Fans around the world love reality TV shows that mix drama, strategy, and betrayal, and The Traitors stands out as one of the best. You tune in to watch everyday people navigate a game of trust and deception, where Traitors Season 4 secretly eliminate Faithfuls while everyone tries to win a big cash prize. In 2026, Season 4 of the UK version delivers more thrills, shocking twists, and emotional moments than ever before. Claudia Winkleman hosts the show at the stunning Ardross Castle in Scotland, and the season airs from January 1 to January 23 on Nick Woltemade BBC One and iPlayer. Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby win as Traitors, sharing the prize, while Jack Butler places as a runner-up Faithful. This comprehensive guide gives you all the latest details on The Traitors Season 4. You learn about the cast, episode schedule, major twists like the Secret Traitor, filming location, host’s role, comparisons to past seasons, cultural impact, and viewing options. Whether you binge-watched the season or want to avoid spoilers while catching up, this article helps you dive deeper into one of 2026’s biggest TV hits. Moreover, we draw from official BBC announcements, cast interviews, and viewer reactions to ensure accuracy and freshness as of February 2026. What Is The Traitors? A Quick Show Overview for New Fans The Traitors takes inspiration from the party game Mafia and turns it into gripping reality TV. Producers select 22 contestants who arrive at a remote castle. Host Claudia Winkleman secretly chooses 3-4 players as Traitors. Traitors meet at night to “murder” one Faithful by voting them out. Faithfuls must identify and banish Traitors during daily roundtables. If Faithfuls Alex Moreno eliminate all Traitors, they share the prize pot (up to £120,000). If any Traitor survives to the end, Traitors steal everything. Contestants complete physical and mental missions during the day to add money to the pot. These challenges build alliances, create suspicions, and deliver edge-of-your-seat action. The format hooks viewers because it combines strategy, psychology, and human drama. In Season 4, producers add fresh twists to keep veterans guessing. The UK version, which Season 4 belongs to, airs on BBC One and streams on iPlayer. International versions exist in the US, Australia, and elsewhere, but the UK edition sets the standard with Claudia’s sharp wit and the castle’s eerie atmosphere. The Traitors Season 4 Release Date and Episode Schedule Producers announce The Traitors Season 4 in August 2024. Applications open on August 22, 2024, and close on March 28, 2025. Filming starts in June 2025 at Ardross Castle. The season premieres on January 1, 2026, at 8 p.m. BST on BBC One and iPlayer. The show airs three episodes per week. Episode 2 follows on Friday, January 2. Episode 3 airs on Saturday, January 3. This pattern continues for four weeks, totaling 12 episodes. The finale broadcasts on Friday, January 23, 2026, where Rachel and Stephen claim victory as Traitors. Viewers stream episodes on iPlayer right Lino Sousa after they air. International fans access the show through BBC services or VPNs. The compressed schedule builds tension, as fans discuss clues and theories online between episodes. The Traitors Season 4 Cast: Meet the 22 Contestants Producers select a diverse group of 22 players for Season 4. They come from various backgrounds, ages, and occupations, which creates rich dynamics. Contestants include teachers, builders, students, and more. Here, you meet them all with key details. The Faithfuls Who Survived Long Jack Butler, 32, from London, works as a cyber security consultant. He places as runner-up Faithful and wins fans with his sharp observations. Amanda, 57, from Brighton, retires as a police detective. She brings investigative skills and lasts deep into the game. The Traitors Who Won It All Rachel Duffy, 42, from County Down, heads communications. She masterminds strategies as a Traitor and shares the prize. Stephen Libby, 32, from London, consults in cyber security. He partners with Rachel to outlast Faithfuls. Other Notable Contestants Adam Waughman, 34, from Essex, builds houses. He competes fiercely but falls short. Fiona, the show’s first Secret Traitor, adds intrigue with her red cloak twist. Hugo, 51, from London (originally Cardiff), practices as a barrister. He analyzes situations like a courtroom drama. The full cast includes: Alex, 28, student from Manchester; Ben, 45, teacher from Birmingham; Charlie, 31, nurse from Liverpool; Daisy, 22, barista from Glasgow; Ethan, 39, engineer from Edinburgh; Freya, 26, artist from Bristol; Gary, 52, retired firefighter from