Queer actor Alan Cumming returns to host The Traitors US season two
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In the heart-stopping world of The Traitors US, no one can be trusted. The Scottish Highlands provide the backdrop for this nail-biting psychological adventure, where treachery and deceit reign supreme. And at the helm of it all is the talented and charismatic Alan Cumming.
Season two of The Traitors US is set to premiere on Friday, January 12th, and fans are eagerly awaiting the return of this star-studded cast. Joining the chaos this season are Drag Race star Peppermint, former Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow, and Love Island winner Ekin-Su, among others. With such a diverse and captivating ensemble, viewers are in for a treat.
Like its UK counterpart, the US version of The Traitors takes place in a castle nestled in the Scottish Highlands. The chosen Traitors must conceal their true identities while the Faithfuls try to unmask them and vote them out each night at the round tables. It’s a battle of wits and strategy, where alliances are formed and broken in an instant.
Alan Cumming, the Scottish-American host of The Traitors US, brings his signature charm and wit to the show. Born in Aberfeldy, Scotland in 1965, Cumming has had a remarkable career in both theater and film. In the late 1990s, he made the move to New York City to pursue his dreams in America.
Throughout his life, Cumming has had various romantic relationships with both men and women. He was married to actress Hilary Lyon for eight years and had a two-year relationship with British star Saffron Burrows. In the early 2000s, he was involved with theater director Nick Philippou for six years. However, it was in 2005 that Cumming met his current husband, Grant Shaffer.
Cumming and Shaffer tied the knot in a civil ceremony in London in 2007. They were overjoyed to celebrate their love in a country that recognized the rights of same-sex couples. In 2012, they remarried in the US to commemorate their five-year anniversary and the historic ruling for same-sex marriage equality. The couple has also collaborated professionally, co-creating the children’s book, The Adventures of Honey & Leon.
When it comes to his sexuality, Cumming prefers not to be labeled. In a statement on his website, he expressed his belief that sexuality is a spectrum. “I think my sexuality and most people’s sexuality is grey,” he wrote. “I am married to a man. I have a healthy sexual appetite and a healthy imagination. I also have an attraction to women.” Cumming believes in keeping an open mind and not conforming to societal expectations.
Cumming’s activism for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community has been recognized and honored. He was awarded an OBE in 2009 but returned it in 2023 after realizing the toxicity of the British Empire. Despite being a prominent LGBTQ+ celebrity, Cumming has expressed his weariness of constantly discussing his identity. He believes that straight individuals are never asked about their sexuality in the same way.
Throughout his career, Cumming has delivered memorable performances on both screen and stage. He has received numerous accolades, including a BAFTA Award, a New York Emmy Award, two Tony Awards, and an Olivier Award. Fans may recognize him from his role as Eli Gold in The Good Wife or as the first queer actor to play a gay lead in a US network drama in Instinct.
Cumming’s impact extends beyond his acting career. He has served as a co-producer on the Tony-winning Broadway show A Strange Loop and continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Fans of The Traitors US can expect another thrilling season filled with shocking twists and hilarious moments. The first three episodes will be available for streaming on Peacock on January 12th. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the world of treachery and deceit, guided by the talented Alan Cumming.
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