The highly anticipated fourth series of BBC's The Traitors has arrived, sending fans into a frenzy. With host Claudia Winkleman returning to oversee the psychological mind games, a fresh batch of contestants are preparing for their stint in the Scottish castle.
Wisdom from a former player
Ahead of the first episode, which aired on 1st January 2026, a memorable contestant from the previous series has broken her silence to offer exclusive advice. Fozia Fazil, the 51-year-old social value and inclusion manager from Birmingham, became an instant icon in series three. Viewers will recall her brave move in the very first episode of 2025, where she volunteered as a sacrifice during the initial challenge to add £10,000 to the prize fund.
Fozia's journey ended when she was 'murdered' in episode seven, but her insights into the game remain sharp. Speaking exclusively to the Birmingham Mail, she shared what she will be watching for in the new series and the crucial guidance she would give to those entering the game.
The golden rule: never do this
Reflecting on her own experience, Fozia emphasised the importance of authenticity. "I hope [the contestants] will just be their authentic selves like I was," she said. "Whether they're going to be a faithful or a traitor, just go in there with a plan, [and] make allies - because everyone needs friends."
She identified a critical pitfall for players. "[The] things I'm going to be looking out for [in this series] is who's going to be a bit over the top," Fozia revealed. "That's something you should never do. You know, try and be friends with everyone, [but] it's just trying to keep that balance, making sure you're heard and people get to know you, but not too much where they start becoming suspicious of you. It's a tricky one."
Allies, trust, and the game's reality
Building a network is non-negotiable in the high-pressure environment of The Traitors. Fozia humorously admitted that while allies are essential for support, the nature of the game means loyalty has its limits. "Everybody needs friends and allies to get you through, regardless of what role you play - and you can throw them under the bus afterwards," she joked.
The issue of trust was another central theme in her advice. She confessed that deciphering who to trust is "the hard part" of the entire experience. This delicate dance of forming bonds while maintaining a strategic distance is what often defines the winners and losers.
Fozia concluded with a vital reminder for both viewers and participants, urging everyone to maintain perspective. "It's a game at the end of the day, you've got to remind yourself it's a game [and] not to take anything too personally," she stated. Her words serve as a timely nudge about the intense but ultimately constructed reality of the hit BBC show, as a new group of players step into the spotlight for series four.
