The Traitors’ fabulous icons Amanda, Diane and Linda glam up for Claudia-inspired shoot – and talk being underestimated as older women

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It might just be luck, or a smart choice by the show’s creators, but it’s interesting that every season of The Traitors features someone who surprises everyone. This person consistently breaks the mold and challenges what we think works on television, suggesting we often underestimate certain kinds of people.

These characters are consistently portrayed as women, typically older than 50, and they’re beloved by fans of all ages, regardless of their skill level within the game.

The first series of the show, in 2022, introduced us to Amanda Lovett, a 54-year-old estate agent who was secretly a Traitor. She lasted until episode 10 before being discovered, but quickly became popular online thanks to her surprisingly cutthroat gameplay, masked by a seemingly harmless, motherly persona.

In the second series, which aired in 2024, Diane Carson was a contestant. The 63-year-old retired teacher from Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, was selected as a ‘Faithful’ player. During episode six, she faced a dramatic challenge involving a poisoned chalice, and the next day found herself locked in a coffin in a particularly memorable and over-the-top scene. Diane kept a significant secret: her fellow contestant, Ross, was actually her son. This revelation caused a huge reaction online.

In the third season, which aired in 2025, 70-year-old Linda Rands became one of the Traitors. The retired opera singer from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, was eliminated in the seventh episode. Her playfully bad – but entertaining – performance as a Traitor was so well-received that a billboard was put up in Leicester Square celebrating her as the “Best Actress.”

To mark the end of the fourth season, we’ve reunited some of the contestants. After a photoshoot with Amanda, Diane, and Linda – where they were styled in the darkly glamorous look made famous by host Claudia Winkleman – we asked if they’d be up for returning in a special All-Stars version of The Traitors, and they immediately agreed!

Amanda Lovett

Traitor series 1

Why did you apply back in 2022?

I was 54 years old, divorced, and raising five children. I’d recently escaped a difficult marriage and really needed a change of pace. My main goals were to earn some money for a car for my soon-to-be 17-year-old twins, and to finally have a little time to myself.

Were you surprised at the response to the first series?

Someone on the production team joked that if the first season of The Traitors was a hit, we’d become instantly recognizable, even during simple errands like grocery shopping. I didn’t anticipate the show would be that popular, but it completely changed my life. When my fellow Traitor, Wilf, betrayed me on the show, social media exploded with reactions, and people jokingly called for a national day of mourning! I took my twins to Rome shortly before Christmas, and everywhere we went, people recognized me as Amanda from The Traitors. It was overwhelming, and my twins were—and still are—embarrassed by all the attention.

What was it like being an OG Traitor?

I joined the Traitors hoping to feel powerful and important, something I never experienced as a kid. It felt good to be in control. I didn’t really have a strategy; I just went with the flow and, honestly, I enjoyed the thrill of betraying others because I didn’t feel any guilt. I always remembered it was just a game, and I wanted to rediscover myself and have some fun. I was really let down by Wilf, especially since I’d helped him out so many times. I thought we had an understanding, a silent agreement as Traitors, but I was mistaken.

What did you find out about yourself when you watched the series?

Were you underestimated as a middle-aged woman?

Absolutely! People didn’t expect much from us, but we actually had a lot of life experience to draw on. Turning 54 made me realize I was past the halfway point, and suddenly felt energized to do things for myself. I’d gotten married young, at 19, and hadn’t had any time to myself since then – I’d lost touch with who I was. Traveling to the castle in Inverness, and flying there alone for the first time, was a turning point. I came away from filming ‘The Traitors’ feeling like a completely different, and much more confident, person.

Do you still work?

I still work part-time selling houses, and I like to offer guidance to the younger members of my team. With my experience, I’ve probably already dealt with whatever challenges they’re facing.

Did you enjoy watching Celia Imrie in the first series of The Celebrity Traitors?

I adored her! My childhood was marked by hardship – my mother struggled with alcoholism, and my father passed away when I was ten. My maternal grandmother, a very proper woman reminiscent of Hyacinth Bucket, insisted on strict etiquette. We had to pronounce “H” carefully as “aitch,” and certain words, like “fart,” were absolutely forbidden. She taught us that ladies didn’t sweat; they perspired, and instead of saying less refined terms, we were to say they fluffed or passed wind. So, when Celia, who clearly had a good upbringing, casually said “fart” on national television, I was absolutely thrilled.

