Zack Davies, the latest faithful to be “murdered” on BBC’s The Traitors has spoken to the JC about how JFS prepared him for his star turn on the reality show that has taken primetime by storm.

In a candid interview with the JC straight after his appearance on ITV’s This Morning on Friday, Zack Davies said “being in the dog eat dog social setting” of JFS helped to prepare him for The Traitors.

Set in a Scottish castle, the TV programme is part murder mystery and part game show. Players take part in challenges to grow a prize pot while a group of “traitors” secretly plot to murder “faithfuls”. The betrayals, banishments, and murders have been a nail-biting triumph, with episodes attracting many millions of viewers.

Zack said the show was “a big change from the Jewish bubble where everyone knows everyone’s business.” 

Zack Davies' Mill Hill Synagogue Barmitzvah photo featured in the JC in 2009

The Mill Hill local reckoned his time on The Traitors broadened his horizons: “It was a unique experience to be with 21 other people you’d never generally socialise with.” He went on, “being exposed to different cultures, people and age groups was amazing and I feel truly glad and grateful that I took part.”

Zack said the show “allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and learn a bit more about myself.”

Opening up about his struggles with OCD and anxiety, Zack highlighted his commitment to raising awareness about mental health. He shared, "It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about," expressing a desire to continue discussing the mental health issues that he has dealt with for the past ten years.

Making it to episode 11, Zack came close to winning the £100,000 prize pot. His girlfriend didn’t think he’d last more than three episodes, and several friends said he’d only last two, but Zack said his success might “speak to (my) ability to persuade people, make friends and sure up alliances”; he also said, "maybe it was just luck”.

As the stakes on the show rose, some viewers thought Zack’s moves during episode ten were controversial. He said it was “tough” to rewatch the episode and worried he “came across as obnoxious and arrogant, especially feuding with Jasmine and turning on someone who I previously had such a good relationship with on the show.”

Despite this, Zack said he’s “really close” with several members of the cast, including Jasmine, Ross, Molly, Jonny and Evie; they speak “all the time.”

His time in the castle was, Zack said, “a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”