Alan Cumming Says ‘Traitors’ Contestants Feared Backlash Over Donna Kelce
The Traitors returns to Peacock with season 4 on Jan. 8, 2026, bringing fresh drama and celebrity intrigue to the iconic Scottish castle. Twenty-three personalities vie for a share of the $250,000 prize. Hosted once again by Alan Cumming, the new season mixes reality stars, athletes, and entertainers in an unpredictable game of loyalty and deception, with one of the most buzzed‑about contestants being Donna Kelce, the mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce. Here’s what Cumming said about how the new contestants fear retribution from Swifties if they so happen to eliminate Donna.
Alan Cumming said ‘The Traitors’ Season 4 contestants are ‘a bit worried’ about eliminating Donna Kelce
Donna Kelce’s addition to The Traitors Season 4 cast has been one of the most talked‑about surprises this year, as the 73‑year‑old mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce steps into the iconic Scottish castle to test her strategy skills. In the official teaser for the season, Kelce leaned into her competitive side. She says, “As a mother of two NFL stars, I’ve spent years on the sidelines. I’ve studied the game. I’ve trained champions, and now, it’s Mama’s turn.”
Donna also shared that filming in the Highlands was “so much fun” and that the incredible scenery and camaraderie made the experience special, even amidst daunting challenges. “The (Scottish) Highlands are absolutely gorgeous,” she told the Wichita Eagle, according to Yahoo. “The people were so kind. And it just was kind of like a dream to be able to do something like that and to interact with individuals on such a high level. And it was a little bit daunting when it comes to some of the missions, but it was fun. It really was. It was a good time.”
Host Alan Cumming spoke on Jimmy Kimmel Live! about Donna’s presence on The Traitors. He described her as “hilarious” and “such a sweet lady.”
“There’s a really cute moment in the first episode,” Cumming explained. “I asked them all and sort of interviewed them. I said, ‘How are you feeling, Donna?’ And she went, ‘A little weird.'”
Cumming then commented on how the other contestants felt intimidated by potential backlash from Swifties if they were to eliminate Donna. Taylor Swift and Travis are currently engaged.
“The contestants, the players, talk about it quite a lot,” Cumming admitted. “That’s it — ‘I’m a bit worried about the Swifties, what they’ll do if we ….’ So, that’s quite fun. It’s another added layer of menace.”
Fans will have to wait and see how well Donna does on The Traitors Season 4.
