Edinburgh actor Mark Bonnar has quickly become a fan favourite on Celebrity Traitors, and experts believe he could have a real shot at winning the reality competition thanks to one surprising factor: his accent.
According to linguistic expert Noel Wolf, celebrities with regional accents are often perceived as more “honest” and “authentic” by their fellow contestants, giving them an advantage in a game built on trust and deception. Wolf explained that stars with more “well-spoken” voices, such as Stephen Fry, tend to draw suspicion instead.
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Alan Carr’s distinctive Northampton twang and Joe Wilkinson’s dry Southern delivery strike that sweet spot between humorous and down-to-earth — traits that people tend to respond positively to.
Ms. Wolf said.
On the other hand, more polished or formal accents, like Sir Stephen Fry’s or Celia Imrie’s Received Pronunciation, might be perceived as authoritative but could require extra effort to come across as relatable in a time when Received Pronunciation seems to be falling out of favour, which is particularly challenging in a game built around deceit and emotional alliances.
She added
Bonnar, 56, known for his “gentle Scottish tones,” may therefore have a natural edge. Ms. Wolf, representing the language learning platform Babbel.com, noted that regional voices like Bonnar’s often make speakers sound “approachable and authentic.”
Other celebrity contestants also benefit from their natural speaking styles. Comedian Alan Carr’s Midlands twang and Joe Wilkinson’s Southern dryness give off warmth and relatability, while Charlotte Church’s “Valleys lilt” from Cardiff helps project friendliness and trustworthiness.
Ms. Wolf referenced University of Sheffield and Spa Seekers research showing that the Welsh accent was rated by Brits as the most relaxing in the UK, reinforcing “its reputation as one of the friendliest and most trustworthy regional voices.”
This might help Church become a frontrunner on the show much like London-raised Charlotte Berman, who famously used a fake Welsh accent to great success on the regular Traitors series earlier this year.
As for Bonnar, his calm, down-to-earth tone might be his strongest weapon one that could take him “all the way” in Celebrity Traitors.
Source: Yahoo News
