Get ready, Australia, because The Traitors is making a sensational comeback in 2026, and it’s bringing a whole new level of intrigue and star power. Not only will the wildly popular social deduction game hit our screens with a fresh face at the helm, but it’s also assembling an absolutely jam-packed roster of familiar faces from across the Australian reality television landscape.
Channel 10 has confirmed that the upcoming season will be hosted by the incredibly witty Gretel Killeen. This move comes after a period of uncertainty last year, when fans worried the show might be axed. However, a strategic announcement in October 2025 not only revealed a new host but also a new, undisclosed location for the dramatic showdown.
Killeen, known for her sharp humour and insightful commentary, expressed her excitement about the new gig. “As a writer and performer, I love a new experience and hosting The Traitors gives me permission to explore an alternate version of myself in an imaginary place, full of challenging mischief,” she stated, stepping into the hosting role previously held by Rodger Corser. Audiences can expect her comedic timing and keen observation skills to add a unique flavour to the game as contestants navigate betrayal and deception.
The Game of Deception
For those new to the series, The Traitors pits a group of contestants against each other in a high-stakes game of trust and manipulation. A select few are secretly designated as “Traitors,” tasked with subtly sabotaging the efforts of the “Faithful” contestants. The Traitors must remain undetected, sowing discord and turning the Faithful against one another, while the Faithful must work together to identify and banish the Traitors before they are all eliminated. It’s a psychological battle where alliances are fragile and paranoia is rife.
A Stellar Line-Up of Contestants
The real buzz for the 2026 season, however, lies in the calibre of contestants. The Traitors Australia has managed to lure an impressive collection of personalities from some of the nation’s most beloved reality shows, including Survivor, Big Brother, MasterChef, Married At First Sight, The Real Housewives, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, among others. This blend of seasoned reality stars promises a dynamic and unpredictable season.
Here’s a closer look at the celebrities joining the treacherous game:
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Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson: A household name from his days as a sharp-tongued judge on Australian Idol starting in 2003, Dicko has since appeared on a variety of other shows including My Restaurant Rules, Celebrity Survivor: Vanuatu, Dancing With The Stars, and Celebrity Apprentice. His experience in competitive and high-pressure environments could serve him well.
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Cam Merchant: A standout success story from Married At First Sight, Cam found love with Jules Robinson on the show. Now a mental health ambassador, content creator, and performance coach, he brings a different kind of strategic thinking and public profile to the game.
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Kween Kong: A fan favourite and runner-up on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, Kween Kong also graced the stage of Drag Race Global All Stars. Their charisma and performance skills will undoubtedly be a captivating addition.
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Krissy Marsh: Known for her outspoken nature on The Real Housewives of Sydney, Krissy is not only a public figure but also a highly successful professional in the real estate industry.
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AJ Antonios: A formidable competitor from Australian Survivor: Brains v Brawns II, AJ is known for his strategic acumen and competitive spirit, making him a strong contender.
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Henry Nicholson: Another Australian Survivor alum, Henry competed in 2017 and has since transitioned into a career in film directing. His experience in strategic gameplay and his creative mindset could be advantageous.
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Shane Gould: A legendary Australian swimmer and Olympic champion, Shane Gould won three gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985, she later tested her mettle on Australian Survivor in two seasons: Champions v Contenders and All Stars. Her discipline and mental fortitude are undeniable.
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Keira Maguire: First gaining national attention on The Bachelor in 2016, Keira went on to star in Bachelor in Paradise in 2018. Her history on dating reality shows suggests she’s no stranger to interpersonal drama.
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Gamble Breaux: A musician who found a new audience as a cast member of The Real Housewives of Melbourne, Gamble had a number-one hit on The Australian Top 20 with her song “Barrenjoey Road” in 2021.
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Alex Nation: Alex first entered the reality TV sphere on The Bachelor in 2016, later appearing on Bachelor in Paradise.
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Kirby Bentley: A fan favourite from two seasons of Australian Survivor, Kirby is also a skilled Australian footballer. Her experience in team sports and playing the game strategically makes her a dangerous opponent.
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Tully Smith: Having appeared on Big Brother in 2001, Tully has since established herself as a writer, presenter, and content creator.
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Rob Farnham: A notable addition to the cast, Rob is a musician and the eldest son of the iconic Australian singer John Farnham, bringing a different kind of fame to the competition.
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Claudia Bonifazio: A winner of Love Island Australia in 2022, Claudia proved her ability to navigate relationships and challenges in the competitive dating show environment.
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Rachael Evren: While her time on Love Island Australia season three was brief, Rachael has since gained a significant following for her impressive cosplay content on social media.
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Manaaki Hoepo: Originally from New Zealand, Manaaki has participated in two reality dating shows, including Aussie Shore and Heartbreak Island.
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Cosima De Vito: A contestant from the 2003 season of Australian Idol, Cosima had to withdraw due to vocal health issues, making her return to the spotlight a significant moment.
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Josh & Luke Packham: Identical twins Josh and Luke are well-acquainted with reality television. Josh won Love Island Australia season two, and both brothers went on to compete together on The Block in 2021, showcasing their ability to work as a team – or perhaps, to deceive.
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Lawson Mahoney: Lawson made his television debut in 2024 on the inaugural season of Made in Bondi.
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Rhys Nicholson: A familiar face as a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under since 2021, Rhys brings a unique perspective and sharp wit to the game.
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Alvin Quah: A returning contestant from seasons two and fourteen of MasterChef Australia, Alvin is no stranger to the pressures of competitive cooking and will now face a different kind of challenge.
With such a diverse and experienced cast, The Traitors Australia 2026 is shaping up to be an unmissable season filled with strategic gameplay, unexpected alliances, and plenty of backstabbing. Mark your calendars for August 2026 when the drama unfolds on Channel 10.
