The latest installment of The Traitors, one of the best reality television shows, awaits us early on in the 2026 TV calendar. Since Season 4’s January 8 release date was announced, the internet has been sleuthing for any type of lead, myself included. The latest clue that’s been picking up speed: Donna Kelce’s apparent reputation was intimidating for fellow players. Though the idea was initially shocking to me, the thoughts as to why makes sense.
The news was revealed by Season 4 cast member Caroline Stanbury, a Real Housewives Dubai and Ladies of London alumna, to US Weekly during BravoCon 2025. As it turns out, Mama Kelce as the mother of NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce, as well as future mother-in-law of Taylor Swift, influenced the group’s dynamics. Stanbury shared:
I have to say the only thing was, everyone was so scared to go up against her. Ever to say, boo to a goose.
Those family ties are an element that was bound to layer into Ardross Castle sooner rather than later. In each season, we’ve seen bigger names commit to trekking up to The Highlands, but having a familial connection of this proportion levels it up. Traitors Season 3 winner, Dylan Efron, called this with his take on Mama Kelce’s chances, but I just didn’t know how large a factor it’d be. Clearly, we now have part of the answer.
Stanbury went on to equate her teammates to Taylor Swift’s massive, dedicated following. She noted that while many others shied away from taking on Mama Kelce, the Bravo star had no issue squaring up with her. That said, the cheeky reason why she stepped up is because she doesn’t live somewhere she’d get called out for it. She said:
They’re like the Swifties. And I, well, I’ll do it. I mean, I don’t live in America. Cancel me now…But no, she was lovely. So lovely.
Wow, I’m getting more hyped due to Caroline Stanbury’s sentiment! As a newer Housewives fan, I know a bit of her reputation, and this is an exciting comment to muse about. As a bit of a queen bee type, the Dubai star’s not one to mince words, so to call others Swifties is big. Did I mention I can’t wait to stream this season yet (via my Peacock subscription)?
It certainly makes me think that this could be a tangible element for the season. Another possible showcase of this is that Kelce refused to tell her sons how she fared. For the cherry on top of my dream sundae, it makes me think of Alan Cumming’s promise of the “greatest moment” in the franchise’s history. It all begs the question: is it solely Taylor Swift’s presence or does the Kelce competitive edge run that deep?
Until Traitors Season 4 premieres, I’ll be pondering all of this, including Mama Kelce’s potential lethal factors, including the connection to Taylor Swift. Between the pop icon’s status and the fun but real pressure she’s put on the newly engaged celebs to have kids, there’s a lot to sort through.