The Traitors star confirmed as Make a Difference judge

A former contestant in The Traitors has revealed she felt "honoured" by the invitation to be a judge at the upcoming BBC Make a Difference Awards.

Amanda Collier, a former Metropolitan Police senior detective from Brighton, says this opportunity is one of many which has been presented to her since she appeared on the hit BBC show.

"I said 'yes' because I believe making a difference is something we can all get involved in. It really does ripple out to everybody around you," she told BBC Radio Sussex.

Collier will announce the winner of the Young Hero Award at the upcoming BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Radio Surrey Make a Difference Awards.

The former detective has made it clear this category is close to her heart.

She said: "As a young person, it sets the tone for the rest of their lives. If you put young people with strong values in the spotlight, that influence spreads to their friends, families and communities. Young people are our future."

Collier's decades as a police officer, and latterly detective, shaped her belief in kindness, fairness and giving people a voice.

She says she sees parallels with the upcoming awards.

Collier said: "I joined the police to help people who didn't always have one.

"Make A Difference encompasses that - being kind, giving back, and widening the impact of what you do."

To nominate someone for any of the eight categories visit the Make a Difference site which will close for nominations at 17:00 BST on 31 March.

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