Amanda Clark-Stoner’s unexpected departure from The Traitors season 1 left fans bewildered and searching for answers. As a standout Faithful, the emergency room nurse from Pennsylvania seemed poised to go far in the competition. However, her journey was cut short abruptly, leaving viewers wondering: why did Amanda suddenly leave The Traitors? Let’s delve into the real reason behind her exit and clear up any speculation surrounding her departure from one of reality TV’s most captivating shows.
Initially, The Traitors season 1 kept the reason for Amanda’s exit under wraps, fueling various theories among viewers. Was it a strategic move? Did she choose to leave? The suspense only heightened the drama of the season, which has since spawned a successful season 2 and a confirmed season 3. While season 2 of The Traitors US continues to captivate audiences with its twists and turns, the mystery surrounding Amanda’s season 1 exit remained a hot topic. Finally, Amanda herself stepped forward to clarify the circumstances of her departure, revealing a reason that was both unforeseen and impactful.
COVID-19 Forced Amanda’s Traitors Departure
Amanda Clark-Stoner took to Instagram to reveal the unfortunate truth behind her sudden exit from The Traitors season 1: she tested positive for COVID-19. In a now-deleted Instagram Reel, Amanda addressed her fans directly, humorously introducing herself as “your favorite disappearing faithful Amanda.” She then explained that despite taking rigorous precautions to avoid illness, including wearing both an N-95 and a surgical mask during her flights and quarantining before and after arriving in Scotland where The Traitors was filmed, she contracted the virus. This positive test result mandated her immediate removal from the show, according to the production’s health and safety protocols.
“Rug Pulled Out”: Amanda’s Emotional Reaction to Leaving The Traitors
Learning she had to leave The Traitors due to COVID-19 was a devastating blow for Amanda. She openly shared her emotional turmoil, describing the experience as feeling “like the rug got pulled out from underneath me.” The reality TV competition represented a significant opportunity, one she felt might not come again. The abrupt end to her Traitors journey was a harsh disappointment, especially considering her strong position in the game. As a Faithful who had successfully avoided banishment and murder by the Traitors, Amanda was a formidable player.
Despite the disappointment, Amanda chose to focus on the positive aspects of her Traitors experience. She acknowledged the fact that she was neither banished by the Faithfuls nor murdered by the Traitors, highlighting her successful gameplay up to that point. Looking ahead, Amanda expressed a sense of “unfinished business” within the Traitors castle and playfully hinted at the possibility of future revenge, demonstrating her resilient spirit and enduring enthusiasm for the game.
Related: What To Know About The Traitors’ Rachel Reilly
Setting the Record Straight: No Pregnancy, No Quitting
The Traitors US TV Series Poster
Beyond revealing the COVID-19 diagnosis, Amanda also used her Instagram Reel to debunk circulating rumors about her exit. Two main speculations had emerged: one, that she left because she was pregnant, and two, that she had chosen to quit the show. Amanda firmly dismissed both of these claims. She clarified unequivocally that she was not pregnant during filming. Furthermore, she emphatically stated that quitting was never an option for her, asserting, “Your girl is not a quitter. I could’ve broken both my legs, and I would have been hobbling around that castle trying to figure out who the traitors were. I was a faithful through and through, trying to figure it out.” Her determined words underscored her commitment to the game and her disappointment at being forced to leave due to circumstances beyond her control.
Amanda’s unexpected departure from The Traitors season 1 serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of reality TV, and indeed, life itself. Despite meticulous planning and precautions, unforeseen events can alter even the best-laid plans. While the exact source of her COVID-19 infection remains speculative, the fact that it occurred despite her efforts highlights the challenges of filming during a pandemic. For fans who were rooting for Amanda, her exit was undoubtedly a major loss. However, her positive attitude and hint at future appearances offer a glimmer of hope that we may see her return to the world of The Traitors in some capacity. Indeed, Amanda is set to participate in the Cruise of Deception in 2025, offering a different but exciting opportunity for her to engage with the themes of deception and strategy reminiscent of The Traitors.
The Traitors season 2 airs at 9 p.m. ET on Thursdays on Peacock.
More: What To Know About The Traitors’ Cody Calafiore
Source: Amanda Clark-Stoner/Instagram
