Cloaks at the ready - The Traitors is back!

After a seemingly-interminable wait, Claudia Winkleman has returned to her Scottish castle to welcome a new group of 22 strangers to play the ultimate game of deception. Who will become The Traitors and who are The Faithfuls?

Read on for a profile of contestant Sonja....

Sonja

Age: 66

From: Lancashire

Occupation: Volunteer Business Mentor

Why did you apply for the show?
"I wanted to do something this year that would challenge me and test all of my abilities. Whether that be physical or mental, and I could use some of the experiences I've had in the past. I just want to be challenged, excited and I want some adrenaline. I've had a difficult few years so have thought right, let's go for it and do something a bit crazy and exciting. I wouldn't do anything except The Traitors. It's so interesting, complicated, thoughtful and devious. It's right up my street! It's the first thing I've ever applied for, and here I am."

What is your game plan?
"My game plan is to knit my way to the finals. I'm an avid knitter. What I hope to do genuinely is knit while I'm thinking. Also, you can knit recycled fishing nets and recycled plastic bottles, so it's great for the environment. I actually want to teach some of the other tortured souls how to do a bit of knitting while we're there too."

How would you feel to be chosen as a Traitor?
"I'm really hoping I'll be a Traitor. I think I've got the mental resilience to cope. Having looked at the programme, I can see it's much more challenging than you think it's going to be. But I think I've got this toolkit of ways to negotiate with people and ways to get the best out of people. I think when you negotiate, it isn't about doing a good deal just for your company or yourself. It's about a win-win. So, everybody gets something good.

"I think I'm going to find a way to get the best information out of people without upsetting them, and just be totally devious and use that information to murder and manipulate. I think I'm a bit of a crowd pleaser as well, not intentionally, but I seem to amuse people, often by mistake, but who cares. I think that accidental crowd pleasing might serve me well in my undercover activities. I'm looking forward to it, I just want to be a secret guided missile and knit two, pearl two, kill one!"

What would you spend the prize money on?
"I would like to start my charity. Bringing the knitting of recycled materials to young people in difficult situations. It would be fantastic to have Tom Daley and Harry Styles as charity ambassadors too, both lovers of knitwear and excellent role models. I would also like to take my sister on a cruise."