From Pulpit to the Highlands: Cornwall Vicar Brings Faith and Strategy to BBC’s The Traitors

In a captivating twist that blends faith, strategy, and a love for murder mysteries, Rev. Lisa Coupland, a 62-year-old Church of England vicar from Cornwall, is making headlines as one of the contestants on the new series of BBC One’s The Traitors. Ordained in 2023, Rev. Lisa’s journey from Meneage parish to the Scottish Highlands is as intriguing as the game itself.

The hit reality show, now in its third season, premiered on New Year’s Day and pits 25 contestants against each other in a battle of wits and deception, all set within the dramatic confines of a castle. Contestants must identify and eliminate the ‘traitors’ among them while vying for a chance to win up to £120,000.

For Rev. Lisa, the decision to participate came from her passion for murder mysteries, including Agatha Christie’s classic whodunits and the enigmatic worlds of Inspector Morse and Midsomer Murders. Yet, her involvement wasn’t without deep reflection.

“This is something that I’ve had to reflect on quite a lot,” Rev. Lisa admitted in an interview with The Falmouth Packet. “A programme like The Traitors, where deception and lying are part of the game, doesn’t exactly align with Christian values of honesty and truth. But this is a game. And just the same as if I’m sitting around the kitchen table with my family, if you’re playing the game, you play the game, whatever that entails.”

She emphasized that the nature of the show—its clear rules and the understanding of its premise—allowed her to reconcile her role as a priest with her participation. “You’re not doing it to unsuspecting people,” she explained.

A Strategy of Silence

Rev. Lisa also revealed her decision to initially withhold her priestly vocation from fellow contestants. “If I say I’m a priest, I think I’m going to have a target on my back straight away,” she shared, underscoring her understanding of the strategic dynamics at play.

A Prize With Purpose

While the lure of £120,000 might tempt many, Rev. Lisa’s motivations are rooted in her community. She dreams of using the prize money to transform her parish’s old vestry into a vibrant community space, offering lunches for the bereaved and a creative Lego club for children.

“I’m not in it for the money,” she insisted. “But if I won, it would be lovely because I know I could do some really positive things with it. If I don’t win, I won’t be heartbroken.”

Faith in Action

Rev. Lisa’s journey on The Traitors not only brings a refreshing perspective to the reality show but also highlights the balance between faith and modern challenges. Her ability to navigate the game’s intricate web of deception, all while staying true to her values, is a testament to her depth and dynamism.

As the vicar-turned-contestant steps into the Scottish castle, viewers are left wondering: will her love for strategy and her grounded faith lead her to victory? One thing’s for certain—this season of The Traitors just became unmissable.

Tune in to watch Rev. Lisa Coupland bring her unique blend of wisdom, wit, and community spirit to the game, proving that even in a contest of deception, faith can shine brightly.