The Traitors: Jessie is Redefining Normal for Those Who Stammer
In the latest season of The Traitors, audiences are not only treated to unexpected plot twists and the intrigue of secret traitors, but they are also witnessing a remarkable representation of stammering through contestant Jessie Stride.
Jessie, a 28-year-old hairdresser from Hull, bravely shared during the premiere episode that introducing herself was "one of the biggest tests ever"—a sentiment that resonates deeply with many who face similar challenges. Take Hayley Rawlings, for example, a 34-year-old from Newport who has dealt with her own stammer since the age of four. For her, seeing Jessie on screen was a refreshing moment of validation.
"I believe viewers at home will watch her and think, 'Oh, I’m not going to be laughed at or considered foolish,'" Hayley remarked, highlighting the crucial importance of representation, especially for young women who often feel sidelined. Stammering—often referred to as stuttering—is a speech disorder characterized by interruptions in the flow of speech, such as repetitions or prolonged sounds. According to STAMMA, a charity focused on stammering, it affects around 8% of children and at least 1% of adults, with many individuals unaware they have a stutter. Notably, males tend to be affected more than females.
In the second week of the series, Jessie stood out by successfully identifying Stephen as a traitor and demonstrating strong leadership during challenges. Hayley emphasized that Jessie's skills in the game, paired with the fact that her stammer wasn't the focal point, provided viewers with something relatable. She said, "It was really impactful to hear her explain that saying her name is one of the hardest tasks, which resonates with nearly everyone who stammers. It’s a word you cannot easily substitute."
Hayley expressed optimism about how others reacted to Jessie, noting the growing acceptance of individuals who stammer: "It wasn’t a big deal; it’s heartening to see that everyone was simply allowing her the time to speak, likely without even realizing they were doing the right thing." She further pointed out that media portrayals often cast people with stammers in a negative light, sometimes suggesting that their speech issues stem from trauma. "This exposure could enlighten many about what stammering truly is and reinforce that it’s just a normal part of some people's lives," she added.
As a woman who stammers, Hayley finds it particularly empowering to see a young female like Jessie represented on such a platform. Historically, she notes that charity work for stammering has been dominated by older men, making it hard for her to connect. "It’s refreshing to see someone relatable that young people can identify with," she stated.
Looking ahead in the competition, Hayley is curious to see how Jessie handles pressure, suggesting it would be fascinating to observe her responses when accused by other contestants. "I’ve often wondered how a stammer would come into play on a show like this, especially since people naturally fumble their words when lying. It would be intriguing to see how the other players react to Jessie under those circumstances."
'I Don’t Watch The Traitors, But I Tune In for Jessie'
Joe Dilling, a physiotherapy technical instructor from St Athan in Vale of Glamorgan, has also lived with a stammer since he was six. At 26 now, he finds common ground with Jessie, particularly regarding the anxiety of self-introductions. He noted, "For many people, that is the most nerve-wracking situation. I can only imagine how stressful it must have been for her."
Joe, who has never watched The Traitors before, now finds himself tuning in specifically to see Jessie. He believes those who stammer often possess heightened awareness of social cues. "Awareness is crucial because there are still many who misunderstand stammering, leading to awkward encounters. It’s vital to showcase individuals like Jessie, emphasizing that their stammer isn’t their sole identity," he explained.
Kirsten Howells, the deputy chief executive of STAMMA, echoed these sentiments during a conversation on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast. She pointed out that many individuals who stammer frequently struggle to say their own names, as highlighted by Jessie in the first episode. "When you're asked to state something specific on demand, like your name or account number, it often triggers stammering. This is a reality that the general public may not fully grasp, making Jessie’s visibility on such a grand scale all the more important," she articulated.
"Jessie is showing that this is a normal experience for many individuals who stammer. Let’s create an environment where we expect this and allow ample time for people to express themselves," Kirsten concluded.
The Traitors continues to air on BBC One and iPlayer, with the next episode scheduled for January 14 at 8 PM.
