Hannah Byczkowski: What Happened to The Traitors Winner?
- comedyinyoureye
- Sep 18
- 10 min read
Hannah Byczkowski really captured everyone's attention on the first series of The Traitors. She went from working in social care to being a finalist, and honestly, it feels like ages ago now. We all watched her play the game, and it’s interesting to see what she’s been up to since winning. This article looks at Hannah's journey on the show and what she's been doing since, focusing on her career and how the prize money has helped her.
Key Takeaways
Hannah Byczkowski had to leave her job in social care to compete in The Traitors, as filming clashed with her work schedule.
She won a share of the £100,000 prize fund, receiving around £33,000, which she used to cover living expenses and support her comedy career.
The winnings provided Hannah with financial stability, allowing her to focus on becoming a full-time comedian.
Since the show, Hannah has been actively pursuing her comedy aspirations, including planning a show for the Edinburgh Fringe.
She also co-hosts the popular 'Ghost Huns' podcast with Suzie Preece, which has even gone on tour.
Hannah Byczkowski's Traitors Journey
Hannah Byczkowski's time on The Traitors was quite the whirlwind, leading to some pretty significant life changes. Before the show even began, she had to make a big decision: quit her job in social care. They wouldn't give her time off for filming, so it was either the show or her steady paycheck.
She chose the show, and it definitely paid off, though not immediately in cash. Her share of the prize money, around £33,000, wasn't exactly life-changing in the way some might imagine. Instead, it was more about providing a safety net.
Here's a rough breakdown of how the prize money was shared:
Winner | Prize Share |
|---|---|
Hannah Byczkowski | Approx. £33,000 |
Meryl Williams | Approx. £33,000 |
Aaron Evans | Approx. £33,000 |
It's interesting to hear Hannah talk about the experience itself. She mentioned that she didn't find it overly stressful, actually enjoying the game and seeing it as a unique opportunity. It sounds like the thrill of the game was a big part of it, even before the money was on the table. She even admitted that she initially wanted to be a traitor, which is a funny thought considering how well she played as a Faithful!
For Hannah, the show wasn't just about the money; it was a catalyst for pursuing her long-held dream of becoming a comedian. The prize money helped cover her living expenses while she focused on building her comedy career, making the transition from social care a bit smoother. It really allowed her to dedicate herself to her passion, which is something many people dream of doing. She's since been busy with her comedy, even planning a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe later this year.
Life After The Traitors
Winning The Traitors was a massive turning point for Hannah Byczkowski. It wasn't just about the prize money, though that certainly helped. She'd actually quit her job in social care to pursue comedy full-time before the show even aired, so the winnings were a lifeline. It meant she could actually afford to live while focusing on her stand-up, which is a pretty big deal when you're starting out.
Pursuing a Comedy Career
Hannah has really thrown herself into comedy since the show. It's not just a hobby anymore; it's her main gig. She's been doing the rounds, performing at various clubs and events. It's a tough industry, but she seems determined to make it work. The exposure from The Traitors has definitely opened doors, giving her a platform to showcase her talent to a much wider audience than she might have reached otherwise. She's even been signed by Blue Book Management, which is a pretty significant step for any aspiring comedian.
The Ghost Huns Podcast
Alongside fellow comedian Suzie Preece, Hannah co-hosts the 'Ghost Huns' podcast. It's a bit of a departure from the high-stakes drama of The Traitors, focusing more on spooky stories and paranormal chat. It seems to be going down well, offering a different side to Hannah's personality and giving fans something new to connect with. They've been building up a following, and it's another avenue for her creative expression.
Edinburgh Fringe Aspirations
One of Hannah's big goals after the show was to take her comedy act to the Edinburgh Fringe. It's the biggest arts festival in the world, and getting a show there is a huge achievement for any performer. She's spoken about wanting to develop her material and put on a proper show. It’s a massive undertaking, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s someone who managed to navigate the treacherous halls of a Scottish castle while deceiving their friends.
The shift from a stable job to the unpredictable world of comedy is a brave one. Having the financial cushion from The Traitors has undoubtedly made that transition less daunting, allowing Hannah to focus her energy on honing her craft rather than worrying about rent.
Here's a quick look at some of the things she's been up to:
Comedy Gigs: Performing regularly across the UK.
