The Traitors is set to return to BBC One for a fourth series on New Year’s Day and host Claudia Winkleman has teased a major twist
Claudia Winkleman has revealed details about the forthcoming series of The Traitors, and there’s a massive twist awaiting BBC audiences.
The cherished presenter is preparing to welcome 22 fresh contestants to the Scottish Highlands for the fourth instalment of the gameshow, launching on January 1st, 2026.
Her latest batch of Traitors and Faithfuls will be competing for a gleaming prize fund of up to £120,000. Following the format of earlier seasons, the contest begins with Claudia selecting her Traitors.
The remaining participants must then work to unmask the villains and eliminate them from the competition before the finale, reports Wales Online.
Should they triumph, the surviving Faithful contestants claim the monetary reward. However, should they falter, the Traitors get the chance to snatch the entire jackpot.
Prior to the fresh episodes, presenter Claudia has hinted at a significant twist.
Discussing what audiences can anticipate with the BBC, she revealed: “All I will say is there’s something new and what happens in this series is truly extraordinary with moments that made me gasp.
“I can’t wait for people to see it. The producers have the greatest minds on earth.”
Claudia admitted she was unable to elaborate on the twist, confessing: “I’d really love to but I’d get into enormous trouble.”
However, it’s likely the fresh shake-up involves the introduction of red cloaks. In the latest teaser, Claudia could be heard declaring: “It’s a little bit different this year,” whilst a Traitor wearing a crimson cloak made an appearance – a stark difference from the traditional green cloak.
Viewers have already begun speculating about the significance of this fresh attire, with many theorising it could belong to an entirely new ‘breed of Traitor’ who have new powers in the game.
But all we know for now is that the twist was enough to impress Claudia.
The first episode of season four will broadcast on BBC One at 8pm on New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1st). The follow-up episode is set to air at the same time on Friday, January 2nd, whilst the third episode will be shown on Saturday, January 3rd at 7.45pm.
Fans can also anticipate The Traitors: Uncloaked podcast, presented by Ed Gamble, which will commence on BBC Two following the main programme on January 1st at 9.05pm.
The programme will then transfer to BBC One for the remaining episodes of the 12-part gameshow.
The Traitors starts on New Year’s Day at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
