Series 4 introduces 22 new contestants all prepared to do what it takes to win the jackpot
As the festive season of 2025 comes to an end, the new year is set to kick off with a brand new series of hit BBC show The Traitors.
The first UK series aired in 2022, and a few months ago the first Celebrity Traitors aired on BBC with Traitor Alan Carr taking home the huge jackpot win for his chosen charity.
Now, Claudia Winkleman has returned to welcome 22 new contestants to the Scottish castle with the hopes of winning up to £120,000 in the final episode.
The hit psychological series has become a much-loved staple for viewers, and has received various accolades such as winning best reality and constructed factual show at the 2023 Bafta television awards.
When asked if she has anything to tease in the new series, Claudia shared: “All I will say is there’s something new and what happens in this series is truly extraordinary with moments that made me gasp. I can’t wait for people to see it. The producers have the greatest minds on earth.”
She added: “I love watching them at breakfast. The second they walk in and react to each other over a plate of sliced cheese is fascinating to me. I love the bonding and the excitement of the missions but the round table is probably the bit I get most excited about. Watching how they play, it’s addictive.”
Last year, viewers watched as Leanne and Jake were the winners. They decided to put their trust in each other meaning they left with a share of the £94,600 prize pot and walk away with £47, 300 each.
Jake told Claudia immediately after his win: “I can’t feel… I feel like my body is about to collapse. I’m just so happy.” Leanne also claimed that it had been “so stressful” getting through the series but has had an “amazing” time despite it all. She said: “It’s been so so, hard, so stressful. But what an amazing experience, I never win anything!”
What time is The Traitors on and where to watch?
Starting on New Year’s Day, Faithful viewers will once again be treated to the ultimate reality game of trust and treachery with the first few episodes airing as follows: Episode 1 at 8pm on Thursday January 1, episode 2 at 8pm on Friday January 2, and for the first time, Episode 3 will air on a Saturday (January 3) at 7.45pm.
After the first week, the episodes will air from Wednesday to Friday every week until the series reaches its final episode.
Each episode will become available for viewers to stream on BBC iPlayer after they have aired on BBC One. The series usually lasts just over 3 weeks, so fans of the show can expect it to run until late January.
Where is The Traitors filmed?
Previous series have been filmed over the summer of 2024 at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. The 19th-century castle is located just north of Inverness, and is perfect for the eerie setting of the show.
Speaking about the backdrop, Claudia said: “The Scottish Highlands might be the most beautiful place on the planet. It’s a privilege to spend so much time surrounded by the jaw dropping landscape. I’ve never been anywhere like it.
“There’s something about the expanse of sky, the breathtaking lochs and the flora and fauna. I am officially in love with gorse. Not only that the people we meet in Inverness are the warmest and greatest and now we’ve been back a few times it’s lovely to see familiar faces.”
