Fans of high-stakes reality television have a new reason to clear their schedules as The Traitors has returned to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its much-anticipated fourth season. Kicking off on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 8pm—an hour earlier than its usual time slot—the show immediately set social media abuzz and glued viewers to their screens with its signature blend of suspense, strategy, and psychological intrigue. With 22 new contestants descending upon the foreboding Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, and Claudia Winkleman once again presiding with her trademark wit and wardrobe, this season promises to be the most unpredictable yet.
For those unfamiliar, The Traitors is a game of deception and deduction. Contestants are secretly divided into two groups: the Faithful, who must work together to complete daily missions and build a prize pot of up to £120,000, and the Traitors, who covertly plot to eliminate the Faithful one by one. The Faithful's challenge is to identify and banish the Traitors before the endgame, while the Traitors aim to remain undiscovered and claim the prize for themselves. According to BBC, this season teases “even more twists, turns, secrets, epic missions, deception, banishments and murders aplenty.”
The series opener did not disappoint. In a 65-minute premiere, Claudia Winkleman welcomed the new cast—an eclectic mix of personalities and professions, ranging from a bestselling crime writer and a retired police detective to a cyber security consultant and a PhD student. The confirmed contestants include Harriet, 52, a crime writer and former barrister from London; Amanda, 57, a retired police detective from Brighton; Stephen, 32, a cyber security consultant from London; and Jade, 25, a PhD student from the West Midlands, among others. The diversity of backgrounds promises a season rich in both social dynamics and strategic maneuvering.
In a move that immediately set this season apart, Claudia selected three Traitors in the very first episode: Stephen, Hugo, and Rachel. But the surprises didn’t end there. In a twist that left both the contestants and viewers stunned, Claudia also announced the existence of an unidentified Secret Traitor. This addition is a first for the series and has already sparked wild speculation among fans. As reported by The Independent, this twist “is... intriguing. You could see their faces fall a bit when they were told they’d been given a shortlist.” The shadowy presence of a Secret Traitor is sure to keep everyone guessing—and second-guessing—throughout the competition.
The first episode’s challenge was as eerie as ever, with contestants tasked to collect coffins from a body of water—a suitably macabre start to the new year. The atmosphere was thick with suspicion and nerves as alliances began to form and cracks in trust appeared almost immediately. If past seasons are any indication, these early fractures could prove pivotal as the game unfolds.
Adding another layer of intrigue, contestant Roxy revealed she is actually the daughter of fellow contestant Judy. The pair have decided to keep their relationship under wraps for now, introducing a secret alliance that could tilt the balance of power—if they can avoid detection. As The Independent noted, “Roxy is Judy’s daughter? And they’re keeping schtum about it. Surely that’ll be clocked at some point.” Such hidden connections are the lifeblood of a show built on deception and surprise.
This season’s cast is particularly notable for its breadth of experience and strategic acumen. Alongside the aforementioned Harriet and Amanda, viewers will meet the likes of Netty, a nursery school teacher from Glasgow; Ross, a sales exec and personal trainer from London; Ellie, a psychologist; and Faraaz, a 22-year-old internal auditor from Middlesborough. With such a varied group, every episode promises fresh alliances, betrayals, and dramatic reveals.
Of course, The Traitors wouldn’t be the phenomenon it is without its host. Claudia Winkleman once again brings her unique blend of humor and gravitas, guiding contestants through the psychological minefield with both empathy and razor-sharp commentary. In the lead-up to the season, Claudia teased an “extraordinary twist” for the fourth series, and the red cloak twist has already become a talking point among fans. In promotional clips, a contestant was shown in a red cloak—breaking the tradition of Traitors wearing only dark green. Theories abound: is it a returning Traitor, a double agent, or something even more diabolical? Claudia’s cryptic warning, “Sleep well… if you can,” only added fuel to the fire.
The show’s success has been meteoric. The previous autumn saw the first-ever UK celebrity edition, which broke records for the BBC and delivered unforgettable moments—from Celia Imrie’s comedic brilliance to Alan Carr’s rollercoaster journey as both the “worst (then the best) Traitor.” That season’s popularity set the stage for this year’s civilian edition, raising expectations sky-high. Alan Carr, now a national treasure after his celebrity win, even delivered a cheeky message to the new contestants: “Dear new Traitors. Look after the place, won’t you, because you’ll never guess what Claudia [Winkleman] has planned this time. It’s big. Good luck – you’re definitely going to need it...”
The release schedule for the first two weeks is packed: Episode 1 aired on January 1 at 8pm, Episode 2 on January 2 at 8pm, and Episode 3 on January 3 at 7:45pm. Episodes 4, 5, and 6 are scheduled for January 7, 8, and 9, all at 8pm, with more dates to be confirmed. Each episode is available to stream on BBC iPlayer after broadcast, making it easy for fans to catch up or rewatch their favorite moments.
For those who crave even more behind-the-scenes intrigue, the spin-off show The Traitors: Uncloaked has also returned, hosted by Ed Gamble. Airing immediately after the main show on BBC Two and then moving back to BBC One for subsequent episodes, Uncloaked offers fans deeper analysis, contestant interviews, and the kind of insider gossip that makes the guessing game even more addictive.
Reflecting on the legacy of previous seasons, it’s clear why The Traitors has captured the public imagination. Season 3 ended with ex-soldier Leanne and project manager Jake, both Faithfuls, splitting a £94,600 prize pot, while the year before saw Traitor Harry walk away with £95,150. Each season, the stakes seem higher, the twists sharper, and the contestants bolder.
As the fourth season unfolds, viewers can expect a masterclass in manipulation, trust, and betrayal. With new twists, a Secret Traitor, and a cast full of surprises, The Traitors is set to dominate the conversation—and maybe even inspire a few trust issues in group chats everywhere.
