The Traitors star Paul Gorton admits new BBC format is 'worse' in brutal shutdown

The Traitors star Paul Gorton has spoken out about the dramatic format changes to the glamorous spin-off show, Celebrity Traitors. Last week, Claudia Winkleman returned to Ardross Castle with a bang for the UK's inaugural celebrity makeover. But the star-studded line-up wasn't the only change to the murderous reality show.

BBC bosses also announced that they would be reducing the number of episodes to hit the airwaves each week, changing from three days to two. And Thursday's episode (October 9) certainly left fans fizzing with anticipation for their nail-biting cliff hanger. Viewers watched on in horror as the cast narrowed it down to two Faithfuls facing banishment: journalist Kate Garraway and YouTuber Niko Omilana.

After watching the first two episodes, former Traitor Paul admitted that the changes have made the show "worse" for viewers at home. He exclusively told us: "[It's] Worse!

"We'd all agree, but in the same breath we'd rather have it zapped directly into our eyeballs seven days a week, 365 days a year, but sadly we've lost a day." He went on to theorise that the reduced episodes could be due to the celebrities' busy schedules.

He went on: "I'm unsure why, but I presume it's probably due to boring stuff like the availability of the stars." Despite the changes, the 36-year-old TV presenter admitted that the changes only leave the audience wanting more.

Paul added: "It's part of the spell the show puts on the audience, the saying of keep them wanting more has never been more prevalent. As modern-day humans, we just want to binge and consume as much as possible in the shortest time possible.

"The BBC had flipped that and is making us wait - even more this time around by removing a Friday episode each week, which definitely hurts." It comes after the 2023 star revealed which celebrity is most likely to be given the boot this year.

He revealed: "I think this is a lovely win/win for the team Traitors. Nothing better than strong accusations, completely misguided and incorrect - beautiful! I would say Niko here."

Paul argued that Good Morning Britain presenter "does enough within the castle" to send the Faithfuls down the garden path, taking the heat off the real Traitors on the show - Jonathan Ross, Alan Carr, and Cat Burns.

He chuckled: "She causes enough confusion [and] distraction, and lots of stars have her on the radar. So, in a Faithful, predictable manner, if Niko goes, all eyes will remain on her."

But only time will tell which contestants play the game perfectly and who will be the first to be kicked to the curb. Celebrity Traitors airs on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9pm on BBC One, or you can catch up on BBC iPlayer.