As a new series of the hit BBC show The Traitors begins, a former contestant has given an exclusive insight into the reality of filming, praising the production team's exceptional efforts to accommodate her religious needs.
A Supportive Environment Behind the Scenes
Fozia Fazil, the 51-year-old social value and inclusion manager from Birmingham who appeared in series three, has spoken candidly about her experience. Filmed in the Scottish Highlands in 2024 and broadcast at the start of 2025, the show is renowned for its high-stakes drama. However, Fozia's account highlights the caring and supportive atmosphere cultivated off-camera.
She described the production team as incredibly "supportive," with daily encouragement and regular check-ins being a standard part of the process. For Fozia, a Muslim woman who wears the hijab and prays regularly, this consideration was paramount.
Accommodating Faith and Identity
The BBC's accommodations were both practical and respectful. Fozia explained that requests such as having a female crew member help with her microphone, being provided with halal meat, and having access to a dedicated prayer room were all met without issue.
Her needs were so well understood that the team became familiar with her prayer schedule. "It got to a point where the team knew what time my prayers were and were like 'Fozia - you've got a bit of time if you want to go off and do your prayer,'" she recalled.
These gestures, she said, "made such a big difference" and allowed her experience to feel "more wholesome." She felt able to be her authentic self on television, knowing her faith was respected. "The whole environment was set up where I wouldn't have changed it," Fozia added.
An Important Message for Future Contestants
Fozia rounded off her revelations with crucial advice for anyone considering applying for a reality show. She emphasised the importance of being open about your requirements from the outset.
"I think that [this is] important for people to know that when you go on something like this - [make sure you] share what your needs are, and they're going to do their best to accommodate them because they want to get the best out of you while you're on the show," she stated.
She believes the production team left no stone unturned in looking after everyone's needs, stating there was "nothing I think they'd missed out on." As a new line-up of contestants enters the famous castle for the latest series, Fozia's story sheds a positive light on the inclusive efforts happening behind the scenes of one of the UK's most talked-about television programmes.
