WITH it’s grandiose setting in the Scottish Highlands, expensive production values and a national treasure as host - The Traitors is the classiest of reality television shows. But series two’s jaw-dropping antics of murderous deception have been tainted by a shocking baby scandal involving one of its contestants and a celebrity influencer. Charlotte Chilton, who was portrayed as a sexy siren on the show thanks to sizzling cut scenes, conceived after a fling with pop star Conor Maynard at the BBC show’s wrap party back in January.
Smooth Conor, who is the brother of series winner Harry Clark’s kids’ TV star girlfriend Anna Maynard, wooed Charlotte with gentlemanly behaviour and some glasses of fizz. But that chivalrous facade soon fell away when confronted with the reality of becoming a first time dad. What’s followed has been domestic drama more befitting of Coronation Street , EastEnders or Hollyoaks than the straight-laced Beeb’s smash hit whodunnit.
The paternity fallout couldn’t have come at a worst time for the broadcaster either, given its in the midst of an eight-month long headache courtesy of a behind the scenes Strictly Come Dancing row. The glitzy, family-friendly show has been rocked by accusations of ‘training room misconduct’ levelled at its former professional dancer Giovanni Pernice by Amanda Abbington and three other of his former celebrity partners. An internal investigation is rumbling on, high-profile legal firms are involved and Gio is.
