Two Traitors contestants have explained why the celebrities in this year's series are so paranoid. In an exclusive chat with Daily Star, Traitors star Ellie Buckley said: "I think specifically with Ross Kemp, he's obviously entered a lot of dangerous situations in his life."
"He has had to be super aware of his surroundings and really thinking through why someone is doing things. So, he's probably got hypervigilance for danger."
Hypervigilance and Superfans
Ellie added: "He's probably bringing all those mechanisms into the castle. He's just protecting himself as he has done through his life. With the other cast members, we've all watched the show; everyone's a superfan now, and you want to survive."
She continued: "You know a murder in plain sight is likely to come alongside those banishments and murders, so you're trying to pay attention to everything to make sure you can make it through."
Big Names and Big Opportunities
Her partner and fellow contestant Ross Garshong added: "Because the show did so well last year, everyone's blown up, and they've been able to get such big names through, it's a big opportunity."
"So, I think they're half doing two things where they're playing the game, but also they're having to project whatever their brand is because it's also an opportunity to showcase themselves."
Cracks in the Seams
Ross explained: "If you're trying to be perfect, likeable, nice, charismatic, and play the game, you forget that the game is actually really stressful."
"Going through some of the situations or having a conversation where someone will go: 'Are you a Traitor?' is a really stressful environment."
"I think they're mentally juggling loads. That's why we're seeing some cracks in the seams."
He added: "I remember watching Ellie towards the end of it, and anyone who knows Ellie would know, you'd lost your marbles."
Ellie concluded: "You are having to cover so many eventualities, and you are really overthinking everything."
Ellie and Ross spoke to Daily Star on behalf of Buzz Bingo.
