The bleak post-Christmas period is about to get a serious dose of high-stakes drama as The Traitors returns for its fourth series on New Year's Day. The BBC's award-winning show, which has become a winter television staple, promises nail-biting scenes of deception and the perfect reason for friends to gather around the screen.
A Promise of Something New
After three hugely popular main series and a recent celebrity spin-off, some viewers might fear the format could grow repetitive. However, host Claudia Winkleman has assured fans that 'there's something new' this time around. She teased that the upcoming series contains moments that left her gasping, describing it as 'truly extraordinary'.
'I can't wait for people to see it,' Winkleman added. 'The producers have the greatest minds on Earth.' Her comments follow a cryptic hint from Celebrity Traitors winner Alan Carr, who, after his victory, read a note warning new Traitors to 'look after the place' because they would 'never guess what Claudia's got planned this time'.
The Mystery of the Red Cloak
The speculation about the new twist ignited on Christmas Day when the BBC released a teaser trailer featuring a figure in a never-before-seen red cloak. This immediately sent fans online into a frenzy of theory-crafting.
Some wondered if it signalled a new traitor role, while others delved deeper. One popular theory on social media platform X suggests the red cloak could belong to a secret 'rogue' traitor, unknown to the other Traitors, who would work against both sides to potentially steal the entire prize fund.
Our Deputy TV Editor theorises that while a classic 'detective' role is possible, a more thrilling addition could be a 'Super Traitor' – a murderer operating within the Traitors' ranks who can target their fellow conspirators. This would shake up the dynamic and challenge the formidable power of a united Traitor team.
Returning to the Scottish Highlands
The new series will see 22 new contestants descend on the stunning Scottish Highlands castle, all vying for a potential prize of £120,000. Claudia Winkleman herself has heaped praise on the location, calling it 'the most beautiful place on the planet' and a privilege to work in.
The show's immense popularity is undeniable. The recent Celebrity Traitors final attracted an average audience of 11.1 million viewers, peaking at 12 million, as the nation watched Alan Carr's unlikely victory, winning £87,500 for charity.
Winkleman revealed even her own family was gripped, with her husband and son screaming in shock at the outcome. 'Genuinely, I'd lose my job,' she said about keeping spoilers secret. 'Plus, there's no fun in knowing.'
The new series of The Traitors begins on 1st January at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
