As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Day, viewers were whisked away to The Traitors castle for a thrilling new season. With Claudia Winkleman at the helm, 22 hopefuls arrived in the picturesque Highlands, all vying for a chance to claim up to £120,000. Among the eager Faithfuls is Matthew, whose journey is already sparking curiosity among fans.
Matthew Hyndman, a contestant on The Traitors UK Season Four, is making waves with his vibrant personality. The 35-year-old creative director hails from Northern Ireland but currently calls Edinburgh, Scotland, his home. His decision to join the show stemmed from a New Year's resolution to seek more adventures, a sentiment echoed in his initial statement: "My New Year's resolution was to have more adventures... and I just thought why not give it a go."
While Matthew blends seamlessly into the Scottish setting, his Northern Irish roots play a pivotal role in his identity. "I think that I'll be the first Northern Irish man to be on The Traitors, which is really fun," Matthew shared, noting that his background might endear him to fellow contestants.
In the realm of romance, Matthew is off the market. He proudly speaks of his engagement to his partner during the COVID era, highlighting his activism for marriage equality in Northern Ireland. "Having campaigned for marriage equality... I think that's a better story for the Roundtable," he quipped, hinting at a deeper connection with his fellow players.
"It's not cool to go against the gay who wants to get married!" Matthew joked, showcasing his playful side.
Speculations are rife about Matthew's partner potentially being in the game, with some fans theorizing that fellow contestant Stephen could be the one. Observers have pointed out potential geographical and lifestyle overlaps, sparking lively discussions online. However, social media hints suggest that Stephen might already be partnered with someone else.
As a Faithful, Matthew's game plan is simple yet effective: "Anyone but me," he admits. His strategy revolves around forming strong bonds and leveraging the social dynamics of the game, aiming to stay under the radar while others are eliminated.
Should he emerge victorious, Matthew dreams of investing in a Highland cottage and planning his wedding. His frequent visits to the Highlands fuel his desire to own a piece of it, reflecting his deep connection to the scenic landscape.
For those eager to catch more of Matthew's adventures, he offers a peek into his life on Instagram. Follow @yermatty for his hiking escapades and head over to @headstandmatty for more whimsical updates. Tune into The Traitors on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, airing three nights a week at 8pm, to see how his story unfolds.