Discover the hidden truths behind BBC’s The Traitors and the strict rules contestants must follow during the game
Inverness: The buzz around the return of BBC’s The Traitors is real! Fans are gearing up for another season filled with surprises, deceit, and a whole lot of drama.
This show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, pits the ‘Faithfuls’ against the ‘Traitors’ in a quest for a cash prize that could hit £120,000. Sounds exciting, right?
After two seasons, viewers have been left with some burning questions. Like, does Claudia really choose the Traitors? And do the contestants actually stay in that stunning Scottish castle? TV columnist Sara Wallis is here to clear things up.
For starters, contestants don’t get paid, but they do receive about £100 a day to cover their lost earnings while they’re away from work. Fair enough, right?
One strict rule? No outside contact. If contestants had their phones, they could easily snoop on each other, which would ruin the game. Sometimes, even the TV remotes in their hotel rooms are taken away!
And about that breakfast? Ivan from the first season spilled the beans, saying it’s not as tasty as it looks. He described it as “really dry and not very nice.” Ouch!
As for sleeping arrangements, contestants don’t actually stay in the castle. They’re put up in a hotel about 45 minutes away. So much for those cozy castle vibes!
And those dramatic ‘murders’? They happen in the morning, not at night. John from season one explained that everyone gets transported to the castle together, and the ‘murders’ are revealed in a holding room. Talk about a twist!
Contestants can’t just roam around the castle either. They only have access to certain areas, like the library and the banishment room. Filming is a big operation, with crew members buzzing around everywhere.
When it comes to confessionals, there are actually multiple rooms, not just one. This helps keep things moving smoothly during filming.
And yes, contestants can smoke and drink, but there are limits. They can have a couple of drinks, but the staff keeps a close eye on them to prevent any wild behavior.
The banishment room is intentionally cold to ramp up the tension. Before banishments, contestants even listen to ‘The Hanging Tree’ from The Hunger Games soundtrack to set the mood.
Contestants are never alone, except in their hotel rooms. They’re always monitored to avoid any sneaky game talk. Security is tight, even blindfolding them when they’re taken back to their hotels.
While anyone can apply to be on the show, some contestants are scouted by producers. They prefer genuine players over fame-seekers, often looking for fans of strategy games.
Claudia does have a say in choosing the Traitors, but she consults with producers too. It’s a team effort!
Filming can be long and tiring, with some days stretching into the early hours. But they do get Sundays off to recharge.
Wilf from the first season shared that the show isn’t scripted. They were left to their own devices, forgetting about the cameras. However, the production team does influence things behind the scenes to keep the game interesting.
And what about souvenirs? Contestants don’t get to keep props, but they do receive their portraits from the show and even a copy of The Traitors board game. A nice memento after all that drama!
The Traitors returns to BBC One and iPlayer tonight at 8pm
