Warning: spoilers ahead!
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY BBC/STUDIO LAMBERT/EUAN CHERRY
The Traitors has officially sent the entire country into a frenzy once again with its camp challenges, secret pairings and, of course, Claudia Winkleman’s fringe. However, away from secret traitors and potential pairings, LGBTQIA+ audiences have been invested in one contestant in particular: Amanda.
Former Metropolitan Police senior detective Amanda Collier sent the internet ablaze when she told fellow players she was a lesbian in an iconic roundtable moment. It’s safe to say that sapphics everywhere have been obsessed ever since.
From her roundtable theories to posing as a cheeky Cherub in a particularly hilarious mission, we were gutted to see Amanda banished last night (8 January). DIVA caught up with Amanda to find out more about being a gay icon, finding out Rachel was a Traitor and that final roundtable.
We’re so gutted about last night’s episode. What was going through your head in the moment before you opened the chest?
I just made a mistake. It’s as simple as that. I confused them. I had a feeling the chest of chance wouldn’t go my way but I was just trying to keep myself together. I was sad that I wouldn’t be able to play the game anymore. I was a bit annoyed at myself for making the mistake, which led to people being confused. But I was happy for Reece because he was one of the people I really connected with.
How did you feel when you found out Rachel was a Traitor?
My first thought was, “Oh my gosh, I’m going to look so stupid.” But then my brain kicked in. She hadn’t messed up – I had no inkling whatsoever. She’s a very bright girl. We hit it off as soon as we got into the castle.
What did you think of Fiona and Rachel’s conversation after you were banished?
It’s TV gold. The first thing I thought was, “Fiona, what are you doing? You are team Traitors! You’re sabotaging yourself!” I love them both, but I was shocked at Fiona’s sabotage. I thought Rachel handled it well, but she’s in a really tricky position.
While you didn’t take home the prize money, you have won the hearts of lesbians everywhere. How does that feel?
I’m elated. I didn’t know if me being gay was going to come out on the show. I’m so happy that I’ve got this platform. I’m going to use this platform as much as I can to get out there into the lesbian community. I’ve already had a lot of messages from people who are struggling with their sexuality. I seem to be a sort of champion for people who are struggling. They may feel that they’ve looked at me and got renewed hope for the lesbian community because someone like me has been on mainstream reality TV in a great light.
Why do you think it’s so important to have LGBTQIA+ representation on shows like The Traitors?
It’s important [to have representation] because you need characters to show the country that we’re just people like everybody else. There’s no difference, and there should never be a difference. It’s okay to be gay! It’s fine! We’re doing alright!
Have you seen the memes and edits people have made of you on social media?
Richard Gere, Miss Ellie from Dallas, and Hastings from Line of Duty. There are just absolutely tons. And I love it. It’s all really positive. It’s celebrating me in a fun way.
Do you have a message for the LGBTQIA+ community?
I am nearly 60 years old. In my lifetime, I’ve had some real highs and lows being a gay woman. The lows made me stronger. Don’t think of the lows as being lows forever. You pick yourself up, you find your tribe, you keep going. Look at being gay as a positive thing. It’s fantastic to be gay.
You can watch The Traitors on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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