Kristen Kish may be stepping into the castle next season on Peacock’s hit competition series The Traitors, but the Top Chef host admits it wasn’t an easy yes.
During a recent set visit in Charlotte, North Carolina, Kish admitted that she hesitated before signing on. “No, it was not an immediate [yes],” the former winner exclusively told Parade. “It took me the better part of a month.”
The hesitation wasn’t about being on TV — Kish is used to cooking under pressure on camera – but it was the uncertainty of a game built around deception and social maneuvering. “I’m used to being on skill-based shows that I can rely heavily on what I know I’m good at,” the former winner explained. “This is so dependent on people skills and how you’re perceived. I did it because I love Top Chef and that is a hundred percent the reason I did it. But I will say I walked away being glad I did. I don’t regret it. Not one ounce.”
Kish’s Top Chef family is already ready to watch her play. Head judge Tom Colicchio admitted he hasn’t seen much of the show. “I’ve watched two episodes of one season because it’s obviously getting a lot of press,” he said. “I know Kristen is on, but she hasn’t told us anything, so I have no idea.”
When asked if he would ever be open to doing the show himself, he told Parade, “I would consider it.”
Meanwhile, fellow judge Gail Simmons joked that she’ll be cheering Kish on from the couch — not the castle. “Not for me. I’m not a gamer,” she said. “I have a family, and leaving is a lot. But I will watch her. Of course I’ll root for her, and I’ll put money on her. I’ll watch with a big bucket of popcorn.”
The upcoming season of The Traitors, which was filmed in Scotland, will feature Kish among a cast that also includes Bravo stars and celebrities from across reality TV – including The Bachelor, Big Brother, Survivor and more.
The Traitors season 4 is set to premiere in Spring 2026.
Related: Meet the Full Cast of ‘The Traitors’ Season 4
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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