Justice for Justine 'IT HAS BEEN A REAL FIGHT'

The Traitors star brings the laughs, but the fun has come at a cost

-  Aroha Awarau

Stand-up comedian Justine Smith was a fan favourite during her time as a contestant on the reality TV phenomenon The Traitors NZ, a murder mystery-inspired social experiment with a chance for the players to win up to $70,000.

But when Justine was "murdered" and left the show last week, it was no laughing matter. "I was gutted!" she admits. "But when I left, at least I was wearing a cute outfit and looked good!"

Deception, lies and betrayal are the name of the game in the competition that has taken the world by storm. The local version, hosted by Paul Henry, has contestants known as the "Faithfuls" trying to unmask the "Traitors", the secret saboteurs within the group who are tasked with "murdering" the Faithfuls one by one.

Justine says she loved being on the show - mainly because each contestant had their own room in a secluded luxurious location and had long periods spent by themselves.

"I'm a stand-up comedian, so I like my space," she tells. "I'm a private person. We had our own beautiful room. It was a haven being able to have that time by myself."

But when it was time to film and interact with the rest of the contestants, Justine enjoyed the chance to strategise and play the game.

"I'm comfortable in social settings," she explains. "I went into the game with an open mind and calmness. I loved the social experiment aspect of the game. I knew I was going to handle myself well and that I wouldn't lose my temper.