NTAs: The Traitors stars open up about show struggles and support after big win

Virgin Radio

7 Sep 2023, 12:42

The Traitors’ Hannah, Wilfred, Aaron and Meryl were all present at the National Television Awards on Tuesday to celebrate their programme taking home the award for best reality competition.

Speaking to virginradio.co.uk and other press in the winners room backstage, the reality show's stars opened up about their time on the show, some of the hardships which came from taking part in the challenging series, and the close bond which they still share as a cast and crew which has helped support them through it all.

“Putting [everyone] together under stressful situations, we all came together,” Aaron said.

“We trauma bonded,” Wilf continued. The contestant explained that the cast’s bond continued to strengthen after the show finished filming as they found they were the only people who could understand the intensity of what they’d been through.

“My wife, who’s my best friend in the whole world… she couldn’t understand how intense it was,” he continued. Thankfully, fellow contestant Amos “lived round the corner” and was available to chat.

“We were the only people that we could talk to,” Wilf explained.

During the show, the cast were supported by the programme’s welfare team, who had also been a part of the casting process from the very beginning. “You’ve told them everything about your life, so that makes it easier,” said Wilf.

The stars then opened up about how the welfare team have continued to support them all since they finished on the show. 

“Every single person involved in making sure that we were okay is still in touch…" Hannah said. "They care about every single one of us, and that makes a world of difference when it comes down to reality TV.”

“It was just an amazing experience,” Meryl later added. “I’ve met friends for life… the cast and the crew, we’re all friends and we’re all just genuine people.”

On the topic of their win that evening, the four stars were elated. “I was convinced that it was either [Love Island] or Race Across the World [who would win],” Aaron revealed.

“I was convinced that it wasn’t gonna win… our little first show that we thought was going to be a flop,” Hannah also said humbly. But flop it ain't, as series two is being anxiously awaited as we speak!

Check out all the winners at the NTAs in our full round-up.