A former star of the hit BBC show The Traitors has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding an alleged rule break in the current fourth series.
Ex-Traitor's Verdict on Castle Clash
Paul Gorton, the cunning contestant from series two, has given his exclusive verdict on the dramatic fallout between traitors Fiona and Rachel. The 38-year-old, who was banished in episode eight of his series, was asked by WhichBingo to analyse whether Fiona's aggressive tactics crossed a line.
Gorton was unequivocal in his assessment, stating that Fiona did not break any of the fundamental rules laid down by host Claudia Winkleman. He believes she was "well within her rights" to target her fellow traitor, Rachel, during their now-infamous blowout last week.
The Fine Line of Traitor Tactics
"Everything that she did didn't break a rule," Gorton explained. "As a traitor, you're not allowed to out another traitor. So I can't go to everyone and say I know they're a traitor because they were in the turret with me."
Drawing on his own experience, he described how internal battles between traitors are a common part of the game's strategy. The key, he says, is knowing how to imply guilt "without saying the key bit." He analysed Fiona's approach, noting: "What Fiona did is she's seen something from Rachel [regarding Amanda] and she's gone, 'okay, I'm going to just pick that one thing...'"
Good Gameplay Versus Good Traitor Etiquette
While clearing Fiona of any official wrongdoing, Gorton was critical of the strategic wisdom of her move. "I'm not saying what she did was a good thing, it was terrible for the traitors but it's not against the game," he stated.
He elaborated that the rules allow a player to do almost anything to get a rival banished if they believe it will improve their own chances of winning. His final verdict was clear: "It didn't break the rules, but it's just like, what are you doing?"
The next episode of The Traitors airs tonight at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
