The highly anticipated The Traitors Australia is just around the corner, and Channel 10 has officially dropped a trailer and confirmed the premiere date, sending ripples of excitement through reality TV circles. The upcoming 2026 season, a star-studded affair featuring a cast of well-known Australian personalities and reality TV royalty, was filmed against the dramatic backdrop of New Zealand. Viewers are eager to discover who will be navigating the treacherous waters of deception and suspicion in this cloak-and-dagger competition.
Gretel Killeen Takes the Reins as Host
Adding another layer of anticipation, the hosting duties for The Traitors Australia 2026 have been handed over to a true television icon. Big Brother Australia legend Gretel Killeen steps into the role, replacing Rodger Corser. Killeen, known for her sharp wit and engaging presence, is ready to embrace the mischievous nature of the show.
“Darlings, I have only three tips for these deluded ‘individuals’ as they come to play in my mischievous mansion; leave your good self at home and pack the naughty you, give yourself permission to feel good being bad, and never forget that although you may win the money, I will always win the game,” Killeen quipped, setting the tone for the season.
The trailer itself offers a tantalising glimpse into the “murderous” and “mischievous” atmosphere that Killeen promises, hinting at the intense psychological game that awaits the contestants.
Meet the Deceivers and the Deceived: The 2026 Cast
The 2026 lineup for The Traitors Australia is a compelling mix of personalities from various reality television backgrounds, each bringing their own unique strategies and past experiences to the game.
Twin Power: Josh and Luke Packham
Fans of Love Island Australia and The Block will recognise the Packham twins, Josh and Luke. Their extensive experience in the reality TV arena suggests they might find The Traitors Australia a familiar, albeit more intense, challenge. They are making history as the first set of twins to compete on the show.
Josh teased their participation on Instagram, posing the intriguing question: “Will we be split up early, will one or both of us be a traitor, or will we reign supreme…” A prediction is already being made that one of the twins will either be an initial Traitor or recruited as the season progresses. Given their close bond, it’s expected that Gretel Killeen might employ tactics to disrupt their twin instincts, perhaps even casting both as Traitors to test their loyalty and foresight.
From Big Brother to Betrayal: Tully Smyth
Big Brother Australia alumna Tully Smyth is brimming with excitement to join the cast. She shared her enthusiasm on Instagram, stating, “Plot twist! I’m joining the cast of The Traitors Australia, hosted by the one and only Big Brother legend, @gretelkilleen. (Killeen is a bit on the nose, even for me).”
Smyth described the show as a thrilling blend of “murder mystery meets trust issues meets… me trying to survive without oversharing.” She playfully questioned her own role: “Am I a Faithful? Am I a Traitor? Am I just here for the snacks?” Her known passion for true crime and whodunnit mysteries makes her a natural fit for the game of deceit. “If you know me, you know I love true crime, Cluedo, and a good old-fashioned whodunnit. So really… how could I say no? @thetraitorsau is a game of lies, loyalty, and late-night paranoia. Where friendships are tested and trust is optional.”
Musical Roots, Deceptive Routes: Rob Farnham
Musician Rob Farnham, son of the legendary John Farnham, has traded the familiar shores of Byron Bay for the dramatic landscapes of New Zealand to film the show. He expressed his eagerness for the public to see his performance: “Was a pleasure to be apart of this. Made some cool new friends. Make sure you check out the show.”
Love Island’s Legacy of Lies: Claudia Bonifazio
Given Love Island Australia‘s reputation for dramatic betrayals, Claudia Bonifazio is expected to be a formidable presence on The Traitors. She shared her excitement on Instagram, declaring, “Living my Cluedo dream. Was it Claudia, in the billiard room with a knife? Just wait to find out.”
A New Plot Twist: Rachael Evern
Another familiar face from Love Island Australia, Rachael Evern, is ready to swap her usual commentary on plot twists for a role within one. “Turns out, reviewing plot twists was just the rehearsal. I’m swapping the cinema seat for a seat at the roundtable… May the odds be ever in my favour?” she posted on Instagram.
Australian Idol’s Surprise Contender: Cosima De Vito
Cosima De Vito, a beloved figure from Australian Idol, has surprised her Instagram followers with the announcement of her participation in the reboot. “SURPRISE!!!!!!!!! It’s The Traitors season and I’m here for it!” she captioned her post, alongside her official show portrait.
