As the BBC’s gripping game show The Traitors prepares for its eagerly awaited comeback, fans are bracing themselves for another series packed with unexpected plot twists, suspicion, double-crossing and treachery. Presented by Claudia Winkleman, the murder mystery programme pits ‘Faithfuls’ against ‘Traitors’ in a race to win a cash prize that could reach an impressive £120,000.
However, after the previous two series, sharp-eyed viewers have been left mulling over some fascinating questions as they eagerly anticipate the dramatic new series and all the surprises it will bring.
Do the contestants get paid?
While contestants aren’t officially paid, they do need to take time off work, which results in lost earnings. To prevent them from suffering financially, they receive a daily allowance of around £100, according to Surrey Live.
Do all the cast apply for the show?
While The Traitors does accept applications through an online process, some cast members are also scouted by the producers, reports the Express.
The show’s creators prefer genuine participants over fame-seekers to keep the show authentic. They sometimes scout people from poker and chess clubs, or fans of strategy games.
Are the Traitors really chosen by Claudia herself?
Claudia Winkleman, instantly recognisable with her signature fingerless gloves and Fair Isle jumpers, reigns supreme on The Traitors, taking a prominent role in the selection of Traitors. Yet, what viewers don’t see is her involvement with the production team in these pivotal choices.
Outside contact
A strict rule on the show is the prohibition of outside contact. If participants had access to phones or the internet, they could unfairly dig up information on one another. To maintain secrecy, even TV remotes are sometimes removed from their hotel rooms. .
Claire from the first series disclosed that contestants are blindfolded and escorted individually to their hotels to keep the Traitors’ identities under wraps.
The breakfast served might look appetising on screen, but Ivan, a contestant from the initial series, spilled the beans on social media, admitting: “I’m sorry guys, it’s time to come clean and leak something shocking about The Traitors. It pains me to tell you, but that breakfast is REALLY DRY AND NOT VERY NICE.”
Contrary to what it may seem, contestants do not dine in the castle but rather have their meals in their hotel rooms before shooting begins.
Contestants on the show might appear to be preparing for a night in the castle’s opulent four-poster beds, but they actually rest their heads in a hotel close to Inverness Airport, located 45 minutes from the castle. Clearing up whether the Faithfuls meet their fate at night, John McManus from the first series of The Traitors explained that the grim ‘murders’ take place in broad daylight: “Everybody goes to the castle at the same time in different jeeps and then you’re all put into separate holding rooms. It’s like a Big Brother diary room with the letter sat on the chair in front of you, and it just says, ‘The Traitors have murdered you’,” he revealed.
Claudia Winkleman is back for a new series of the Traitors
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This accounts for why some ousted participants seem ready for the camera rather than ruffled from sleep. Contestants may only frequent certain areas within the castle, including the library, a small bar, the billiards room, and the round table room for banishments, contrary to what TV footage might imply.
Filming at Ardross Castle brings its own set of challenges, as Claire from season one reflected on the frenetic atmosphere with “gaffer tape and wires” everywhere and “production staff, filming crew and sound crew all running around.”
You might think there’s just one confessional room, but to keep the show running smoothly, multiple identical rooms are used, typically ranging from four to five. When it comes to nicotine or a tipple, contestants on the show are permitted to smoke or vape during breaks, under close watch of course.
They also get to enjoy alcohol, but only in moderation – with a cap at two drinks as evidenced by scenes showing them unwinding post-banishments. Wilfred from the first UK series noted: “They said two but they [staff] always disappeared after one. They don’t want us to mess up and get drunk and accidentally do something.”
Wondering about the climate in the round table banishment room?
It’s intentionally kept cold—and not just for atmosphere. The high air conditioning levels are a calculated choice by producers to heighten tensions. Additionally, as part of the process before a participant is ousted, they’re made to listen to ‘The Hanging Tree’ from ‘The Hunger Games’ soundtrack to intensify the already heavy mood.
Alone time on the show is virtually non-existent; contestants find themselves under constant observation except while in their hotel rooms, ensuring that all strategic discussions are captured on camera. On-site security ensures no secretive conversations or plans can be hatched off the record, keeping everyone honest about who might be a Traitor.
Series one participant Claire disclosed a behind-the-scenes secret of ‘The Traitors’ – contestants are blindfolded and individually escorted to their hotels to prevent any speculation on who the betrayers could be, suggesting a rather intense filming ethos. Long hours are part of the deal, as the show often demands late-night shoots, according to another series one contestant, Meryl Williams.
The contestants for series three have been revealed
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She details that while the week was hectic with a Monday to Saturday schedule, Sundays were reserved for some much-needed downtime.
For those wondering how much of the reality TV is unscripted, Wilf from the original series gives an inside scoop. He asserts that despite the constant presence of cameras and the nature of formatted programmes, the interactions between cast members were genuine, remarking: “We forgot about the cameras.”
While asserting there was no overt meddling by producers, he acknowledges that perhaps there were indirect strategies employed to maintain suspense about traitors’ identities and guide the gameplay.
The subject of souvenirs from the set also came up, and while it doesn’t appear that participants get to take away pieces of the set or props, Wilf shares they did receive personal keepsakes – their portraits from the show’s gallery, which are iconic visuals throughout the series. On top of that, they were presented with The Traitors board game – an ironic gift considering the intense drama they lived through during filming.
Some might say, after the real-life experience, a board game iteration may be surplus to requirements in their home life.
Claudia will be welcoming a new batch of contestants onto the show
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