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‘Traitors’ Contestant Reflects on Blindside: “I Wish I Stood Up for Myself Better”

Before stepping into the castle on Season 4 of “The Traitors,” Natalie Anderson already had a serious reality competition resume. From racing around the world on “The Amazing Race” to battling it out on “The Challenge,” and even winning “Survivor” once (while finishing runner-up another time), she knows exactly how high-stakes gameplay works.

So when her journey on “The Traitors” came to an abrupt end, fans definitely noticed. And now, Natalie is opening up about what that experience really felt like behind the scenes; and yep, the emotions were very real.

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Natalie Anderson in “The Traitors” Season 4, Episode 1: “Let the Cards Fall as they Will”

Natalie Anderson Gets Honest About Her Exit

In an exclusive interview with Parade, Natalie didn’t sugarcoat her feelings about watching her banishment play out.

“For me, yes, it’s a game. But I’m still trying to forgive myself for things that I did in the game that I’m not… I’m not super proud of. I wish I did better. I wish I stood up for myself better. So having the feelings that come with watching the show, they’re gonna reignite.”

Let’s be real: that kind of self-reflection is exactly why fans respect Natalie so much. She’s competitive, sure… but she’s also deeply aware of how these games can hit on a personal level.

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Natalie Anderson in “The Traitors” Season 4, Episode 9: “Think Outside the Box”

She also pointed out how the castle environment amplified everything.

“It is a game, and it’s isolated, this castle. Unfortunately, the emotions of losing, for me, are tied into bigger feelings from Survivor and losing the $2 million.”

It seems like for Natalie, every competition carries a little emotional history with it; something longtime reality fans will absolutely understand.


No Hard Feelings Toward Tara & Johnny

Even though Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir played a role in her banishment, Natalie made one thing crystal clear: there’s no bad blood.

“I think I went out there different from Tara and Johnny. Tara and Johnny didn’t care really too much about winning. And I think me winning means so much more, not only for myself, but also the money. And so I think there’s a difference in how we process losing. I live a very normal life, and once in a while I get an awesome opportunity to go out there and physically, emotionally, mentally showcase what I can do. And as gamers, we have this pride in what we’re able to do.”

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Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir in “The Traitors” Season 4, Episode 7: “The Black Banquet”

Natalie added, “I think we play the game differently, and that’s just like how it is. It’s nothing against them.” And honestly? That’s the kind of grounded, positive energy we love to see. Competitive spirit without the bitterness.


Could Natalie Jump Into Another Reality Show?

If you were hoping Natalie might pop up somewhere else soon, you’re not alone… and she’s definitely open to it. She even revealed she’s been texting fellow reality star Rachel Reilly about future possibilities, “because she’s also probably thinking the same thing.”

Natalie then asked: “Does Big Brother have a gym in the building?,” and when she heard an affirmative replied, “Oh yeah, then I’m down for Big Brother. I can’t do 90 days without a gym. I would literally just vote myself off. I would totally do Big Brother. I think they’re casting now.”

Yep, you read that right; Natalie Anderson on “Big Brother” is officially on the dream-cast bingo card.

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Natalie Anderson in “The Traitors” Season 4, Episode 10: “Do You Know the Enemy?”

Still, her motivation goes deeper than just another TV appearance.

“I love being out there. There’s something about the rush of playing these games that you really can’t get anywhere else. It would be similar to an athlete, where they have these opportunities and these championships… I know that it comes with this negative, like, sometimes when you lose, it’s really hard to go through that process.”

And to be truthful… that passion is exactly why fans keep rooting for her.

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