Slow Horses star on joining Celebrity Traitors: “I think I can smell bulls**t”

by

Nick, why join The Celebrity Traitors?

I’ve always been a huge fan of the show. This is actually the first time I’m appearing as myself! I did Taskmaster before, which felt a little like me, but even then I wore a Dracula costume to feel more protected. Usually, in my comedy, I perform in character, and I like keeping some mystery around who *I* am. However, I couldn’t pass up this amazing opportunity! I’ve always enjoyed games like this, and getting to spend time with such a lovely group of people is a real honor.

So, your character Mr Swallow won’t be making an appearance?

It seems like Nick Mohammed was hired instead of Mr Swallow, which is a shame. And honestly, just think how frustrating that would be – not only for those involved, but for the whole country!

You can often find useful strategies from past experiences – maybe a motivational speech inspired by Ted Lasso?

Perhaps giving a powerful speech like they did in Gladiator at the Round Table could be effective. However, you need to avoid standing out too much or becoming a suspect. I’d be cautious about appearing overly confident, as we saw with Kas [in series three]. He gave a toast to the first person eliminated and was instantly seen as a Traitor. He seemed like a genuinely nice person, but I don’t want to make the same mistake. It’s a tricky balance. If you try to stay completely unnoticed, people might assume you’re intentionally concealing something.

Have you got a strategy?

I’m planning to start by keeping things relaxed and flexible. I can think about a more detailed strategy later on, and it also depends on whether I’m assigned to be a Traitor or a Faithful role. It’s all about adapting to the situation. For now, I’ll just take it as it comes.

There’s definitely something exciting about being labeled a Traitor, and it does give you a little more power. However, if I’m a Faithful player, I’m constantly worried about being killed each night. Still, I have a wonderful family, so it really feels like a win-win situation. When the game ends, I get to return home and be with them!

Have you done anything to prepare?

I’ve given this a lot of thought, and it felt really weird watching series three, knowing I’d be filming it myself a few months later. But that’s the thing about this show – it’s always a completely new experience with a different cast, so you can’t just copy what others have done before. I even had a couple of strange dreams about it! The most vivid one was that I had to perform the entire series in an American accent!

Are you looking forward to the Missions?

I’m really excited! I love everything about it. And the show’s over-the-top, theatrical style – that gothic, Wicker Man inspired atmosphere – is fantastic. Yeah, I can’t wait!

Would you say that you’re good at reading people?

Look, I pride myself on being able to spot a phony, but when someone’s deliberately misleading you about being a Traitor, that feels different. It’s not a choice you make; you’re chosen for it. And honestly, that’s what’s so fascinating – some people could be genuinely brilliant at it. That’s where the excitement lies, seeing how they handle it. It’s a compelling premise, isn’t it?

Do you think you’ve got a good poker face?

Many of my colleagues will tell you I frequently burst into laughter. I’m most anxious about the very beginning of the game – when the blindfolds come off. Whether I’m assigned as a Traitor or a Faithful player, I find it hard to keep a straight face. It’s a genuine concern I have every time.

Read More

2025-09-30 00:08