A new season of deception has begun. Within the imposing walls of the Traitors castle, a fresh group of contestants has arrived, each harboring secret ambitions. They’re divided – the Faithful, desperately hoping to survive the night, and the Traitors, masters of manipulation plotting in the shadows. It’s a game where trust is a weakness and every smile could conceal a betrayal.
Last year, Alan Carr’s masterful performance as a Traitor captivated audiences, proving that cunning and charisma can conquer all. Now, Matthew, a creative director from Edinburgh, enters the arena, determined to follow in those footsteps and claim victory for himself.
Matthew is making history as the first contestant from Northern Ireland to join the game. At 35, he brings a fiercely competitive spirit honed through years of athletic pursuits. He doesn’t shy away from conflict and believes he possesses the unique ability to separate game strategy from personal morality.
“I’m going to play to win,” Matthew states, his resolve unwavering. He acknowledges a capacity for ruthless decision-making, a willingness to eliminate opponents without hesitation if the game demands it. Despite a strong moral compass in everyday life, he’s prepared to compartmentalize, to become a force of calculated deception.
His strategy shifts depending on his assigned role. As a Traitor, he anticipates exhilaration, perhaps even a touch of mischievousness if forced to play the role of the innocent. But he dismisses the moral struggles others might face, viewing the game as a realm devoid of ethical constraints.
Should he be designated a Faithful, Matthew plans a more subtle, dangerous approach. He intends to infiltrate the inner circles of suspected Traitors, building trust only to exploit it. A calculated risk, relying on his ability to read people and uncover hidden agendas.
Matthew openly identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community, joining a growing number of queer contestants who have graced the show. Previous seasons featured compelling players like Theo Mayne, Andrea Addison, Miles Asteri, and the triumphant Leanne Quigley, who used her winnings to pursue a dream of starting a family.
For Matthew, the prize money represents something deeply personal: the chance to finally marry his partner. Engaged during the isolating days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he previously dedicated himself to the fight for marriage equality in Northern Ireland, a battle won only in 2020.
“I didn’t think I wanted to get married,” he admits, “but now I feel like I do.” He envisions a poignant moment at the final Round Table, a compelling narrative of a man who fought for the right to love, now seeking the means to solidify his commitment. A wedding on his family farm in Northern Ireland is the dream he hopes to realize.
The game has begun, and Matthew is ready to play, armed with strategy, determination, and a story that resonates far beyond the castle walls.
