Psychological testing and character profiles are part of the “stringent” vetting process for , a former contestant has revealed amid concerns over 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, reported, as Acaster became “distressed” under sustained interrogation from his fellow contestants during the roundtable – although there have been questions as to how the episode was edited.

In the penultimate episode of the series, which pulled a peak audience of 11.6 million, Acaster broke convention to controversially reveal his identity as a “reluctant” Traitor, sparking increased scrutiny for the safeguarding of contestants.

Psychological profile

Following Acaster’s admission, the BBC said that its “highest priority is always the safety and welfare of everyone taking part” in response to concerns, and one former contestant has revealed a series of tests are conducted before they are selected.

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 Traitor. 

While it is not certain if the safeguarding or presence of mental health professionals is the same across both versions of , 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”.

“You are put through the wringer to make sure you can handle it,” Gorton told The i Paper.

The process also includes a questionnaire examining candidates’ ethical attitudes to the truth and interviews about their experience of telling lies, with psychologists assisting the producers in selecting a balanced mix of contestants.

But showing an ability to manipulate the truth is an asset in the casting process for wannabe Traitors and the onus is on applicants to be aware of the pressures that taking part in UK TV’s biggest show brings, Gorton said.

“We are several seasons in so people know what’s involved,” he added.

When asked if they could make changes to the vetting process, a source who is associated with 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. We strive to have the very best practices across every aspect of the show.”

‘Watching you like a hawk’

As well as the strict vetting before being selected, Gorton said medical experts are present throughout and watching all contestants and that afterwards, handlers check in “to see if you are handling what viewers are then saying about you on social media”.

“In the castle there is a psychologist on hand around-the-clock,” he said. “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. It’s what makes it so compelling.”

It is the isolation, away from family, friends and in the celebrities’ case, personal assistants, which Gorton believes could make it more difficult.

He added: “That’s why the celebrities find it so jarring. They are used to having PAs and being in control of everything. That is taken away.”

Gorton, however, said there is nothing that can adequately prepare you for being within 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,” he said.

“Every time you have a laugh with a contestant, that deception is always in the back of your mind.”

Producers at Studio Lambert Scotland try to avoid selecting people who state they want to be Faithfuls as Traitors – though they can accept an invitation to be recruited as a Traitor within the game.

“Everyone goes in to the show knowing the how the game works. You should 100 per cent expect that you are going to be a traitor at some point.” 

Changes to future series?

“I think the next series they’ll really look for game players. People from sport or with that sort of background… You need just a couple of game players to be in there,” he told the podcast.

When US boxer Deontay Wilder took part in the US Traitors, he left four episodes in, citing mental health and personal reasons.

Gorton said sportspeople and actors often arrive with “big egos” but are often disappointments at playing the game. “The best Traitors tend to be self-made, people from working class backgrounds like (YouTuber) King Kenny who have strategies.

“And civilian contestants are less likely to just give up their identities; they are playing for life-changing money.”

The next series of the civilian Traitors will launch on BBC One in January 2027. Episodes were filmed in June of this year and are already in the can. 

Celebrities are currently being lined up for the next instalment of the top-rated spin-off series 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.”