Behind the scenes of the BBC's hit show The Traitors, a secret health battle unfolded among the cast during filming, sources reveal. The revelation comes as the show prepares for its first celebrity edition, with journalists invited to Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.
The castle, a 19th-century mansion near Inverness, has been the show's home since 2022. During the visit, executive producer Mike Cotton disclosed that the production team has strict protocols to manage contestants' well-being, including limits on alcohol consumption. 'We've never had an incident with drunkenness,' Cotton said, though he declined to elaborate on specific rules.
One journalist who participated in a mock game described the intense pressure of the round table, where host Claudia Winkleman determines players' fates. 'All I can hear, above my thunderous heartbeat, is the stomp of Claudia Winkleman's boots,' they wrote. The experience highlighted the psychological toll the game can take on contestants.
Despite the health challenges, the production team prioritizes creating an immersive environment. Secret rooms, such as a library and a billiards room with a hidden bookcase door, help maintain the show's suspense. Paintings conceal mirrors to avoid reflecting cameras, and the round table's centrepiece rotates to capture players' reactions.
The celebrity season, which has just wrapped filming, promises new twists. Executive producer Sarah Fay emphasized that casting focuses on 'people who purely want to play the game.' The civilian season four is now in production, with new players meeting for the first time.
