I’ve been hooked on The Traitors since day one, and in that time, I’ve noticed a pattern in the type of people who are targeted by both the murderers and the Faithful during banishment.  

Their shared trait is obvious: it’s their intelligence. Based on that, there’s one standout contestant that I believe won’t be sticking around in The Celebrity Traitors, which kicks off in a few weeks. 

Why Stephen Fry won’t last long in The Celebrity Traitors 

It’s no secret that Stephen Fry has built a career for himself based on his intellect. 

He was the original host of the television show QI, has had prominent debates and discussions on some complex topics, is known for his command of the English language and was even voted Most Intelligent Man on Television by Radio Times readers in 2006. 

This reputation alone could make him a target. Plus, he has skills that make him observant of subtle behaviour that other contestants may miss, and he could potentially piece together odd events that happen throughout the game to try and trip up the guilty group. If I were a Traitor, I wouldn’t keep Stephen Fry in the game, so he’d be one of the first to be murdered.  

I’d also think that the Faithful will be naturally suspicious of him, as his eloquence at the roundtable would surely make his arguments and justifications more persuasive and logical. We’ve seen clever players get binned off in previous series for these qualities specifically. 

The Traitors does not reward clever contestants (mostly)

Earlier this year, contestant Yin was targeted by Minah, Linda and Armani after announcing her academic background and openly speculating about game mechanics based on her expertise in sociology. Perhaps if Yin hadn’t been so blatant about her background, she might have lasted longer. 

In the same series, poor Faithful Kas was targeted because of his profession as a doctor (leading to an incredible reference to Harold Shipman at the roundtable), with fellow contestants Jake and Freddie citing his cleverness as a reason to vote for him.  

Despite his cheery and friendly demeanour, he was bullied and ostracised by fellow contestants, who felt threatened by him, and was eventually banished – to the outrage of the British public, of course.  

Keeping your intelligence quiet is advisable in this game… and unfortunately, Stephen Fry doesn’t have that luxury. Heck, even A-listers such as Nicole Kidman are not just aware of his smarts, but spellbound by them:

We’ve also seen (in the nicest way possible) that ignorance and mob mentality can get you far in The Traitors. The first way is that you’re kept in by the murderers because they don’t perceive you as a threat, just like Mollie in season two. Ultimately, Harry used his charm to sway her gullible nature to get him to the ultimate prize pot.  

Alternatively, you manage to stumble your way to the end with no correct hunches and only get through thanks to it being a numbers game – Leanne from season three and Meryl from season one are key examples.  

What are the chances of Stephen Fry being a Traitor?

Now, there could be a hole in my theory if Claudia picks Stephen Fry as a Traitor. However, historically, the show opts for those who are more likely to fly under the radar – and even that cloak can’t save the presenter from banishment, or his fellow Traitors turning on him. 

Plus, Traitors who have successfully made it through to the end have done so by dumbing themselves down. Season two winner Harry proved that. Everyone wrote him off as a young, clueless lad, blissfully unaware of the strings he was pulling week after week. 

It would certainly be a bold move for Claudia to select Fry – he is an obvious choice, after all. I’ll be pleasantly surprised if they opt for that route. I personally see a player you’d think would be terrible at the role for it, such as Alan Carr (can the chatty man keep a secret that big?). 

But ultimately, kicking Stephen Fry out of the competition so early on – one of the biggest names in the group – would be a textbook move for the show. Those you expect to have a huge impact on the game often have nowhere near as much sway. If he’s still around after three episodes, I’ll be surprised.  

Now we just need the next few weeks to pass by quickly so we can find out his fate… 

The Celebrity Traitors kicks off on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, at 9pm with a 70-minute episode, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday and Thursday. You’ll be able to watch it on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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