Former detective and current The Traitors contestant Amanda Collier has publicly shared a recent, serious health diagnosis while encouraging others with the same condition. The 57-year-old from Brighton revealed on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with heart disease, but is determined not to let it hinder her active lifestyle.
A Life of Activity and a New Challenge
Amanda Collier, who lives with her partner in Brighton, is known for her love of sports and travel. Despite her recent diagnosis, she remains positive. In her social media post, she wrote directly about her condition with a message of resilience. "I have recently been diagnosed with heart disease," she stated. "I am doing these posts to show that it doesn't have to stop you doing what you love."
Her revelation puts a spotlight on a major health issue in the UK. According to the British Heart Foundation, cardiovascular disease is responsible for approximately a quarter of all deaths in the country each year. This equates to around 170,000 annual deaths, or roughly 460 each day.
From Catching 'Baddies' to Wanting to Be One
Amanda's disclosure comes as she participates in the latest series of the hit BBC show, The Traitors, hosted by Claudia Winkleman. The new season introduced a major twist: a 'Secret Traitor' whose identity is unknown to both players and viewers. Fans have speculated that Amanda, a retired police detective, could be the mysterious figure.
Her motivation for joining the game stems directly from her career. She told Claudia Winkleman that after a lifetime spent catching criminals, she now wanted the chance to 'be one'. She elaborated on the skills she brings from her police work, stating: "I was a detective, and I've done lots of interviews with criminals and victims. You have to put the pieces together to find the truth and see through the lies. I’ve learned a lot about being deceptive, devious and cunning."
Balancing Deception with a Desire to Help
Despite the deceptive nature of the game, Amanda also emphasised her inherent goodness and desire to help people, which led her to become a police officer. "On the other side of the coin, I am a good person," she explained. "You have to be nice and calm, even when there's a big storm around you. I’d bring all these skills into the game, whichever role I am assigned."
By sharing her health journey, Amanda Collier is using her platform to raise awareness about heart disease. Her message is clear: a diagnosis can be managed, and it should not prevent individuals from pursuing their passions and living a full life. Her story adds a profound layer of real-world courage to the televised drama of The Traitors.
