that there is an unconscious bias there."
Reflecting on her own experience, she questioned whether her early exit was due to lower public recognition compared to campmates like Boy George and Mike Tindall, rather than prejudice. However, she firmly believes bias played a role in The Traitors.
"I do believe there is an [unconscious bias] on The Traitors," she said. "When we look at Judy, for example, she couldn't win either way. If she was too quiet, she was suspicious, if she spoke up she was an angry black woman. What point can we just be ourselves?"
Personal Impact and Industry-Wide Questions
Douglas also connected the perceived national attitude to her personal life, stating, "We are the least desired. I've had many situations and relationships when I didn't feel as if I was attractive or that anyone wanted to date me. It's very hard to shake that when you see shows like this!"
Meanwhile, Judy Wilson, a child liaison officer, reflected on her exit with grace. She stated she wouldn't change her gameplay, saying, "I didn't have a strategy. I just thought there's no point in changing myself." She is now backing her daughter, fellow contestant Roxy, to win the series.
The debate raises significant questions about representation, editing, and audience perception within the competitive world of reality TV. The BBC has been approached for comment on the matter.
