The Traitors viewers distracted by major change just minutes into new series

ok.co.uk:

Claudia Winkleman was back at the helm for the second series of The Traitors and as the first episode opened, she was seen sitting at a writing desk penning a letter to contestants.

As she read out the contents of the invitation to an owl, viewers were quick to pick up on her new sidekick. But it wasn't just viewers who noticed the owl as one contestant even referenced "Claudia's friend" as they headed into the Scottish Castle where the series is filmed.

Commenting online, one viewer posted: "Love Claudia's new co-host. #TheTraitors," while a second added: "Love how that owl was ‘winking’ in the entry shot then.

Clearly a traitor #TheTraitors." A third continued: "The tawny owl is already my favourite in this season. #TheTraitors." Someone else shared: "Obsessed by the fact that Claudia has a minion owl this season and that isn’t even as camp as the fact she’s had a raven’s wing rinse done on her hair for extra dark wizard feeling. #TheTraitors." Another continued: "I like that there is an ominous owl in this series, really adds to the drama #TheTraitors." Someone else begged: "PLEASE STOP CUTTING TO THE OWL I'M CRYING #TheTraitors." Ahead of the new series of The Traitors, Claudia warned viewers this year's contestants are "more brutal".