The Traitors’ Harriet Tyce tells of ‘weird’ coincidences

The Traitors contestant Harriet Tyce has said it was “weird” that the dark themes of her latest novel are so similar to those of the reality TV series.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast, the former criminal barrister-turned-author said she handed in the first draft of the crime novel six weeks before she applied to be on the show.

“It was completely, completely separate,” Tyce said.

“It’s weird foreshadowing, but at the same time, I think I’m obviously obsessed by the tropes of the show, you know, the whole supernatural, gothic Scotland.

“You know, I’m from Scotland. I’m from Edinburgh. Scottish castles are something I grew up visiting. I know about the history of witch trials and witchcraft.

“And so the fact that the themes of the show played into the book, and then I applied. I mean, I think the thing I couldn’t have predicted was that, having applied to the show, I’d get on it because, you know, it’s hundreds of thousands of people (who apply).”

Tyce kept the fact she was a criminal barrister and published author a secret from her fellow contestants until revealing all in a dramatic showdown before she was banished during last year’s series.

“I knew it was game over for me and so I went out with a bang,” she said.

Asked by BBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay what it was like to watch the show on TV, she said: “Watching myself back is awful.

“To see yourself back is not something that is particularly comfortable. Particularly in times of, shall we say, quite high emotional intensity. But it’s a very intense experience.”

Asked what it was like to reveal her true identity, she added: “It was a relief at that moment that it was, I was going to be able to completely clarify what my status was, and there would be no more doubt.

“And also that I would then be able to go home and see my family and see my dogs, who never lie to you.

“You know that dogs are always completely straightforward.”

Tyce, whose fifth novel, Witch Trial, was published last week, added: “It has felt like a year of synchronicities and of coincidences. I feel very lucky indeed.”