The Traitors Australia is making its return on August 4, 2026, and this time, it’s infamous Australians who will be bringing the series back to life (while killing each other, of course).
After the series earned itself international appeal following the success of Celebrity Traitors UK (thank you, Alan Carr), the game of deception is returning down under with a whole new host and cast from the best Australian reality TV has to offer.
The contestants consist of stars from Survivor, The Bachelor, MasterChef, MAFS, Love Island, Big Brother and more, and the host is none other than Big Brother icon Gretel Killeen, who recently competed in the 2025 season of The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition
Gretel is replacing Roger Corser who hosted the first two seasons of The Traitors Australia.
Speaking to WHO, Killeen teased what audiences should expect from the contestants this year, hinting at absolute chaos.
“All of the contestants constantly surprised me,” she said. “I was astounded at how people could choose a perspective and then find evidence to back it up even though it was wrong, so, that really astounded me.”
Looks like we’ll be yelling at our screens in anger this season!
The Traitors Australia 2026 contestants tease ‘terrifying’ experience
Ahead of the season’s release, WHO sat down with some of the infamous cast to unpack what it was really like to be trapped in a house with contestants you’re not only competing against, but also who you are explicitly told not to trust, as elimination – or death and banishment, as it’s referred to in the series – is on the line.
“It is the most terrified I’ve been because I’m used to being on the production side of things,” Rhys Nicholson, Australian comedian and judge of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, said. “I’m used to being a judge on Drag Race, I’ve never been a contestant on something before.
“I got out of the van on the first day and looked around at a bunch of people who have been on things like Survivor, been on things like Housewives and stuff; a bunch of what I lovingly would call psychopaths, that I then had to been in a house with while we tried to have people killed and not killed. It’s stressful!”
Who is in The Traitors Australia 2026 cast?
Traitors
Alex Nation
Alex Nation first found fame by winning Richie Strahan’s heart on The Bachelor Australia in 2016. She later appeared on Bachelor in Paradise and built a following as an influencer and radio host.
Alvin Quah
Alvin Quah became a fan favourite on MasterChef Australia in 2010 for his creative Malaysian-inspired dishes and lively personality. He has since returned for MasterChef All Stars seasons and continues to work in food media.
Kirby Bentley
Kirby Bentley is a former AFLW player who also appeared on Australian Survivor: Titans vs Rebels in 2024. She’s also a proud Noongar woman and advocate for Indigenous participation in sport.
Faithfuls
AJ Antonios
AJ Antonios appeared on Australian Survivor: Brains v Brawn II in 2025, where he became known for his strategic gameplay and charismatic personality. His quick wit and social charm made him a standout among the contestants.
Cam Merchant (eliminated)
Cam Merchant gained national attention after appearing on Married at First Sight Australia in 2019, where he “married” Jules Robinson. The pair became one of the show’s most successful couples, later marrying in real life.
Claudia Bonifazio
Claudia Bonifazio appeared on Love Island Australia in 2023, where her fiery personality and romance drama made her a memorable contestant. She has since built a social media presence as an influencer.
Cosima De Vito
Cosima De Vito rose to fame as a powerhouse vocalist on the first season of Australian Idol in 2003. Despite withdrawing from the competition due to illness, she launched a successful solo music career.
Gamble Breaux
Gamble Breaux is best known as one of the glamorous stars of The Real Housewives of Melbourne. She’s also a singer and art consultant with a flair for luxury and controversy.
Henry Nicholson
Henry Nicholson first appeared on Australian Survivor in 2017, where his charm and strategic gameplay made him a fan favourite. He later returned for Survivor: All Stars in 2020.
Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson
Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson became a household name as a blunt and witty judge on Australian Idol in the early 2000s. The British-born music executive went on to appear on numerous Australian TV and radio programs.
Josh & Luke Packham
Josh and Luke gained fame as the “Packham twins” on Love Island Australia in 2019. The brothers went on to compete on The Block, cementing their reality TV careers.
Keira Maguire
Keira Maguire rose to fame as the outspoken “villain” on The Bachelor Australia in 2016. Her sharp humour and reality TV presence led to appearances on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Bachelor in Paradise.
Krissy Marsh
Krissy Marsh made her name as one of the original cast members of The Real Housewives of Sydney. A former model turned businesswoman, she’s known for her bold opinions and socialite lifestyle.
Kween Kong (eliminated)
Kween Kong is a celebrated drag performer and finalist on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Season 2. Originally from South Australia, she’s known for her powerful performances and advocacy for Pasifika representation.
Lawson Mahoney
Lawson Mahoney gained attention on Made in Bondi, a reality series following Sydney’s elite social scene. His easygoing charm and glamorous lifestyle quickly made him one of the show’s breakout personalities.
Manaaki Hoepo
Manaaki Hoepo became known thanks to Aussie Shore, the outrageous reality series inspired by Jersey Shore. His cheeky antics and big personality quickly made him one of the show’s most talked-about cast members.
Rachael Evren
Rachael Evren was a contestant on Love Island Australia, known for her confidence and polished presentation. She now works as a content creator.
Rhys Nicholson
Rhys Nicholson is an Australian comedian and actor known for their sharp wit and distinctive style. They’ve appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under as a judge and are a fixture of the Australian comedy scene.
Rob Farnham
Rob Farnham is a musician and the son of Australian music icon John Farnham. He’s performed with bands like Rival Fire, carving out his own path in the rock scene.
Shane Gould (eliminated)
Shane Gould is an Olympic swimming legend who won five medals at the 1972 Munich Games. Decades later, she surprised audiences by winning Australian Survivor: Champions vs. Contenders in 2018.
Tully Smyth
Tully Smyth became known for her emotional and candid appearance on Big Brother Australia in 2013. She has since built a career as a social media influencer and podcast host.
