selection process
Claudia Winkleman drops big clue over how The Traitors are chosen as hit BBC show returns for third series
Viewers see Claudia chat to each contestant - but what happens next?
CLAUDIA Winkleman has shared a big insight into how The Traitors in her hit show are selected.
The fan favourite BBC guessing game is set to return for its third series tonight, January 1.
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A group of strangers compete in challenges at Ardross Castle, in the Scottish Highlands.
Most contestants are "Faithful" and working to add money to a shared prize pot.
A select few of the players are "Traitors" - hoping to take all the cash for themselves.
Viewers know who the treacherous few are immediately, but Faithful are in the dark during filming.
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Host Claudia opened up about how Traitors are chosen for the high-pressure role.
Speaking , the Strictly presenter revealed: "I'm not a goddess and I don't choose them by myself."
Continuing, Claudia said her chats with each player - which viewers see on screen - are only the beginning.
Afterwards, she and a group of five to six others deliberate who to pick.
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The star described this process as "very stressful" but the decision ultimately comes from this conversation.
When asked if she believed the correct Traitors were chosen for series three, Claudia replied: "I have faith and whether I was correct or wrong, we will find out.
The most shocking moments of The Traitors so far as series three returns TONIGHT
"They're always the right three.
"It could have been a different three, but it was those three and after you've spoken to them all that felt like the right three."
It comes as Claudia has previously teased what to expect from the upcoming episodes.
She told The Sun's TV Mag: "There is one twist this year which I think will have people on the edge of their seats.”
Discussing the specific missions this season, Claudia said: “The missions in series three are really, really exciting. I love them and I hope viewers love them.
Claudia Winkleman's career so far
Holiday (1992–1996): Claudia started her TV career as a travel show presenter, delivering segments from exotic locations.
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two (2004–2010): Although she worked on a few shows between Holiday and Strictly, Claudia really came into her own as a presenter on this spin-off, where she could be seen offering behind-the-scenes gossip and interviewing contestants. She hosted It Takes Two from its inception until Zoe Ball took over from her in 2011.
Strictly Come Dancing (2014–present): After Sir Bruce Forsyth left the BBC show due to health concerns, Claudia joined Tess Daly as a co-host of the main show. This is one of the jobs Claudia is best known for.
Film 2010 (2010–2016): Claudia succeeded Jonathan Ross as the host of the BBC’s flagship film review show in 2010. She was praised by The Guardian for being a "passionate and engaging advocate of cinema" in this role.
The Great British Sewing Bee (2013–2016): Claudia brought her wit to the crafting competition for three years.
The Traitors (2022-present): Claudia's dark hair and resting mysterious face have become synonymous with this hit reality show. Despite her attempts to leave after the first series in case future seasons flopped, BBC bosses were determined to keep her on, so it seems unlikely she'll stop heading up the show anytime soon.
“They keep getting bigger and better, and this year they have more stakes in the bigger picture of the game than ever before…”
A fourth series and celebrity special have already been confirmed.
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Comedian Ed Gamble will also be back to host spin-off podcast Uncloaked during the third series.
Series three of The Traitors launches on Wednesday 1st January 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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