BBC fans praised Claudia Winkleman’s new “villain” persona as she fronts a savage new murder mystery game show.

The 50-year-old TV star welcomed 22 competitors on the networks new show, The Traitors, which sees players work together to complete in gruelling challenges that add to their prize fund.

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But by night, a group chosen as the Traitors try to kill off one of the other group, the Faithful, each evening.

As Claudia welcomed the hopefuls to a castle in the Scottish Highlands, she asked them to line-up in order or who is most likely to win or lose the competition.

In a shock twist, she savagely told the weakest two that that if “you think you’re going to lose, I’m going to take you at your word,” before sending them home before even stepping foot in the castle.

“I’d like you to leave the grounds immediately,” she added, “it’s called the traitors.”

Player Theo was heard saying: “Claudia is a complete and utter savage. I know she’s an icon and all but she is not playing.”

Fans were loving Claudia’s bold behaviour, with many commenting on her evil twist.

“Claudia Winkleman, what a savage, I love it!” gushed one viewer.

A second agreed: “Yo I'm here for Dark!Claudia.”

While a thid penned: “Claudia is COLD and savage. I think I love her even more!”

Things got worse when she was seen selecting which of the players would be labelled the traitors, as she instructed them to wear blindfolds and tapped them on the shoulder, before reminding them they must murder their fellow contestants in their sleep.

“This is not cuddly #Strictly Claudia! This Claudia is a *savage*!” blasted one viewer.

“Claudia, you are ruthless in this. Love it!” agreed a second, while a fourth agreed: “ Loving the new sinister Claudia.”

A fourth even dubbed her a “ruthless villain,” saying: “We’re living for ruthless Villain Claudia!!”

The game shows the Faithful players none the wise about who the Traitors are and who the Faithful are, so the contestants try to work out who is lying before they become the next person "murdered".

Speaking of her new role, Claudia said: "It sounds totally straightforward but it's not because they all start second guessing everybody and don’t know whether they can trust their best friend.

“They’re not sure how a Traitor would behave or how a Faithful would behave and it messes with your head and it's gripping to watch."

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