Claudia Winkleman has sent anticipation soaring by declaring the forthcoming fourth series of the BBC's smash-hit show The Traitors to be "truly extraordinary". The presenter has promised fans "something new" when the psychological game returns on New Year's Day.
A Swift Return After Celebrity Success
This highly awaited new series follows swiftly on the heels of the immensely popular celebrity edition, which became a cultural phenomenon and a major ratings triumph for the broadcaster. The star-studded contest was ultimately won by comedian Alan Carr, who outlasted faithfuls including historian David Olusoga and actor Nick Mohammed. Former rugby player Joe Marler also captured significant audience affection, praised for his sharp analysis of the game and his bonds with fellow contestants comedian Joe Wilkinson and Mohammed.
Winkleman's intriguing hint has only amplified the excitement for what is expected to be another utterly gripping instalment. When questioned on whether she ever leaks spoilers to her own family, Winkleman was unequivocal. "Genuinely I'd lose my job," she stated. "Plus, there's no fun in knowing. When Alan won my husband and youngest son couldn't stop screaming and crying and shouting, 'but you knew'."
"Moments That Made Me Gasp"
Discussing the upcoming series in more detail, Winkleman expanded on her initial tease. "There's something new and what happens in this series is truly extraordinary with moments that made me gasp," she revealed. "I can't wait for people to see it. The producers have the greatest minds on Earth."
The Traitors series four will witness 22 people from across the United Kingdom arriving at a remote Scottish castle in the Highlands. There, they will engage in a high-stakes game of "deceit and betrayal", with the ultimate goal of winning a potential prize fund of £120,000.
Winkleman, who will once again oversee the challenges and assist in selecting the traitors, heaped praise on the location. "The Scottish Highlands might be the most beautiful place on the planet," she said. "It's a privilege to spend so much time surrounded by the jaw-dropping landscape. I've never been anywhere like it. There's something about the expanse of sky, the breathtaking lochs and the flora and fauna."
How the Traitors Are Chosen
Her crucial role involves interviewing all contestants before the game begins to help decide who will become the secret traitors, tasked with 'murdering' the faithfuls to claim the prize money for themselves. "It's nerve-racking but I don't choose them alone," Winkleman explained. "I interview all the players and some are absolutely desperate to be faithful. Anyone who convinces me otherwise is in contention. I then go into a small room with the bosses and an enormous tin of biscuits and we pick."
To secure the cash, players must survive to the very end of the competition, avoiding being either 'murdered' by the traitors or 'banished' by their fellow contestants at the daily roundtable.
The BBC has pledged that the new series will deliver "even more twists, turns, secrets, epic missions, deception, banishments and, of course, murders aplenty".
The Traitors begins on Wednesday 1 January at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Fans can then switch over to BBC Two at 9.05pm for the companion show, The Traitors: Uncloaked, which starts immediately afterwards.