Survivor’s Strategic Savvy: Kirby Bentley
With her background on Australian Survivor, Kirby Bentley is no stranger to strategic gameplay and the art of survival. “What an incredible cast! …let the game begin,” she teased on Instagram, hinting at her readiness to compete.
A Veteran of Reality TV: Ian Dickson
Ian Dickson brings a wealth of reality TV experience to the table, having appeared on both Australian Idol and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! His performance on The Traitors Australia remains to be seen.
From MasterChef Pressure to Traitor’s Puzzles: Alvin Quah
Alvin Quah, known for his culinary prowess on MasterChef Australia, is accustomed to high-pressure environments. He’s trading aprons for alliances, as he announced on Instagram: “In a plot twist that is my life, I’m trading aprons for alliances. From the MasterChef kitchen to the Traitors castle… same energy, different knives. Not every smile tells the truth. Not every whisper can be trusted. The game begins… and I’m stepping into the castle.”
Drag Race’s Kindest Star? Kween Kong
Drag Race Down Under star Kween Kong humorously declared, “IDK how I got here – im the KIND one!” on Instagram, leaving fans to wonder if kindness will be a virtue or a vulnerability in the game.
The Real Housewives’ Drama Dynamo: Krissy Marsh
Krissy Marsh from The Real Housewives of Sydney is well-acquainted with drama and the intricacies of social maneuvering, making The Traitors a potentially natural fit. She expressed her excitement on Instagram, noting that the show pushed her “well outside” her comfort zone. Marsh was previously rumoured to be hosting the revived series, making her appearance as a contestant even more intriguing.
An Instagram Enigma: Lawson Mahoney
Lawson Mahoney, whose presence on the cast comes primarily from his Instagram following, will have to prove his mettle in the game. How he navigates the challenges remains to be seen.
From Shore to Castle: Manaaki Hoepo
Manaaki Hoepo, a star from Aussie Shore, is making a notable transition from his usual stomping grounds to the competitive environment of The Traitors. He shared on Instagram that he swapped clubs for the castle.
MAFS’s Master of Matrimony and Mayhem: Cam Merchant
Cam Merchant, a familiar face from Married at First Sight Australia, is no stranger to manufactured drama. His experience on MAFS has undoubtedly prepared him for the emotional and strategic complexities of The Traitors.
Survivor’s Alliance Architect: AJ Antonios
AJ Antonios, a contestant from Australian Survivor, expressed a mix of flattery and trepidation upon being cast. “When The Traitors called, I didn’t know whether to be flattered or mildly terrified that someone thought I’d fit in,” he wrote on Instagram. He anticipates the game to be “chaos, paranoia, and strategy at its absolute finest.”
An Intriguing Survivor Game: Henry Nicholson
Henry Nicholson, another contestant hailing from Australian Survivor, is expected to play an interesting and strategic game in the upcoming season.
Olympian and Champion Survivor: Shane Ghould
As an Olympian and a winner of Australian Survivor‘s Champions versus Contenders season in 2018, Shane Ghould possesses a formidable competitive spirit and strategic mind. Her transition to The Traitors Australia is highly anticipated.
The Bachelor’s Dream Come True: Keira Maguire
Keira Maguire, known for her appearances on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise, has described joining The Traitors Australia as a dream come true. “So excited for this… grateful I get to be apart of one of my favourite TV series,” she posted.
Melbourne’s Housewives’ Strategic Slink: Gamble Breaux
Gamble Breaux, a prominent figure from The Real Housewives of Melbourne, is well-versed in navigating complex social dynamics and strategic alliances. She’s eager to embrace the show’s darker elements: “Delighted to slink into the sinister shadows of The Traitors. It’s a vacation if you’re a Housewife! Cold-blooded murder, banishments and Gold Facemasks! Any dark secrets to outwit the deceivers and thrive in this deliciously wicked game?”
Drag Race’s Bonkers Banter: Rhys Nicholson
Rhys Nicholson, who gained popularity on Drag Race Down Under, is bringing their unique humour to the game. They joked on Instagram about the photo angle, and described the experience as “bonkers,” leaving viewers eager to see their unpredictable gameplay.
Roses to Roundtables: Alex Nation
Alex Nation, a former contestant on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise, is trading roses for daggers and roundtables. She pondered on Instagram, “Do I crash out as dramatically as I did on The Bachelor in 2016? …let’s just say, trust is in short supply.” The potential for a clash or alliance with Keira Maguire adds another layer of intrigue to her journey.
