I have no shame in admitting I don’t like watching TV.

Other than some recent series such as Sex Education, Bridgerton and Fool Me Once, there are very few that make me want to scream and shout about them all day long.

In fact, there are hardly any series that I can even be bothered talking about at all, but The Traitors has continuously led me to being on the edge of my seat, for almost every minute of each episode.

I’m not sure when or why I fell out of love with TV, but I think growing up as one of the first generations to see a lot of reality TV (e.g Made in Chelsea and The Only Way is Essex) flood a handful of channels almost tricked me into believing “normal” programmes didn’t exist anymore.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Did you watch the first series of The Traitors in 2022?Did you watch the first series of The Traitors in 2022? (Image: BBC/Studio Lambert/Mark Mainz)

This wasn’t helped by YouTube taking off when I was a teenager and “vloggers” appearing all over social media.

Even years later, I enjoy watching a random person film their weekly shopping haul rather than a new film being released on Netflix.

But when BBC released the first series of The Traitors in 2022, I couldn’t help but notice how alive X, formerly Twitter became as people posted countless memes of the Faithfuls and Traitors (including that roundtable moment by Wilf).

Although I’m not the greatest opinion to rely on for TV and film, once I joined the bandwagon, I felt like I had never seen a show like it – just a bunch of strangers playing mind games with each other, trying to hypothetically “murder” dozens of people, all for the sake of money.

This is why I’m obsessed with The Traitors (and you should be too)

I still to this day think about when Wilf turned on Amanda (who I met in a nightclub when she was wearing THE cloak – she is just as amazing in real life).

In my opinion, it was one of the most shocking episodes of TV I have ever seen.

That was until the third episode of The Traitors season two (disclaimer – there’s a spoiler coming).

As another 22 contestants made their way to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands hoping to bring home up to £120,000, the BBC really switched things up a notch.

I was worried it would seem quite repetitive but from the moment the cast lined up outside for their first task, waiting to see who would be booted out first, it was clear there was a whole new plot in sight.

Diane, a retired teacher from Lancashire has since been hailed the queen of The Traitors with fans claiming she is “carrying the series on her back” and I totally agree.

There is something about her neatly cut bob and her ability to sniff out a Traitor within seconds that I am obsessed with – that, and the fact she unveiled one the most jaw-dropping lines I have ever heard on television.

Last week, there were rumours flying around the castle that she was the mum of business manager Paul from Manchester, simply because they both have red hair.

But just as you think there’s no way it could be possible, Diane revealed she is in fact the parent of video director Ross and now I cannot stop watching their every move.

What makes The Traitors on BBC One so addictive?

When I say this show leaves me on the edge of my seat without fail at some point during every episode, I’m not exaggerating.

It leaves me restless but in a “the adrenaline is pumping” kind of way and it’s one of the very few things that can completely zone me out from real life.

I find it so captivating being able to watch how people are thinking (I love to people watch) and I think that’s what makes it stand out to me, along with just how unpredictable the show is.

From daily tasks that allow the Faithfuls and Traitors to top up the prize money, to seeing who will fight for a shield and what discussion will be had at breakfast, the “what will happen next?” thoughts never end – it’s a constant guessing game for viewers.

Host Claudia Winkleman, who is so passionate about the series revealed the contestants aren’t allowed to communicate with each other or the outside world once the clock chimes.

This is when they must leave the castle in different vehicles as they head to their separate accommodation each night.

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And I think this rule works well, as you can observe every conversation and reaction because all communication happens in front of our very eyes, and not when the cameras are turned off.

Part of me feels embarrassed to admit just how much I love The Traitors because it is just TV.

But being taken away from the troubles and stress of everyday life to watch people pretend to kill each other for the potential of a healthy bank account is something I only want to see more of and I’m still working out why.

The Traitors continues tonight (January 10) on BBC One from 9pm. You can also catch up on all previous episodes on BBC iPlayer.