This old BBC show was like buying The Traitors from Wish – but featured an early appearance by a very familiar face

Long before Claudia’s poker face loomed over the cloaked Traitors and suspicious Faithfuls in that Scottish castle, the BBC aired a show with a similar concept – and a very similar name.

Traitor, hosted by Burnley journalist (and now Radio 5 Live presenter) Tony Livesey, saw secret traitors hidden amongst the rest of the contestants, and – as Greg James revealed – those contestants included one who would go on to make her name in a big way.

@gregjames

…no castle, no cloaks, no Claudia. And a famous person? Also it’s much more personal

♬ original sound – gregjames

Russell: Did you think this sort of cover girl thing could actually lead anywhere, though?
…You didn’t delude yourself that that could lead onto more impressive things?

Greg: Yeah, er, three-time Olivier Award nominee, two-time winner. Er, Golden Globe, another Golden Globe, there – yeah. She’s gone onto bigger and better things. And meanwhile, Russell’s still sitting at home, pretending he’s got a monitor lizard.

Let’s take a look at some of the comments.

1.

We need Ruth Wilson on Celeb Traitors now.
Jack

This is a great idea.
gregjames

2.

My favourite thing about this is realising that there is someone who’s job is to watch old tv shows to provide material for your Radio 4 show.
Nick

It’s an amazing team. We also get the BBC archivists involved from their enormous media cave.
gregjames

3.

We play this every week at drama school no kidding, it’s the best part hahaha.
islaforest

4.

Oh that’s her origin story fr.
Hannahthe Bananana

5.

Tony Livesey finally gets external acknowledgment of this!
Rachel Simm

6.

The whole show is on YouTube, worth watching and can watch without knowing who the traitor is.
Parrott

7.

I remember an episode of this where someone said they were a Christian and one of them asked them to say the first 10 words of the Bible.
Baker

8.

Wait!!! Whaaaaaaaatttttt?!!!!
Nessar

9.

Haha, class.
Grahamo124

10.

I’ve worked with Russell. I can assure you that’s most likely true.
Laura

11.

Oh my god I thought I was the only one who remembered this!!!!
Baker

12.

I’m “I remember watching it” years old.
Bosco

13.

I love delving into the archive.
LeaBee

14.

I remember this but it was so bad haha.
Bradielka

Wb asked –

Where have I seen Russell before?

Gregorny had the answer.

2nd geezer is that bloke from the Chase!!

This is what they meant.

You can listen to Greg’s Radio 4 show, Rewinder, on iPlayer, or on the BBC Sounds app.

READ MORE

21 of the best reactions, memes and jokes about the epic, twisty finale of The Traitors

Source Greg James Image Screengrab