The Traitors is a cunning game of deception, and just like almost everyone in life, host Rodger Corser has been victim to deceit before.
“Maybe I’ve found out about someone who may have moved on before the relationship ended,” Rodger, 50, tells TV WEEK. “But that was years ago, I’m lucky to never have been scammed.”
The same can’t be said for the contestants on The Traitors. In a game reliant upon lies and manipulation to win the cash prize of $250,000, boundaries are left behind as players attempt to eliminate their opponents.
“I can’t look away.”
(Image: Supplied)It may be a game but it’s also a dark reminder of the shadowy side of human nature, with the show taking on elements of situations that can happen in real life.
“Someone could cheat on you, you could be ripped off by a con artist or someone you know can steal from you in your own business,” Rodger says. “All these kinds of dishonest types of things could happen to anyone, but on the show it’s all out in the open which is a bit taboo.”
“For me sometimes it’s hard to watch when people are being so bad, but I also can’t look away.”
The host of The Traitors plays a pivotal role.
(Image: Supplied)The second season features a contestant shake up, with the introduction of some familiar faces amongst the cast of ‘traitors’ and ‘faithfuls’.
Firecracker reality star Below Deck Mediterranean’s Hannah Ferrier, Underbelly actor Gyton Grantley, Australian Survivor star Luke Toki, shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder and professional wrestler Simone Williams will join a bunch of fresh faces at a chance to win $250,000.
“We have those experienced reality TV players, and I don’t know if it’s because of that or the fact it is the second season and they knew the format, but there are some serious players on this season,” he says.
Who will win The Traitors season two and take home the silvers bars?
The dynamic between the ‘famous’ and ‘normal’ cast adds to the theatrics of the season, with Rodger acknowledging it “creates a divide.”
“There was definitely someone who liked differentiating themselves from the newbies,” the Rush star reveals. “Some of the new (famous) people made it no secret that they thought there was some kind of ranking.”
Rodger was happy to catch up with his old friend and cast mate, Gyton Grantley, who had filmed Underbelly (2008) together.
Rodger at the 2023 TV WEEK Logies in Sydney, last July.
(Image: Supplied)“When they (producers) told me that Gyton was playing I said, ‘Oh, we’ve worked together before’,” Rodger reveals. “Some people didn’t even realise because a lot of crew are in their thirties and it was 15 years ago, but I was looking forward to seeing him. We reference it and then move on just like he’s any other player.”
The proud father of four is happy that his job gives him the flexibility to spend more time with his family. But it’s not always the case.
“The Traitors is filmed in three to four weeks, so it’s not a huge commitment compared to when I filmed Thai Cave Rescue in Thailand for three and a half months,” he says. “That was tough on Renee (Rodger’s wife) because it was in lockdown. She had home schooling, restrictions and a partner away.
Rodger and Renee have been married since 2001.
(Image: Supplied)“Now I have so much space between jobs I think she probably wants me out of the house.” (laughs)
Reminiscing on his long-running career, Rodger says that the role that sticks out as his favourite is that of Dr. Hugh Knight in Doctor, Doctor.
“Having your face on a poster for the first time is so surreal,” he shares. “I loved the storyline and where we shot it in Mudgee. We got to know the communities there and created an amazing family with the cast.”
As surgeon-turned-GP Hugh Knight in Doctor, Doctor.
(Image: Supplied)While there are no plans to return to the series, the cast recently enjoyed a small reunion at the 63rd TV WEEK Logie Awards. Rodger presented an award alongside former co-star Nicole Da Silva and even spotted Hayley McElhinney, who played his love interest Penny, “across the room”.
“We hadn’t seen each other for a while so we had a cuddle,” he says with a smile. “It’s a show that will link us together for life.”
Stream The Traitors on Monday and Tuesday, 7:30pm on Channel 10.
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