The Traitors celebrity vetting and psychological screening process, Digi Mart USA News (United Kingdom): Psychological testing and character profiles are part of the “stringent” vetting process for The Traitors, a former contestant has revealed amid concerns over comedian James Acaster’s struggles in the latest celebrity version of the series.
Filming was allegedly paused during the penultimate episode of the celebrity version of the hit series, The Sun reported, as Acaster became “distressed” under sustained interrogation from his fellow contestants during the roundtable. There have been questions, however, about how the episode was edited.
In the penultimate episode, which pulled a peak audience of 11.6 million, Acaster broke convention to controversially reveal his identity as a “reluctant” Traitor, sparking increased scrutiny of the safeguarding of contestants. The BBC said that its “highest priority is always the safety and welfare of everyone taking part.”
Paul Gorton, the “pantomime villain” of the 2024 civilian series, said hopefuls undergo months of psychological and medical tests before being approved and are asked to state whether they prefer to be a Faithful or a Traitor. It is not certain whether the safeguarding or presence of mental health professionals is the same across both versions of the show.
Gorton said that, in his own experience, the screening programme involves “deep psychometric tests that give them a personality profile of you, there’s no way something can be missed.” He told The i Paper, “You are put through the wringer to make sure you can handle it.”
The process also includes a questionnaire examining candidates’ ethical attitudes to the truth and interviews about their experience of telling lies. Psychologists assist producers in selecting a balanced mix of contestants.
Showing an ability to manipulate the truth is an asset in the casting process, and applicants are expected to understand the pressures the show brings, Gorton said. “We are several seasons in so people know what’s involved,” he added.
Asked whether the vetting process could be changed, a source associated with The Traitors said: “Every player who enters the castle might have different experiences dependent on their journey within the game and we want everyone to have a good time, and the door is always open to discussing feedback with all players directly. Our highest priority is always the safety and welfare of everyone taking part.
As with all long running series, there is always a continual evolvement of processes.”
Gorton said medical experts are present throughout and monitor all contestants, and that afterwards handlers check in “to see if you are handling what viewers are then saying about you on social media.” He added, “In the castle there is a psychologist on hand around-the-clock. They are watching the roundtables in the gallery live meticulously in case they need to step in.
You are wrapped in a cotton wool bubble. You only get one phone call to family that is monitored.
But that isolation is part of the rules of the game.”
Gorton believes the isolation, away from family, friends and, for celebrities, personal assistants, could make the experience more difficult. “That’s why the celebrities find it so jarring,” he said.
“They are used to having PAs and being in control of everything. That is taken away.”
Gorton said nothing can fully prepare contestants for life inside the castle. “What people can’t appreciate though is what being in the castle does to you.
You lose all sense of time, you don’t know when the day will end. You become an extreme version of yourself to win.
You’re encouraged to lie and cheat.”
Producers at Studio Lambert Scotland try to avoid selecting people who say they want to be Faithfuls, though they may accept an invitation to be recruited as a Traitor within the game. Richard Osman, the author and TV producer, suggested on the Rest Is Entertainment podcast that producers might change their casting approach after Acaster and Richard E Grant both confessed to being Traitors.
“I think the next series they’ll really look for game players,” he said.
When US boxer Deontay Wilder took part in the US version of The Traitors, he left four episodes in, citing mental health and personal reasons. Gorton said sportspeople and actors often arrive with “big egos” but are frequently disappointing at playing the game.
The next series of the civilian version will launch on BBC One in January 2027, with episodes already filmed in June of this year. Celebrities are being lined up for the next instalment of the celebrity spin-off, which will shoot in May 2027.
The BBC said: “Players are closely monitored and supported throughout by production which includes a dedicated and experienced welfare team.”
