With over 8 million people tuning in for the finale, The Traitors has become one of the UK’s biggest game shows. When TfL Events Coordinator Ash applied to take part, she had no idea she’d eventually secure a place as one of Series 2’s 22 participants, and don the dark cloak as one of three original Traitors! 🔍
After her eventful time on the show, we caught up with Ash to ask all the important questions!
Q: Hi Ash! Firstly, how long have you worked for Transport for London and what do you do? 🚇
I’ve been working at Transport for London for almost a decade! My main task on any given day is talking to our clients about the different events we’re working on.
Q: Tell us a little bit about where you’re from.
I live in East London and work in East London. I think East is amazing: it’s so multicultural and we have the best transport links …but maybe I’m a little biased!
Q: What made you think of applying to be on The Traitors?
There’s a game called ‘Werewolf’ that my friends and I would play every single week on Zoom, it’s kind of what got us through the lockdowns. Then this new show started last year called The Traitors and my Werewolf team were saying that we needed to watch it and that was it – I became obsessed! I watched Series 1 twice, and then I applied just for fun. I really didn’t think I would get anywhere, but the rest is history! 🎲
Q: Before the show, did you want to be a Traitor or a Faithful?
I absolutely wanted to be a Traitor. I was thinking it was the only way I would make it past Day One of the show! And the show is called The Traitors! So Traitor all the way.
Q: How did you watch the first episode? I hear you got some colleagues involved? 📺
We weren’t allowed to tell anybody until 24 hours before the first episode aired. Luckily, I have amazing colleagues and I managed to rally about 40 people down to my local who kindly aired the episode on the big screen.
Q: What was the moment that Claudia Winkleman tapped you on the shoulder and made you a Traitor like?
Leading up to that moment, I was just so nervous. I remember thinking to myself: I’m breathing really hard, my heart rate is so loud. As soon as she touched me I remember thinking: I can’t move, I have to make sure that nobody can hear me, I don’t want to give anything away. I was so nervous, it was unbelievable.
Q: What has watching along with the rest of us been like?
Once I was out of the show, it was good to be able to watch as a viewer. I thought I’d be able to relax a bit more but actually I haven’t been able to relax at all, because it’s so intense, and I’m so emotionally invested in all of these people. The episode when Jonny left I was bawling my eyes out, and it made me upset watching Paul and Harry get upset. I’ve been on the edge of my seat. I haven’t known what’s happening – just like everybody else.
Q: What was the best moment from the show?
I have a few! The moment that I was chosen as a Traitor by Claudia. Meeting the entire cast was brilliant because they’re my new Traitors family. The entire experience was absolutely amazing and if I was given the chance to do it all again, I would!
Q: What’s the support been like from colleagues?
Even now while the show was on and then after I left, I’ve been overwhelmed by the love and the support from my immediate colleagues and our entire TfL family. Everyone’s been sending me messages saying that they’re rooting for me – I’m so lucky to be working in a place like this.
Q: What was it like working with Claudia Winkleman?
The truth is, Claudia is absolutely amazing. I didn’t realise how funny she is! She’s very dry, very sarcastic. But at the same time she’s really loving and always rooting for you and for everybody. She’s an utter sweetheart.
Q: Are you staying in touch with your cast mates?
Although we’re scattered around the UK, I’ve caught up with quite a few of the cast since, and we’re all constantly in touch with each other.
Q: …And are you ready to play ‘Guess That Station’? 🚂
Let’s do it!
Ash’s TV appearance wasn’t TfL’s only link to the world of show business this month… Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott filmed part of their new movie on the London Underground! Find out more here.