Podcast: Co-hosting 'Ghost Huns' with Suzie Preece.
Edinburgh Fringe: Aiming to perform a solo show.
Media: Appearing in interviews and on other shows to discuss her Traitors experience.
Hannah's Prize Money Allocation
Winning The Traitors wasn't just about the thrill of the game for Hannah Byczkowski; it came with a significant financial boost. After being crowned a winner alongside Aaron and Meryl, Hannah walked away with a share of the £101,050 prize fund, which amounted to roughly £33,000. This wasn't just pocket money; for Hannah, it was a life-changing sum that allowed her to make some big moves.
Paying Bills and Living Expenses
Before even stepping into the castle, Hannah had to quit her job to commit to filming the show. This meant that when she emerged victorious, she had a period of no income to contend with. The prize money was a welcome relief, helping to cover essential living costs. She used a portion of it to settle her house contract and pay bills for a few months, providing a much-needed safety net. This financial stability was key to her next steps.
Funding Her Comedy Career
The bulk of Hannah's winnings was strategically invested in her burgeoning comedy career. Having dreamt of being a comedian for a while, the prize money provided the financial freedom to pursue this passion full-time. Instead of needing to juggle a day job, she could dedicate her energy to writing, performing, and building her act. She's openly stated that while she would have pursued comedy regardless, the winnings significantly accelerated the process, making the transition much smoother.
Financial Freedom and Life Changes
Beyond immediate expenses and career investment, the prize money offered Hannah a sense of financial freedom. It allowed her to make practical purchases, like a car, and to move back to her hometown of Stoke, commuting to London for work. This shift provided a better work-life balance and reduced her living costs. While £33,000 might not make everyone a millionaire, for Hannah, it was enough to fundamentally alter her life's trajectory, enabling her to chase her dreams with a bit more security.
It's interesting how a sum of money can act as a catalyst. For Hannah, it wasn't just about the cash itself, but what it represented: the chance to finally go all-in on something she loved, without the immediate pressure of a regular paycheck. It sounds like a pretty smart way to use a game show win.
Here's a breakdown of how the winnings were put to use:
Covering living expenses post-show.
Purchasing a car.
Paying off outstanding bills and contracts.
Investing in her stand-up comedy career, including show preparation.
Facilitating a move and reducing living costs.
The Traitors Winner's Perspective
Hannah Byczkowski really seemed to embrace the whole experience of being on The Traitors. She's mentioned that she didn't find it overly stressful, which is quite something given the nature of the show. It sounds like she just went with the flow and genuinely enjoyed the game itself, even before the prize money was on the table. For Hannah, it was more about the adventure and the unique opportunity it presented.
Enjoying the Game
When talking about her time on the show, Hannah has said things like, "I just enjoyed myself. I just sat back and relaxed." It wasn't about the pressure for her, but more about soaking up the atmosphere and the challenge. She saw it as a chance to play a game, and that's exactly what she did, without letting the stress get the better of her.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Hannah viewed her participation in The Traitors as a significant life event. She described it as "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity really, and that's before winning." This perspective highlights that the experience itself, the chance to be part of such a talked-about show, was a major draw, regardless of the financial outcome. It was the excitement and the novelty that really appealed to her.
The Reality of Post-Show Life
While the show was a fantastic experience, Hannah has also been open about the practicalities of life afterwards. She had to quit her job to film, meaning she needed her winnings to support herself while she pursued her comedy career full-time.
The prize money was helpful, no doubt about it, but Hannah's made it clear that she would have pursued her comedy dreams even without the win. The money just sped up the process, allowing her to focus on her passion without the immediate financial strain of her previous job.
Her winnings, around £33,000, were instrumental in covering her living expenses, paying bills, and getting a car, which allowed her the freedom to dedicate herself to comedy. It wasn't just about a windfall; it was about enabling a career change and providing a bit of breathing room to make that transition happen.
Hannah Byczkowski's Career Shift
From Social Care To Comedy
Before stepping into the intense world of The Traitors, Hannah Byczkowski was working in social care. It was a job that, while important, didn't quite ignite her passion. The opportunity to appear on the BBC show meant she had to leave this role behind, a decision that, looking back, feels like a necessary catalyst. This forced departure from her previous career path ultimately paved the way for her to fully commit to comedy. It wasn't just a temporary break; it was the push she needed to pursue her true calling.
