The iconic cloaks have returned to Ardross Castle, the round table stands ready under dramatic lighting, and tensions are already rising among the new players. BBC's gripping reality series The Traitors launched its fourth season this week, with host Claudia Winkleman introducing 22 fresh contestants, including a former detective, a bestselling crime writer, and a psychologist, all vying for a life-changing prize.
This latest installment builds on the show's massive popularity, drawing millions of viewers who eagerly dissect every alliance and betrayal. With the first episodes airing now in early January 2026, fans are buzzing about the potential twists, especially after last season's intense battles.
As the drama unfolds in real time, many are curious about the financial side of the game, from the prize fund mechanics to what participants take home regardless of the outcome. This article breaks down the details, drawing on recent updates and past seasons to give you the full picture.
The official logo for BBC’s The Traitors, the hit reality competition hosted by Claudia Winkleman.
How Much Is the Prize Money on The Traitors?
The UK version of The Traitors offers a maximum prize pot of £120,000, though this amount depends entirely on the group's performance in daily challenges. Contestants build the fund through missions that require cooperation, yet the underlying deceit often leads to varied totals at the end.
In previous seasons, the final sums have typically fallen short of the cap due to incomplete tasks or strategic sabotages. For instance, series one ended with £101,050 split among faithful winners Hannah Byczkowski, Meryl Williams, and Aaron Evans, who each used their shares for personal goals like career changes and family support.
Series two saw traitor Harry Clark claim £95,150 solo after outmaneuvering the faithfuls in a tense finale. Last year's series three concluded with faithfuls Leanne and Jake dividing £94,600, highlighting how teamwork and suspicion influence the payout.
These examples show the prize's unpredictability, adding to the show's edge as players balance collaboration with self-preservation.
Do The Traitors Contestants Get Paid?
Contestants on The Traitors do not receive a traditional salary or appearance fee, which keeps the focus on authentic gameplay rather than celebrity-style compensation. Instead, they get a daily allowance to offset lost wages from time away from their jobs, ensuring everyday people can participate without financial hardship.
Former player Aaron Evans revealed this allowance averages around £100 per day, functioning more as a reimbursement than earnings. For someone lasting the full run, this could amount to over £1,200, though it varies based on individual circumstances and duration in the game.
This modest support underscores the show's appeal, attracting genuine competitors motivated by the prize rather than upfront pay, much like in its early seasons.
How the Prize Money Is Won (or Lost)
The game's structure heightens the stakes, as the prize fund grows or stalls based on daily missions that demand unity amid hidden agendas. Successful challenges add substantial amounts to the pot, while failures reduce the potential winnings for all, creating constant friction.
Traitors work covertly to undermine the group without detection, while faithfuls must identify and banish them through round-table discussions. If any traitors survive to the end, they claim the entire fund, but eliminating them all allows the remaining faithfuls to split it evenly.
This dynamic has led to memorable moments, such as series two's shocking betrayal, and keeps audiences engaged as strategies evolve episode by episode.
When Is The Traitors On TV This Week?
Season four continues tonight with episode two airing at 8pm on Friday, January 2, followed by episode three on Saturday, January 3, at 7:45pm, building momentum early in the run.
From next week, the show settles into its regular pattern of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights at 9pm, perfect for weekend discussions. All episodes stream on BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast, allowing fans to catch up or rewatch key confrontations at their convenience.
This scheduling strategy maintains high energy, dominating social media feeds as viewers share theories in real time.
Claudia Winkleman outside the castle setting where BBC’s The Traitors is filmed.
Why The Traitors Has Become a BBC Phenomenon
From its humble beginnings as a format trial, The Traitors has evolved into a cultural staple, blending psychological depth with raw emotion in a way few shows achieve. The mix of ordinary participants facing high-stakes decisions resonates deeply, sparking endless debates among friends and online communities.
Claudia Winkleman's charismatic hosting, complete with her signature style, adds a layer of charm that draws in diverse audiences. International adaptations have boosted its profile, but the UK original remains the benchmark, thanks to its clever twists and relatable drama.
With season four introducing fresh elements and a strong new cast, the series continues to captivate, proving its staying power in a crowded TV landscape.
So, How Much Could the Winner Take This Year?
This season's maximum remains £120,000, but the actual amount hinges on mission success and the traitors' longevity in the game. Given past trends, the final pot might hover around £90,000 to £100,000, depending on how well the diverse cast collaborates under pressure.
With new players bringing unique skills, outcomes could surprise, potentially leading to a full pot if faithfuls dominate early. The uncertainty fuels the excitement, as every decision impacts the reward waiting at the final round table.
Your Burning Questions About The Traitors Answered
Who Won the Last Series of The Traitors?
In series three, faithful contestants Leanne and Jake emerged victorious after a dramatic endgame where they banished the remaining traitors, Charlotte, Alexander, and Francesca. They split £94,600, with Leanne planning to invest in her family's future and Jake focusing on personal projects. This win marked a shift from series two's traitor triumph, showcasing how vigilant faithfuls can turn the tide and secure the prize through sharp instincts and alliances built over the episodes.
How Can You Apply to Be on The Traitors?
Applications for future seasons open periodically on the BBC website, where interested individuals submit details about their background, personality, and why they'd excel as a faithful or traitor. Producers also scout talent, but the online process is accessible to all over 18 in the UK. Successful applicants undergo interviews and assessments to ensure they bring diversity and dynamism, with past casts including teachers, engineers, and entrepreneurs who applied directly, proving anyone with strategic flair has a shot.
Where Is The Traitors Filmed and What Makes the Location Special?
The show films at the stunning Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, a 19th-century estate surrounded by lush landscapes that enhance the atmospheric tension. This remote setting isolates contestants, amplifying paranoia and immersion in the game. Beyond its gothic charm, the location hosts elaborate missions across its grounds, from treasure hunts in the woods to puzzles in historic rooms, making it integral to the show's unique blend of mystery and adventure that keeps viewers returning season after season.
As season four progresses on BBC One, The Traitors reaffirms its status as must-watch television, where clever minds clash over substantial rewards. The blend of strategy, human insight, and unexpected turns ensures each episode delivers fresh thrills, keeping fans invested until the very last banishment.