Diane Carson

Faithful series 2

Why did you apply?

My older sons were really enthusiastic about the first season of The Traitors – they talked about it constantly, which is why I initially avoided watching it. But we were all sick over Christmas, and I finally gave in. I jokingly said I could be a contestant, and my kids burst out laughing. They told me I talk too much and wouldn’t last a minute on the show.

What did you do for the audition?

I got my hair styled before filming a video, and I planned a silly moment. I set a one-minute egg timer so I could react on camera as if it was a surprise. It was a bit childish, but I managed to do it. Afterwards, they asked if a family member would participate. My daughter looked too much like me, and my two older sons are actors – Kerr Logan was even in Game of Thrones! It took some convincing, but I finally persuaded Ross to join in, as he was worried I’d direct him on live television.

Did you and Ross have a strategy?

I’m really good at keeping secrets and love planning surprise parties – it’s just what I do! My family is pretty playful; we all enjoy things like Dungeons & Dragons, and my sons are always pulling pranks on me. So, when Ross commented on my Sunday dinners during ‘The Traitors,’ I wasn’t upset. It felt natural, both because it was part of the game and because that kind of playful banter is common in our family.

Did you want to be a Faithful?

To be honest, I was really hoping not to be voted a Traitor. I figured people would automatically suspect me because I’m very straightforward, and it takes time for them to get to know the real me – I’m definitely an acquired taste. I generally don’t like seeing Traitors win, and I didn’t want Alan Carr to win on the show until I saw how upset he was, and then I changed my mind.

Before being murdered, do you think you were underestimated as an older woman?

I entered the challenges to prove people wrong – they didn’t expect someone my age to be so fit, especially since I’m a seasoned trail runner. It was clear from their reactions that they were surprised by what I could do.

Would you do it again?

Ross and I definitely could have earned a lot of money through sponsorships and ads after being on The Traitors, playing on our mother-son dynamic. But he’s determined to establish himself as a serious young entrepreneur, and I respect his decision, even though I’m still quite upset about it!

Linda Rands

Traitor series 3

Why did you apply?

Did you have a strategy?

It’s completely different being there in person. You can prepare all you want, but things change instantly when you’re in the middle of it. I expected to be very vocal, since I usually talk a lot, but I often found myself staying quiet, worried about how my words might be taken. I kept detailed notes each day, which helped, but it wasn’t quite enough. Looking back, I kept thinking about all the things I could have said – and how that might have changed the outcome!

Did you want to be a Traitor?

I always dreamed of playing the Traitor role because I believed I was a convincing liar – but it turns out I’m not very good at it! Despite that, I really enjoyed the experience, though I hadn’t considered how difficult it would be to justify killing someone you know. It was awful watching your friends try to protect themselves. You constantly have to remind yourself it’s just a game and not take anything personally, even when everyone points the finger at you.

Were you underestimated as an older woman?

I worried I’d be seen as the weakest player and quickly eliminated. But I feel young at heart, and don’t think of myself as an old woman. I was really surprised and delighted that so many younger viewers connected with me on The Traitors – it’s amazing they enjoyed watching someone in their 70s. I truly believe age is just a number, and 70 is the new 50!

How has your life changed?

It’s honestly been wild since Traitors aired. I’m getting recognized everywhere – the other day, someone stopped me on the street yelling ‘Linda from Traitors!’ and immediately asked for a selfie for his mom. I spent years performing opera on stage, but honestly, this TV fame is something else. And you know what? I’m absolutely loving it!

Which older women would you like to see in the next series of The Celebrity Traitors?

Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders would be a fantastic pairing. Alison Hammond would also be a great addition – she’d bring a similar playful energy to Alan Carr and definitely keep things lively.

You can watch new episodes of The Traitors season 4 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer starting Wednesday, January 14th at 8pm. If you’ve missed any previous seasons, seasons 1 through 3 are currently available on iPlayer.

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Authors

Amy Raphael

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2026-01-12 20:12