Fozia Fazil, a memorable contestant from Series Four of The Traitors, has come forward to share what it’s really like working with the show’s iconic host, Claudia Winkleman.
Fozia, 51, from Birmingham, quickly made her mark on the show with her bold approach and unforgettable moments. One of her standout scenes was her dramatic exit, where she called out Traitor Linda as a “slippery snake,” a moment etched into the show’s history.
Now, in an exclusive interview with BirminghamLive, Fozia lifts the curtain on Claudia Winkleman—known for her signature fringe and commanding presence as the host—revealing what she’s like behind the scenes.
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While viewers see Claudia’s serious and poised demeanor while announcing challenges, few know what she is like off-camera. According to Fozia, Claudia is “exactly how we see her on TV” in real life—authentic and down to earth.
Fozia fondly recalls her very first interaction with Claudia, which happened just before Fozia and fellow contestants Alexander and Jack were led into cages in the eerie Traitors forest. Claudia wanted to make sure she pronounced Fozia’s name correctly, repeating it carefully in preparation for filming.
Beyond her professionalism, Fozia describes the experience of being around Claudia as “amazing,” calling her an “iconic celebrity” with a surprisingly grounded personality.
“She’s very down to earth,” Fozia said, adding that while Claudia must stay neutral and unbiased on screen, her genuine nature shines through behind the scenes.