When it comes to big Traitor energy, there’s only one man that comes to mind… former turret-dweller Traitor pro, Paul Gorton.
Podcast host, Rolling Stone correspondent… and Joe Wilkinson pal (himself a die-hard traitors fan), this man’s built an empire on friendly deception.
We’ve ranked the top 30 Free Spins offers in the UK. Check out our full list:
WhichBingo caught up with the tall, quick, and ruthlessly competitive Gorton to dissect the mind games and spill the secrets from behind the castle doors.
Let’s start easy. What was breakfast like in the castle?
“Breakfast was actually my least favourite part. I usually had something in my room instead.
I’ve been vegan for about seven years so the continental breakfast of croissants, milk, and meats wasn’t for me.
They did have oat milk and a brilliant chef who made special meals for me, though. No one actually knew I was vegan until now, so there’s a little scoop for you!”
Read More: The Celebrity Traitors 2025 Update: Murdering A BFF, Predictions, & More
Is there anything about filming the show that viewers would be shocked to learn?
“The production is run like an SAS operation. People don’t realise how locked-down it all is, it’s top secret.
I haven’t spoken to Joe Wilkinson since filming, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s been told not to in case of leaks. That’s like asking someone from KFC for their secret recipe you’ll only ever be told it’s “special seasoning.”
How long does it take to film the round tables?
“They are very long, laborious, and painful. Especially when you haven’t found a traitor in a while”.
What do you think is harder, being a Traitor or a Faithful?
“A Faithful is always the victim while a Traitor is always the villain.
They’re equally tough, but for different reasons. Both are challenging in their own ways. As a Faithful, you’ve got a case of double jeopardy – you can be banished and murdered. But being a Traitor is much more emotionally draining. You have to build real relationships and then turn around and betray the people you’ve grown close to. That takes a mental toll”.
Did you have a long-term strategy, or were you just playing day by day?
“In all my audition process and all of my thoughts going into the show, I wanted to be a Traitor.
I literally said to the team: “I will be the biggest Traitor you have ever seen in your lives!”.
I wanted to win. I was firm but fair. If you were a weak link, you had to go. I even started writing scripts every night for arguments that were going to happen the next day. I fully immersed myself into being like a Patrick Bateman of panto”.
Did you ever feel guilty about betraying people?
“Not at all, it’s a game! I don’t feel guilty when I cheat at Monopoly or sneak an extra letter in Scrabble.
Nobody in The Traitors should feel guilt or resentment. Stress, sure, but guilt? No. You leave that at the castle gates. If I’d actually killed someone, maybe I’d feel bad but it’s just TV!”
Did you face much negativity online after the show?
“Not really. People would say: “I’m so glad Paul’s been caught… but I miss him!”
I got what I call “love to hate.” I’ve actually helped a few of the newer contestants deal with the online stuff, especially the Faithfuls – they get more hate because they’re just being themselves.
When trolls send abuse, it says more about them than you. It’s usually a middle-aged bloke with a cartoon profile picture and repressed emotions! You have to laugh it off, it’s part of the industry”.
There were rumours about contestants sneaking in contraband during filming. Any truth to that?
“Absolutely not. There’s zero chance of sneaking anything in. You’re stripped back, it’s a full military-style setup.
But what people don’t see is the level of care. You have access to professional mental health support 24/7, even at night. And when you come out of the show, there’s months of aftercare, like welfare checks, therapy, everything. The team really looks after you”.
Thanks for your time. One last question: Can you share any funny behind-the-scenes stories?
“Harry is extremely allergic to horses but he didn’t tell anyone. During the famous funeral scene with Diane and the horses, that night he had a sneezing attack in the turret. I’m talking 200 or 300 sneezes! Producers were running in with tissues and everything.
In fact, if you rewatch it, you’ll notice his face is swollen. The editors had to cut out every sneeze.
Another scoop – nobody knew that until now!”
Thanks Paul! Watch Celebrity Traitors 2025 on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer now.
Reader comments