The Role Of The Traitors Winnings
Winning The Traitors came with a significant prize money share, around £33,000 for Hannah. While she maintains she would have pursued comedy regardless, the financial boost certainly smoothed the transition. It meant she could cover essential living costs, pay off her house contract, and even buy a car, all while focusing her energy on building her stand-up career. It provided a safety net that allowed her to take the leap without the immediate pressure of finding another stable job.
Future Television Appearances
Having experienced the thrill of television, Hannah is keen to explore more opportunities. She's openly expressed a desire to appear on shows like Live at the Apollo, but her primary focus remains on live stand-up. She's also shown a willingness to take on various TV roles, indicating an open mind about where her career might lead. The success of The Traitors has clearly opened doors, and she's ready to walk through them, whether that's on stage or in front of the camera.
Hannah Byczkowski's Media Appearances
Since winning The Traitors, Hannah Byczkowski has certainly been busy making her mark beyond the castle walls. She's not just been doing interviews about the show, but has also branched out into other television formats and even taken her comedy on the road.
Interviews About The Traitors
After the intense drama of the series concluded, Hannah, like many of her fellow contestants, sat down for numerous interviews. She spoke openly about her experience, the strategies she employed, and the shock of being a Faithful who managed to outwit the Traitors. These discussions often touched upon how the show had changed her life, providing the financial stability to pursue her comedy career full-time. She's mentioned how the prize money, while helpful, wasn't the sole driver for her career change, but it certainly accelerated the process.
The Weakest Link Appearance
Hannah also put her general knowledge to the test on another popular BBC quiz show, The Weakest Link. This appearance showcased a different side of her personality, away from the strategic gameplay of The Traitors. It's always interesting to see how contestants adapt to different formats, and Hannah certainly held her own.
Ghost Huns Podcast Tour
Alongside her comedy aspirations, Hannah co-hosts the popular Ghost Huns podcast with Suzie Preece. The podcast, which delves into spooky tales and attempts to contact the paranormal, has gained a significant following. They've even taken their show on a live tour, bringing their unique brand of ghostly investigations and humour to audiences across the UK. This venture highlights her commitment to live performance and building a connection with fans directly. It's great to see her collaborating with fellow comedians and exploring different avenues within the entertainment industry, much like other winners such as Meryl Williams.
The transition from a career in social care to the unpredictable world of comedy and media appearances is a significant shift. Hannah's journey demonstrates a willingness to embrace new challenges and build upon the platform The Traitors provided. It's clear that while the show was a fantastic experience, the real work for her career has been ongoing since.
What's Next for Hannah?
So, Hannah Byczkowski, the comedian who outsmarted the Traitors, certainly had her life changed by the show. She had to leave her job to take part, and while the prize money helped with bills and getting her comedy career off the ground, she's made it clear she would have pursued her dream anyway. It just made things happen a bit faster. Now she's back to commuting and focusing on stand-up, even taking her show to the Edinburgh Fringe. Plus, she's got the Ghost Huns podcast with Suzie Preece, which is even going on tour. It sounds like Hannah's really making the most of the opportunity, proving that sometimes, taking a leap of faith really does pay off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Hannah do before The Traitors?
Before appearing on The Traitors, Hannah worked in social care. She actually had to quit her job to be able to film the show because her employer wouldn't give her time off.
How much money did Hannah win on The Traitors?
Hannah, along with her fellow winners Meryl and Aaron, scooped over £100,000 altogether. Her personal share was around £33,000.
What did Hannah do with her prize money?
Hannah used her winnings to help pay her bills and living expenses. It also helped her fund her dream of becoming a full-time comedian.
What is Hannah doing now?
Hannah is now pursuing her comedy career full-time. She also co-hosts a popular podcast called 'Ghost Huns' with her friend Suzie Preece, and they've even taken it on tour.
Did Hannah enjoy being on The Traitors?
Yes, Hannah really enjoyed her time on the show. She described it as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' and actually found the game quite relaxing, even the tense moments.
What are Hannah's future plans?
Hannah hopes to take her comedy show to the Edinburgh Fringe festival. She also enjoys doing live stand-up shows and continues to work on her 'Ghost Huns' podcast and tour.