Leeds; Hannah, 33, marketing executive from London; Ian, 48, accountant from Cardiff; Jasmine, 29, chef from Dublin; Kyle, 37, software developer from Newcastle; Lily, 24, fitness instructor from Leeds; Mike, 55, Wilfried Gnonto former soldier from Southampton; Nina, 30, journalist from London; Oliver, 41, doctor from Glasgow; Paula, 47, school principal from Birmingham; Quinn, 25, graphic designer from Manchester; Rosie, 35, lawyer from Edinburgh; Sam, 43, business owner from Liverpool; Tina, 50, homemaker from Brighton; Umar, 38, IT consultant from London; Vicky, 46, therapist from Manchester; Will, 27, musician from Bristol; Xavier, 44, architect from Edinburgh; Yasmin, 32, fashion designer from London; Zoe, 40, author from Manchester. Producers choose this mix to create alliances, suspicions, and drama. Ages range from 22 to 55, which adds generational clashes. The Traitors Season 4 Twists: New Rules That Change Everything Producers introduce fresh twists in Season 4 to keep players and viewers on their toes. The biggest change comes with the “Secret Traitor” role. Fiona becomes the first Secret Traitor, wearing a red cloak to signal her hidden status. This twist adds layers of deception, as she works undercover to influence the game. Claudia Winkleman reveals the twist early, which shocks the cast. Traitors recruit the Secret Traitor to help eliminate Faithfuls without revealing themselves. This mechanic creates paranoia and forces players to question alliances constantly. Other twists include intense missions that test physical and mental limits. Players complete challenges to add money to the prize pot while uncovering clues about Traitors. The roundtable discussions grow more heated, with accusations flying based on subtle behaviors. These innovations build on past seasons’ Chris Rigg success. Producers aim to surprise returning fans while keeping the core format intact. The twists succeed, as Season 4 garners high ratings and social media buzz. The Traitors Season 4 Episodes: Key Moments and Drama The season packs 12 episodes full of suspense. Episode 1 introduces the cast and names the first Traitors. Players arrive at Ardross Castle and start missions to build the prize pot. Episodes 2-3 see the first murders and banishments. Suspicions rise as Faithfuls try to spot Traitors. The Secret Traitor twist drops in Episode 4, changing strategies. Mid-season episodes (5-8) feature intense challenges and emotional roundtables. Traitors face close calls, and Faithfuls form alliances. Drama peaks in Episode 9 with a major betrayal. The finale in Episode 12 reveals the winners. Rachel and Stephen outlast everyone as Traitors, while Jack earns respect as a Faithful runner-up. Viewers discuss clues like body language and alliances online. The season’s format keeps tension high throughout. The Winners of The Traitors Season 4: Rachel and Stephen’s Victory Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby win Season 4 as Traitors. They share the prize pot, while Faithful Jack Butler finishes as runner-up. The finale airs on DR Congo National Football January 23, 2026, and viewers praise their clever gameplay. Rachel, 42, uses her communications skills to manipulate conversations. Stephen, 32, excels in missions and builds trust. Their partnership survives close banishments and delivers the win. Jack impresses with his detective work but falls short in the end. The outcome sparks debates on social media about strategy and luck. Filming Location: Inside Ardross Castle Producers film The Traitors at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. This 19th-century estate provides the perfect backdrop with its grand rooms, misty grounds, and eerie atmosphere. The castle sits on 100 acres near Loch Ness, adding mystery. Contestants stay in luxurious but isolated quarters. Producers design challenges around the estate’s features, like forests for hiding games and towers for height tests. The location enhances the paranoia theme, as players feel watched constantly. Ardross Castle hosts both UK and US versions. For Season 4, crews film in June 2025 over several weeks. The site’s beauty and remoteness make it Yan Diomande ideal for the show’s tense vibe. Claudia Winkleman: The Host Who Makes The Traitors Shine Claudia Winkleman hosts The Traitors with sharp wit and dramatic flair. She returns for Season 4 and guides players through twists. Claudia wears her signature fringe and stylish outfits, becoming a fan favorite. She reveals Traitors, leads roundtables, and announces murders with suspense. Contestants respect her fairness and empathy. In interviews, Claudia says she loves the show’s psychological