Nick Mohammed has defended the latest series of Celebrity Traitors following criticism from viewers, saying he loved the fact "no two series are the same". The season one contestant addressed the reaction during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, where he also discussed his role hosting a new West End stage adaptation, The Traitors: Acts of Betrayal.
BBC Breakfast announces West End spin-off
BBC Breakfast presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay revealed that the live theatrical version of the hugely popular murder mystery competition was in development following the divisive Celebrity Traitors finale. Presenter Jon declared: "Now if you are mourning the end of Traitors after Friday night's dramatic finale, fear not. It is coming back, but not quite as you know it."
Sally explained that each performance would produce a different outcome, with the audience themselves holding the power. Discussing why audiences are so captivated by the format, Nick concluded: "It's the unpredictability, I think, for sure."
Nick Mohammed on the appeal of Traitors
"But also I think there's something in, Claudia had said this before, I think, there's something in that sweet spot of us wanting as an audience for the Traitors to succeed because this is the ultimate act of deception, but equally, we want the Faithful to rumble who the Traitors are. I think that's where the entertainment value lies, as you are rooting for them both simultaneously."
Addressing recent criticism of the second celebrity series, he stated that while he loved it, he concurred "as with any series of Traitors, yes it was different from the first series, I don't know why that particularly was, maybe it got off to a slightly tricksy start with Richard E. Grant saying he was a Traitor right at the start. So there was a series of recruitments and James was a bit reluctant, but that's what's so fun about it, no two series are the same."
Mixed reactions from viewers
While Jon hailed the "amazing" concept of a West End show, some viewers took to X to voice their displeasure. One wrote: "Ugh, f****** Traitors again." Another added: "They're going to kick the a*** out of Traitors until everyone is sick of it", reports the Daily Star. A third remarked: "Watching Traitors in the theatre, I'd rather have a dose of dysentery." A fourth posted: "Glad I didn't watch."
Yet another viewer chimed in: "This is a frigging joke, West End traitors show, total b******." A final commenter questioned: "Why would anyone want to see a West End show about Traitors? I don't even want to see it on TV!"
Meanwhile, on Instagram, one supporter described the project as "very exciting", while another remarked: "The premise of this show is just so intriguing I want to see every version." A further fan enthused: "I love stage shows + I love Traitors so this is the best combination ever? ? !" Another follower stated: "This series just keeps evolving. Phenomenal success all over the world! Congratulations."
Details of The Traitors: Acts of Betrayal
Following a clip showing Nick Mohammed being "sworn in" as the new presenter by Claudia Winkleman, he joined BBC Breakfast via video link to discuss The Traitors: Acts of Betrayal, which will feature eight performances weekly. "It's effectively a cycle of five plays, with a different play shown [on each weekday]. The first 10 minutes are exactly the same; however, depending on who is chosen as the Traitors within the cast of 11, that dictates the outcome of the play."
He revealed that audiences would essentially witness an entire Traitors series within each performance, encompassing murders, banishments and roundtables. Saturday's performance will allow audiences to select the Traitors, subsequently determining which production the cast delivers.
Jon enquired how he felt about memorising so many lines and numerous variations of the storyline, to which Nick responded: "Undoubtedly it's the most ambitious thing I have ever done, for sure, certainly in terms of a live experience. It's really, really exciting."
He acknowledged to Sally that he was "concerned" about retaining five different plays, which will feature recognisable elements from the flagship BBC series while also introducing distinctive concepts. Preparations for the West End production are set to begin in January, with opening night scheduled for May.
