The BBC's hit reality show The Traitors returns with its fourth civilian season, featuring a groundbreaking twist that introduces a secret traitor among the faithfuls. This change aims to heighten deception and strategy, promising more intense gameplay following the success of the recent celebrity edition. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the series begins with 22 contestants arriving at the castle for a month-long psychological game.
The fourth civilian season of The Traitors premiered on or close to January 1, 2026, continuing the BBC's tradition of launching new episodes around the new year. This comes just a month after the finale of The Celebrity Traitors, which attracted a record 15 million viewers and featured notable moments like Alan Carr's unexpected victory as a traitor.
From the outset, the episode signals a major format shift. After a dramatic opening sequence with host Claudia Winkleman in a 4x4 shadowed by an owl, she hints at upheaval: “Just when they think they know how to play …” while brushing a red cloak. Unlike previous seasons, where Winkleman selected traitors directly, this year includes a “Secret Traitor” hidden among the faithfuls. This figure knows the identities of Winkleman's chosen traitors, nominates murder targets, and holds total oversight of the game—unknown even to viewers at home.
With 22 contestants, the show introduces key players early. Among them are Fiona, 62, from Swansea, who dithers to avoid suspicion; Stephen, a thirty-something Scot from the Isle of Lewis, drawing on experiences of assuming different identities; and Rachel, a calm communications head who once impersonated the Irish president’s daughter. Others include crime writer Harriet, 52; retired police detective Amanda, 57; barrister Hugo, a self-described “psychopathic teddy bear”; accounts worker Sam, 34; nursery teacher Netty, 42; and personal trainer Ross, 37, who share a shock reunion as lapsed acquaintances outside the castle.
The selected traitors react strongly to the twist, with one grumbling, “I do not require middle management,” upon learning they must kill to the Secret Traitor's orders. Their stricken expressions underscore the immediate disruption to their plans. The first challenge involves 100 coffins suspended across a loch, some containing cash to tow to shore, but players must voice suspicions and make quick decisions on shielding others from banishment. A secret blood tie between faithfuls is revealed near the end, hinting at more surprises ahead.
This audacious tweak addresses past criticisms, such as the advantage held by traitors over gullible faithfuls, and builds on the show's growing popularity as appointment viewing in the streaming era.
