Jeremy Clarkson has sparked controversy by claiming that the hit BBC series The Traitors may not be entirely authentic. In a recent interview, the 65-year-old presenter admitted he is a fan of the show but suspects producers manipulate elements behind the scenes.
Speaking ahead of a festive Who Wants To Be A Millionaire special, Clarkson said: 'Come on, I’ve worked in television for 30 years. You’re not going to spend that much money on a programme where there’s a risk it all falls to pieces.' He added that he 'bows down' to the production team for their skill in maintaining the illusion.
Clarkson dismissed the idea that contestants are fed lines, but insisted: 'I just don’t believe it’s all for real, because nothing in television is. I’m sitting there going, “How are they doing this?” It could just be unbelievably painstaking editing.' Despite his scepticism, he described the programme as a 'belter'.
The Traitors, fronted by Claudia Winkleman, has become a major success for the BBC. The celebrity edition’s debut drew over 15 million viewers, and a fourth civilian series is set to air on New Year’s Day, with a second celebrity run expected in 2026.
Clarkson ruled out appearing on a celebrity version himself, though he joked that his former Top Gear co-host Richard Hammond might be tempted. The new series promises 'even more twists, turns, secrets, epic missions, deception, banishments and murders aplenty'.
