Reality television star Paul Gorton, best known for his scheming role in the hit series The Traitors, has secured his first major presenting job. He is set to co-host the new BBC Two daytime quiz, Do You Know Your Place?, alongside veteran presenter Vernon Kay.
From Traitor to Television Presenter
Paul Gorton, who was a Traitor in the show's second series alongside winner Harry Clark, is making a dramatic career shift. He is swapping the deceitful turret for the BBC studio, marking a significant step in his post-reality TV career. The new quiz show will feature Vernon Kay questioning three celebrity guests on their knowledge of the UK, while Paul operates as an 'unreliable' tour guide, providing clues from various towns and cities that could either help or hinder the contestants.
In an exclusive interview, Gorton revealed that this incredible opportunity came about entirely by chance. He was originally only booked as a guest for the pilot episode. However, when Vernon Kay's planned co-host dropped out, producers made a snap decision. "Someone dropped out and I was only supposed to be a guest and they said, 'Well, instead of finding another presenter, why don't we give Paul a go?'" Gorton explained. "That was the pilot and it was commissioned for a full series."
The Unlikely Path to Stardom
Gorton credits comedian Joe Wilkinson for setting this entire chain of events in motion. The connection traces back to an appearance on Wilkinson's podcast, Chatabix, three years ago. "All of this came from Joe Wilkinson by the way," Paul stated. "I was on Joe’s podcast as they wanted to talk to someone who had been on Deal or No Deal." Gorton had appeared on that classic gameshow back in 2010.
The podcast appearance was such a success that he became a regular guest. It was during one of these monthly episodes that Wilkinson gave him a life-changing suggestion. "Joe told me to go on The Traitors - so I applied to make them laugh," Gorton admitted. "I had no idea I would go on the show." He described the sequence of events as a "one-in-a-million chance," acknowledging the sheer luck that propelled him from a podcast guest to a BBC presenter.
Taking on his first presenting role was a "daunting" task, which he described as a "baptism of fire," but ultimately an "amazing" experience that was well worth the challenge.
A Cracking New Quiz for BBC Two
Vernon Kay, the main host of the upcoming show, expressed his excitement about the project. In a statement, he said he is "absolutely thrilled" to be fronting the quiz. "It’s a cracking new quiz that’s all about the people and places we know best," Kay remarked. He praised the show's format, highlighting its "great banter, brilliant guests, and that classic British competitive streak." He concluded by saying he "can't wait for everyone to see it on BBC Two."
Paul Gorton is the latest in a string of Traitors contestants to land significant television roles following their appearance on the show. This trend includes:
- Series three finalist Francesca Rowan-Plowden, who now appears as a design expert on This Morning.
- Co-stars Minahil Shan and Alexander Dragonetti, who present on Radio 1 and Classic FM respectively.
- Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr, who is reportedly tipped to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as the host of Strictly Come Dancing.
A BBC source commented on this phenomenon, stating, "Alan has always been a star – but it’s amazing what a month in a Scottish castle can do to elevate your career. He’s ours now."
Do You Know Your Place? is scheduled to air on BBC Two next year.
