Could Jeff Probst outwit, outplay and outlast his way to the title of “Sole Survivor”? Could RuPaul bring it to the runway and snatch the “Drag Race” crown? Could Phil Keoghan cross the “Amazing Race” finish line in first place?
The answer to any or all of these questions could vary depending on who’s being asked, but the hypothetical remains the same: Could any reality competition series win their own show as a competitor?
While reality fans have never seen their favorites hosts even attempt to prove their mettle in this way, Alan Cumming, the Emmy-winning host of Peacock’s “The Traitors,” may become the first after the actor expressed interest in competing on his own series.
Alan Cumming Reveals His Interest in Playing ‘Traitors’ as a Contestant
Alan Cumming, who some fans might recognize from his roles in franchises like “Spy Kids” and “X-Men,” has been hosting the U.S. version of “The Traitors” since its inception in 2023. In the years since, the Scottish actor has been awarded two consecutive Emmy Awards for his outstanding hosting on the murder-mystery series.
In an exclusive interview with The Scotsman, however, Cumming revealed his desire to take a step back from hosting to “see the other side” of the series as a contestant.
Over the course of the last three “Traitors” seasons, players have been primarily pulled from the annals of reality television history, with stars from series like “Survivor,” “Real Housewives” and more joining the straight-to-streaming competition.
That being said, actors, athletes, comedians and politicians have similarly been cast, opening the door for someone like Cumming to compete, even if he is the show’s renowned host.
Cumming Wants to Play ‘Traitors,’ But Doesn’t Think He Could Win
Cumming himself said that he thinks it would be “fun” to play the cloak-and-dagger game after observing the successful strategies that led to the victories of players like Cirie Fields on Season 1, CT Tamburello and Trishelle Cannatella on Season 2, and Dolores Catania, Dylan Efron, Gabby Windey and Lord Ivar Mountbatten on Season 3.
Despite his intimate knowledge of the game, which will be extended as he returns to host Season 4 on Peacock next year, he admitted that his position as the serie’s host would probably hurt his chances at taking home the (up to) $250,000 grand prize.
PeacockThe recent interest in joining the series as a contestant is a complete 180 switch from his previous statements in an April 2025 interview with HELLO!, in which he said, “I would absolutely not sign up for the show as a contestant.”
While Alan’s future as a contestant on “The Traitors” remains up in the air, the host has thrown out the names of a few celebrities he would like to appear on the show, namely the likes of Martha Stewart and President Donald Trump amongst others.
“The Traitors” Season 4 is projected to return to Peacock – with Alan Cumming as its host – in January 2026, though no specific premiere date has yet been announced.
