James Baker for The Traitors UK S4 / BBC
Age: 38
From: Weymouth
Occupation: Gardener
Why did you apply to take part in the show?
“I am an anorak. I love the show, but I didn’t start watching The Traitors until the second series because people nagged me. I used to play a lot of poker, and it has similarities, especially the Round Table. I have a desire to play the game well. Not in an arrogant way, but in a confident way, I think I could do this. So, I’m here with a passion for the game and sort of geeky vibes, I think that’s what drew me to it. It’s like a beautiful lovechild of Midsomer Murders and poker.”
Do you have a gameplan?
“I definitely want to be a Traitor. If I’m not, I would probably try and seduce the Traitors into seducing me! Do a bit of reverse seduction, like, look good at the Round Table – okay, he speaks eloquently, this guy could handle the pressure. I think I’d give off that impression. If I’m nervous myself, I can affect a happy go lucky demeanour.”
What will you bring to the game?
“I’ve played music live, and to reasonably big-time small crowds so, I’d say, I’ll be good at working the crowd, maybe keeping the energy up. I have ADHD, and it’s blindingly obvious I do. I will bring this sort of vibe where it looks like I’m a bouncy Duracell bunny, like a happy go lucky class clown, maybe jovial chap. I always say this, people think there’s a monkey bashing symbols in my head when they first meet me, but they underestimate at their peril, because there’s actually a huge hamster with a massive ear and an antenna up on its back at all times! I’m always analysing and processing.”
Are you competitive when you’re playing games with friends and family?
“I am very competitive. Funnily enough, board games don’t really interest me, but I find problem solving fun. I like crosswords, sudokus. I like doing things like that.”
How would you spend the prize money?
“I will spend it on my family. We haven’t been abroad for many years, so I’d love a family holiday. I’d buy a camper van or a motor home too. I’m the only driver in my house. I drive two teenage girls, my partner and my son all to their jobs and education. We need another driver, and my stepdaughter is learning to drive. It would pay for her car too and give her some freedom.”
The Traitors continues Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8pm on BBC One.
