Claudia Winkleman reveals what she REALLY thinks of The Traitors US – and how she and Alan Cumming share presenting tips

Claudia Winkleman has revealed what she really thinks of the US version of her hit TV show The Traitors.

The 52-year-old broadcaster won her first BAFTA in 2023 for hosting the iconic game show, which is filmed at the beautiful Ardross Castle, located in the Scottish Highlands.

The British version is derived from the original Dutch show De Verraders – before franchises emerged in the US and Australia.

But Claudia revealed it The Sunday times that there is a secret rivalry between her version and the American series, presented by Scottish actor Alan Cumming.

Claudia said that she and Alan share notes after filming, but can’t watch each other’s series because they feel territorial.

“Alan and I leave notes for each other, but I can’t look at the American one, and Alan can’t look at me, because we’re both so territorial,” she said.

But Claudia revealed there is a secret rivalry between her version and the US series, presented by Scottish actor Alan Cumming (pictured)

‘I just didn’t understand why he was in my castle and he feels the same way. “What is that orange woman in my castle doing with my owl?”

Claudia recently revealed to The Midpoint podcast that she initially turned down presenting the show because she didn’t want to film in Scotland for more than three weeks.

The star was offered the job but turned it down because she didn’t want to be away from her family.

But after watching the original Dutch version, Claudia became ‘obsessed’ and quickly sent an email to BBC bosses who changed her mind.

Claudia, who also presents Strictly Come Dancing, said: ‘The Traitors is something I initially turned down because I didn’t like leaving my bed or the kids and they said, ‘Would you like to go to Scotland for three and a half weeks to go?’ .

‘And I thought, ‘I don’t think so,’ and then I watched the Dutch version and I became so obsessed.

‘I emailed Kate Phillips who offered me the job, who works at the BBC, and said, “I’ve booked a train, I want to do this more than anything” because it’s a privilege to to see the psychology and gameplay up close.’

Last month, the BBC shared a first look at the brand new series The Traitors and announced its release date.

The 52-year-old presenter won her first BAFTA in 2023 for hosting the iconic game show – which is filmed at the beautiful Ardross Castle, located in the Scottish Highlands

The British version is derived from the original Dutch show De Verraders – before franchises emerged in the US and Australia

Claudia said she and Alan share notes after filming but can’t watch each other’s series because they feel territorial

The highly anticipated series of the award-winning show returns to screens on New Year’s Day, with Claudia back at the helm.

And in a thrilling new teaser, the show promises to ‘come back with a bang’ as a new group of strangers prepare to do battle in the hope of winning up to £120,000 in the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust.

The eerie clip shows three cloaked traitors carrying lanterns as they make their way to the castle under the cover of darkness.

As the haunting theme music from the series plays, fireworks explode in the sky, revealing the show’s logo, followed by its New Year’s Day release date.

Claudia then appears on screen and says to the camera: ‘Start the new year with a bang.’

The format for the nail-biting show follows the previous series, with episodes released in batches of three and airing on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.

While the first two episodes air at 8pm, episodes three and beyond will be on screen from 9pm.

Claudia rocked The Traitors merchandise as she attended the series three launch event at the Electric Cinema in London earlier this month

In addition to the new civilian series, the officially visualized podcast Traitors Uncloaked, hosted by stand-up comedian Ed Gamble, returns and will be available on BBC Two and iPlayer immediately after each episode of the main show.

The BBC is yet to confirm the line-up of Traitors and Faithfuls for the 2025 series, but the newcomers will have big shoes to fill with the following iconic characters from the previous series, including secret mother Diane Carson, villain Paul Gorton and of course the eventual winner Harry Clarke.

Harry won the £95,000 prize from The Traitors in January after duping his fellow contestants, including Faithful runner-up Mollie Pierce.