The highly anticipated third season of BBC's reality show, The Traitors, has finally made its much-awaited debut. Airing every Thursday at 8pm, the latest episodes promise more intrigue, backstabbing, and suspense as contestants from across the UK vie for the substantial prize of £120,000. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the show is set against the backdrop of the stunning Ardross Castle, located 30 miles north of Inverness, Scotland.
While Ardross Castle, with its majestic architecture and surrounding parkland, is where much of the action takes place, there’s been plenty of buzz surrounding one seemingly simple question — where do the contestants actually sleep? Despite the show's glamorous appeal, the reality for contestants is far less ornate.
Filming took place last July, giving rise to speculation and surprise when it was revealed by both Winkleman and the host of the US version, Alan Cumming, where the contestants unwind after the dramatic roundtable discussions. According to Cumming, "How glamorous you come to Scotland, and you stay in the Inverness airport hotel." Yes, contestants actually spend their nights at the Courtyard by Marriott, located a 40-minute drive away from the castle, right next to Inverness Airport.
After the final roundtable discussion concludes each evening, the contestants are transported to their hotel, leaving the illustrious castle behind until the next morning. Here, they enjoy breakfast at the hotel before returning to the castle, where they are treated to the lavish breakfast spread arranged for them, filled with pastries and juices, upon their emotional return among the group. This twist brings on additional layers of complexity as they can't communicate outside of the game rules.
Social media has been abuzz with viewers expressing their surprise and disappointment over the contestants’ accommodations. One fan wrote, "Just started watching The Traitors and it’s annoying me they don’t actually sleep in the castle?" Others chimed in, expressing the disillusionment of not seeing contestants cozily resting within the castle walls itself.
For many, the notion of sleeping at the historic castle added to the romantic allure of the show, but it turns out the reality is more practical. Contestants are also prohibited from using their phones during filming, creating an environment where secrecy reigns supreme. Reports from former contestants also indicated security measures, such as guards stationed to prevent any collaborations outside the permissible gameplay.
This season brings increased stakes with the number of contestants rising from 22 to 25, and as the twist of not declaring whether they are Traitors or Faithfuls upon banishment is introduced, viewers can expect heightened tension and drama. With filming happening within the beautifully scenic landscapes of Ardross Castle, it's no surprise it has gained popularity not just for its gameplay but also for its aesthetic allure.
Ardross Castle itself, steeped in history, features stunning grounds spanning over 100 acres of parkland and scenic gardens along the banks of the River Alness. Originally built as part of the estate owned by the Duke of Sutherland, the castle has changed hands multiple times throughout history. The property is now privately owned by the McTaggart family, who have restored it and opened it up for corporate events and weddings, though individual stays aren’t accommodated.
While it may not be possible for fans to sleep within the castle’s historic rooms, the overall atmosphere captured during the filming renders the show visually captivating. Fans of the US version similarly experienced nights at the Inverness airport hotel as their filming took place at Ardross as well.
Behind the scenes, contestants aren’t just battling against each other strategically; they also receive substantial support from psychological staff. Wilf, who competed in the show's first series, mentioned how the well-being team and Claudia Winkleman were instrumental during the tough phases of the competition.
Providing insight on his experience, Wilf noted, "Luckily the well-being team and their psychs and stuff are really quite good. They have got your back. And even Claudia, there's a time where you can see it on the episode where I got rid of Amanda. I just break down to Claudia. She was really supportive as well because it’s a hard show."
The high stakes of the game mirror the intensity of contestants’ emotional experiences. Viewers are granted heart-stopping moments during the iconic breakfast scenes, where shocking revelations of who has been 'murdered' take place. Still, some contestants have humorously likened breakfast to be “really dry and not very nice,” as one past contestant posted on social media.
Despite the less-than-glamorous sleeping arrangements, The Traitors continues to hold fans captivated as they cheer for their favourite contestants and question the allegiances formed amid deception. The interactive nature integrating viewer reactions on social media adds another layer, inviting fans to have their voices heard and theories debated about gameplay strategies and contestant dynamics.
Whether you’re rooting for the Faithfuls or the Tractors, one thing is sure: as the season progresses, the twists certainly will keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Tune in each week as The Traitors promises to deliver thrilling drama filled with multi-dimensional characters, stunning landscapes, and the ever-elusive search for loyalty — all against the backdrop of the intriguing Ardross Castle.