About The Traitors
The Traitors is a BAFTA-winning psychological reality game show that has become one of the BBC’s biggest hits. Based on the Dutch format De Verraders, the show was commissioned by the BBC in October 2021 and first filmed in May 2022. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, it brings together a group of strangers in a Scottish castle where they must complete missions to build a prize fund of up to £120,000.
The show won two BAFTAs in 2023: Reality & Constructed Factual, and Entertainment Performance for Claudia Winkleman.
Filming Location
The Traitors is filmed at Ardross Castle, a stunning 19th-century estate in Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands, approximately 30 miles north of Inverness. The castle’s gothic architecture and misty Highland surroundings provide the perfect atmospheric backdrop for the game’s deception and drama.
How It Works
At the start of the game, a small number of contestants are secretly selected as “Traitors” while the rest are “Faithfuls”. Each night, the Traitors meet in secret to “murder” a Faithful, eliminating them from the game. During the day, all players discuss and vote to “banish” whoever they suspect of being a Traitor.
The Faithfuls win if they banish all the Traitors. The Traitors win if they remain undetected until the end. The surviving players share the prize pot – but if any Traitors remain, only they take the money.
Where to Watch
- Live: BBC One
- Catch-up: BBC iPlayer
- Time: 8pm on Wednesday to Friday during its run
Series History
| Series | Year | Winners | Status | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 1 | 2023 | Aaron Evans, Hannah Byczkowski, Meryl Williams | Faithfuls | £101,050 (split 3 ways) |
| Series 2 | 2024 | Harry Clark | Traitor | £95,150 |
| Series 3 | 2025 | Jake Brown, Leanne Quigley | Faithfuls | £94,600 (split) |
| Series 4 | 2026 | TBC | – | TBC |
Harry Clark remains the only Traitor to have won the UK version of the show, taking home the entire prize pot solo after successfully deceiving his fellow contestants throughout Series 2.
Series 4 premiered on 1 January 2026 and airs until the finale on 23 January 2026. This series introduced the “Secret Traitor” twist, where one Traitor was initially hidden from both the other Traitors and viewers.
Celebrity Traitors
A celebrity spin-off aired in 2025, featuring famous faces playing the game for charity. Alan Carr won as a Traitor, securing £87,500 for Neuroblastoma UK.
Host
Claudia Winkleman hosts The Traitors, bringing her signature wit and dramatic flair to the proceedings. Her BAFTA-winning hosting style – complete with all-black outfits and trademark fringe – has become synonymous with the show.
