THE Traitors series one star Theo Mayne has revealed what Claudia Winkleman's really like behind the scenes.
The 26-year-old was banished in episode nine last year when the series became a smash hit on BBC One.
Speaking to The Sun in an exclusive interview as series two returns, Theo says that despite host Claudia's "evil" on-screen persona, she breaks character to comfort contestants.
"When you see Claudia, you do get a little bit starstruck," admits Theo.
"She's an iconic woman like she's absolutely incredible, and she was so invested in the game as well as the players, so it was good to have her there.
"She gave me a hug on my banishment day. I was like 'oh my god, Claudia Winkleman's just hugged me'.
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"She's a phenomenal, phenomenal woman. I couldn't say a bad word about her."
"She would be whisked away and come out of nowhere.
"So there was a bit of a segregation that we can understand that we were all playing for £120,000 so she didn't want to get in our way.
"I'd like to say she was Team Faithful but she must have been Team Traitors - but who knows!"
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It's already been an eventful start to the series since Claudia selected three individuals using her trademark secret shoulder squeeze - business manager Paul, British Army engineer Harry and events coordinator Ash - to be the traitors.
She then told the trio they had to select another partner-in-crime, and they decided it should be one of four people - Miles, Andrew, Sonja and Diane, before ultimately choosing Miles.
The Traitors continues tonight on BBC One at 9pm or is available to stream on iPlayer now.