BBC’s The Traitors star says Claudia Winkleman ‘broke character’ as he was sent home from the show

Paul Gorton has shared a previously unseen moment when Claudia Winkleman broke character as he was banished from The Traitors.

Paul had built a strong partnership with Harry Clark in their mission to take down the Faithful last year. However, Harry ultimately betrayed him, orchestrating Paul’s banishment in the eighth episode and securing his spot in the final.

Taking it even further, Harry deceived close friend Mollie Pearce to claim the cash prize. Reflecting on the dramatic reveal of his Traitor identity, Paul has now opened up about what happened.

Speaking on the Off The Telly podcast, Paul said: “I got up and I did get a bit emotional. I was like, ‘I love you all, and this has been great,’ and you know you feel a little lump coming because I know my time is done.”

He continued, “So as soon as I said I’m a Traitor, I’m not joking, the room erupted, and Claudia broke character. You could see her face going, ‘Oh my God, this is great TV.’ She was like, ‘I’m going to be booked for the third season, a bit of cash.’”

Paul added, “That was my final moment, my final bow, my exit – and off I go. I’m so glad I did it.”

Podcast host and Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page responded: “It was incredible, incredible.” Meanwhile, EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy added: “It was great you did it.”

The Traitors features two teams – the Traitors and the Faithful – battling for a chance to win up to £120,000. The Faithful try to banish a Traitor each day but risk being “murdered” by the Traitors, as reported by Bristol Live.

The show has been a massive hit with both audiences and critics, with 10 million people tuning in for the first episode. A celebrity edition is already confirmed, and there’s speculation about an “all-star” version.

This could give Paul the perfect opportunity to seek revenge on his former teammate, Harry. Speaking to the Daily Star on behalf of Heart Bingo, Paul shared his excitement: “I’m such an ambassador for the show, and I would do anything for it. Sign me up straight away and get Harry back in because I need some revenge on him.”

The Traitors returns tonight on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm. The series finale will air tomorrow night at 8:30pm, revealing who will take home the cash prize.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, said: “Series 3 of The Traitors has captured an overwhelmingly faithful and growing audience, with 10 million viewers already tuning in for episode one. This series has delivered even more twists and turns, keeping everyone guessing – it’s perfect January viewing.”