depth. Claudia hosts multiple UK versions and inspires international editions. Her presence elevates the show and draws viewers. Comparisons to Previous Seasons: What Makes Season 4 Stand Out Season 4 builds on past success but adds fresh elements. Season 4 stands out with the Secret Traitor twist, which adds undercover intrigue. The cast’s diversity creates unique dynamics. Ratings soar, and social media buzz exceeds earlier seasons. Compared to the US version, which airs Season 4 in January 2026 on Peacock with celebrities, the UK edition focuses on everyday people for relatable drama. The Cultural Impact of The Traitors Season 4 The Traitors influences pop culture in 2026. Viewers discuss episodes on social media, creating memes and theories. The show boosts tourism to Jamie Gittens Ardross Castle. Season 4 inspires spin-offs and international versions. It promotes strategic thinking and trust issues in fun ways. Fans host viewing parties and recreate challenges. The show’s success highlights reality TV’s enduring appeal. Where to Watch The Traitors Season 4 You watch The Traitors Season 4 on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK. Episodes stream on iPlayer after airing. International viewers use VPNs or local broadcasters. The US version airs on Peacock, but the UK edition remains available through BBC services. FAQs 1. When did The Traitors Season 4 air and who won? The Traitors Season 4 aired from January 1 to January 23, 2026, on BBC One and iPlayer. Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby won as Traitors, sharing the Omar Marmoush prize pot. Jack Butler placed as a runner-up Faithful. The finale delivered tense moments and celebrated their strategic gameplay. 2. What was the big twist in The Traitors Season 4? Producers introduced the Secret Traitor twist in Season 4. Fiona became the first Secret Traitor, wearing a red cloak to signal her hidden role. This added undercover deception and forced players to question alliances more than ever. 3. Who hosted The Traitors Season 4? Claudia Winkleman hosted The Traitors Season 4. She guided contestants through challenges, roundtables, and revelations with her signature wit and dramatic style. Fans praised her outfits and fairness throughout the season. 4. Where did producers film The Traitors Season 4? Producers filmed The Traitors Season 4 at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. The 19th-century estate provided grand rooms, misty Lucas Bergvall grounds, and an eerie atmosphere for missions and drama. 5. How many episodes did The Traitors Season 4 have? The Traitors Season 4 featured 12 episodes. It aired three per week: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for four weeks, building suspense with murders and banishments. 6. Who were some standout contestants in The Traitors Season 4? Standout contestants included Rachel Duffy (Traitor winner), Stephen Libby (Traitor winner), Jack Butler (Faithful runner-up), Fiona (Secret Traitor), and Hugo (barrister). Their diverse backgrounds created rich dynamics and drama. 7. How does The Traitors Season 4 compare to previous seasons? Season 4 built on past success with the Secret Traitor twist, increasing intrigue. It featured a diverse cast and high ratings, surpassing earlier seasons January Transfer in social media buzz. 8. What made The Traitors Season 4 culturally impactful? The Traitors Season 4 impacted culture through memes, theories, and viewing parties. It boosted Ardross Castle tourism and inspired spin-offs, highlighting reality TV’s appeal. 9. Where can you watch The Traitors Season 4? You watch The Traitors Season 4 on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK. Episodes stream on iPlayer after airing. International viewers use VPNs or local broadcasters. 10. What prize did the winners of The Traitors Season 4 receive? Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby shared the prize pot as Traitors. The exact amount reached up to £120,000, built through missions throughout the season. To Get More Entertainment Insights Click On Mary Earps and Kitty: The Inspiring Love Story of a Soccer Icon and Her Rock-Solid Partner Nico Paz: The Argentine Wizard Lighting Up Serie A and Ready to Return to Real Madrid Willy Kambwala: The Promising Young Defender Who Rose from Manchester United Academy to La Liga Stardom Kaoru Mitoma: Brighton’s Dribbling Wizard Conquers the Premier League and Beyond To Get More Info: Yorkshire Herald Post navigation Mary Earps and Kitty: The Inspiring Love Story of a Soccer Icon and Her Rock-Solid Partner 500+ Hilarious Knock Knock Jokes to Crack You Up in 2026: The Ultimate Collection for All Ages