Fans of The Traitors season 1 were stunned when Amanda Clark-Stoner, a seemingly strong and perceptive Faithful, suddenly disappeared from the show. Her unexpected departure left viewers wondering: Why Did Amanda Leave The Traitors? While the show itself offered no immediate explanation, Amanda has since revealed the unfortunate circumstances that led to her exit, clearing up rumors and setting the record straight.
The Unforeseen Twist: Amanda’s COVID-19 Diagnosis
Amanda’s journey on The Traitors season 1 was abruptly cut short due to a positive COVID-19 test. In a now-deleted Instagram Reel, the emergency room nurse from Pennsylvania disclosed the reason behind her sudden exit. Despite taking stringent precautions to avoid contracting the virus, Amanda unfortunately tested positive, forcing her to leave the Scottish castle where the show was filmed.
Amanda emphasized the extensive measures she undertook to stay safe, stating she wore both an N-95 mask and a surgical mask during her flights. She also quarantined both before arriving in Scotland and after her arrival, adhering to protocols to minimize any risk of infection. Despite these diligent efforts, the virus still found its way to her, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, even with careful planning and execution of safety measures in place during filming of The Traitors.
“Rug Pulled Out”: Amanda’s Heartbreak and Resilience
Leaving The Traitors under such circumstances was undoubtedly a devastating blow for Amanda. She openly shared her emotional reaction, describing the feeling as if “the rug got pulled out from underneath me.” The abrupt end to her experience on the show shattered her hopes and dreams of competing for the grand prize and potentially achieving victory as a Faithful. The opportunity to participate in a unique reality TV experience like The Traitors was taken away in an instant, leaving her understandably heartbroken.
However, Amanda’s resilient spirit shone through as she focused on the positive aspects of her time on the show. She took solace in the fact that she was neither banished by her fellow Faithfuls nor murdered by the Traitors during her time in the game. This recognition of her successful gameplay, albeit cut short, provided a silver lining amidst the disappointment. Looking ahead, Amanda expressed a desire for future participation, stating she has “unfinished business in the castle” and hinting at a potential return for “revenge” in future seasons of The Traitors.
Debunking Speculation: Pregnancy and Quitting Rumors
Amanda also used her social media platform to address and dispel circulating rumors surrounding her departure from The Traitors. Two main assumptions had emerged among viewers: that she left because she was pregnant, or that she had chosen to quit the competition. Amanda firmly refuted both of these claims.
Firstly, she clarified that the pregnancy rumor was entirely untrue. Secondly, and perhaps more emphatically, she denied ever considering quitting The Traitors. Amanda asserted her competitive nature and unwavering determination, stating, “Your girl is not a quitter.” She further emphasized her commitment to the game, declaring she would have continued playing even with significant physical challenges, “I could’ve broken both my legs, and I would have been hobbling around that castle trying to figure out who the traitors were.” This resolute statement underlined her dedication to uncovering the Traitors and playing the game to its fullest potential as a Faithful.
Lingering Questions and Future Prospects
While Amanda’s explanation provides clarity on the reason for her exit, it also raises questions about the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 protocols during the filming of The Traitors season 1. Speculation suggests that there may have been an earlier COVID-19 case amongst the cast, potentially delaying the initial filming start date and leading to a cast replacement. Whether Amanda’s infection is linked to this potential earlier case remains unconfirmed, but it highlights the challenges productions faced during the pandemic, even with strict safety measures in place.
Despite the unfortunate end to her The Traitors season 1 journey, Amanda’s popularity and gameplay resonated with viewers. Her strategic thinking and engaging personality made her a fan favorite, and her early departure was undoubtedly a loss for the season. Fortunately for her fans, Amanda is set to return to a The Traitors-style format as a team leader on the Cruise of Deception in 2025, offering her a chance to once again showcase her skills in deception and deduction, albeit in a different setting.
The Traitors US TV Series Poster
Amanda’s exit from The Traitors season 1 serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of reality TV and the real-world challenges that can impact even the most carefully planned productions. While COVID-19 brought an untimely end to her time on the show, Amanda’s positive attitude and determination suggest that this may not be the last we see of her in the world of competitive reality television.
