'The traitors this year already seem to be crumbling': Pontefract Traitors star Theo Mayne shares thoughts on series four and that red cloak twist

Theo Mayne was appointed a ‘faithful’ in the first series of the hit show in 2022, finishing a respectable tenth out of 22 players.

Now, the Pontefract native has shared his thoughts on the award-winning programme, as it returns for its fourth series.

On its return, Theo said: “I can’t believe we’re already on season four of The Traitors.

"It honestly feels like yesterday that I was on the show myself. It just keeps growing and growing.”

This series, barrister Hugo, 51, head of communications Rachel, 42, and cyber security consultant Stephen, 32, were all appointed as the ‘traitors’ with a new twist seeing a ‘secret traitor’ also appointed by host, Claudia Winkleman.

Wednesday’s (January 7) episode revealed that it was 62-year-old Fiona, a government officer from Swansea, who was donning the secret traitor’s red cloak and pulling the strings behind-the-scenes.

Theo continued: “I absolutely loved the new red cloak twist — I thought it was a genius idea.

"Although it was cut short, I do feel we should have had longer not knowing who the secret traitor was. I also would never have guessed it was Fiona.”

Theo named his favourite contestant as ex-detective Amanda, who was the latest to go following a dramatic tie with fellow faithful, Reece, at the round table.

The pair’s survivial in the game was left down to fate following a tie in votes, with Amanda ultimately being banished.

He explained: “She’s so real and down to earth, and it’s great to see strong representation for the LGBTQ+ community.

"I really wish she’d stayed in longer — she would have been epic.”

Thursday’s (January 8) episode saw the castle descend into chaos, as Fiona called out her fellow traitor Rachel – leading to a tense head-to-head in the traitors’ turret.

"The traitors this year already seem to be crumbling, and the backstabbing has started early.” Theo explained.

"For me, the show is beginning to lose a bit of the authenticity we had in our season.

"Ours felt more natural, whereas now people know what to expect when they enter the castle after watching previous seasons.”

The Traitors continues to grow each series, with the 7.3 million people tuning in to watch the secret traitor reveal.

Last year’s celebrity finale reached over 11 million live viewers, whilst the series four launch saw a high of 6.9 million viewers – up an impressive 1.8 million from series three’s launch show which attracted 5.1 million viewers.

“I always remind myself that our season helped start all of this.” Theo stated.

"We were a key ingredient in the show’s success today — we walked so others could run. I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of it.”

Since appearing on ‘The Traitors’, Theo has gone on to be a panelist on GB News and starred in the 2025 Harpenden pantomime, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, at the Eric Morecambe Centre.

He also became an ambassador for The Brain Charity and continues to use his platform to raise awareness about the seriousness of asthma after his cousin sadly passed away in 2024.

Theo continued: "A reminder to anyone reading this: dreams really can come true.”

‘The Traitors’ continues to air on BBC One every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8pm.