Banished Faithful Matthew Hyndman Reflects on Traitors Regrets and Personal Impact
In an exclusive interview, former The Traitors contestant Matthew Hyndman has opened up about the two key regrets that haunt him following his dramatic banishment from the castle. The creative director, who was ousted after co-star James wielded a deadly double vote, shared his candid thoughts on what he would have done differently in the high-stakes game of deception.
Strategic Missteps in the Castle
Matthew revealed that his primary regret was his passive response when James accused him of being a Traitor. "My two regrets are: not trying to convince James that I wasn't a Traitor," he confessed. "I was just like: 'Fine, think I'm a Traitor.' I didn't try to pull him aside and say: 'Listen, come on, I'm not a Traitor. What can I do to convince you?'"
His second major regret involved fellow contestant Stephen. Matthew explained that he had accumulated substantial evidence against Stephen but failed to present it effectively at his final roundtable. "I regret not bringing all of that to my last roundtable and just going for it with [him] and seeing if I could possibly persuade someone to go with me," he admitted.
This remorse is particularly poignant given Matthew's persistent targeting of Faithful Jade throughout the game. He reflected on the psychological challenge of letting go of suspicions, stating: "It's just so hard. Once you get an idea about someone in your head, it's so difficult to let go of that." He described a moment of realisation during a roundtable where he suddenly understood that both he and Jade were likely Faithfuls.
What Could Have Been: A Traitor Recruitment Fantasy
Matthew also discussed his memorable attempt to join the Traitors by asking to be "seduced" in the church confessional. Although he never received the coveted recruitment, he had devised an elaborate strategy had he been successful.
His plan involved discovering the Traitors' identities in the turret and then immediately betraying Rachel at breakfast the following morning. He explained: "I would have pretended to the Faithfuls that I had 'asked the Traitors who they're going to recruit next, and they told me Rachel.'"
Matthew elaborated on his hypothetical deception: "[I would have said]: 'Rachel was recruited last night. Just trust me, if I'm wrong, banish me next, but there's no reason for the Traitors to lie to me because at the time, Rachel was a Faithful.'" He acknowledged the risk, adding: "I think Rachel probably would have eaten me alive."
Despite this, Matthew expressed admiration for Rachel's gameplay, noting that he had "no idea" she was a Traitor and that she remained under most players' radar. He also commented on Faraaz's recent theory about Rachel, suggesting: "Faraaz could come out all guns blazing tomorrow and solve the whole thing, so we will see what happens."
Beyond the Game: LGBTQ+ Representation and Personal Journey
Perhaps more significant than his gameplay reflections is Matthew's discussion of the impact his appearance on The Traitors has had on LGBTQ+ viewers. He has been open about his personal journey, including facing pressure to undergo conversion therapy from his religious community when younger.
Matthew shared that he has received numerous messages from viewers who found strength in his story. "I've had people tell me that just [from] seeing me live my life so openly and proudly, they've plucked up the courage to come out to their family. That's just amazing to hear," he revealed.
He emphasised the importance of representation, stating: "First and foremost, I wanted to play the game, but I also wanted to just shine a wee light on where I come from, and to show any other gay person back home in Northern Ireland that there is a life beyond your coming out experience."
Matthew, who is now in a happy relationship and planning to marry "next spring," added: "There is this big, beautiful world out there for you to fully step into. If that's the one thing that I can leave from my experience on the show, then it'll all be worth it."
As The Traitors continues to captivate audiences, Matthew's reflections offer a unique insight into both the strategic complexities of the game and the profound personal impact reality television can have. His story serves as a reminder that beyond the cloak-and-dagger drama, real human experiences and meaningful representation continue to resonate with viewers across the UK.
