Contestants on the BBC's hit show The Traitors must adhere to a strict set of ten rules while competing in the Scottish Highlands castle, regardless of whether they are playing as a Faithful or a Traitor. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the game of deception has captivated audiences since its debut in 2022, with the rules designed to maintain the show's intense secrecy and integrity.
The Rules of Secrecy and Isolation
To preserve the game's mystery and prevent alliances forming off-camera, producers enforce several key isolation rules. Contestants have no access to the time, with no clocks in the castle or their private lodgings, forcing them to rely entirely on producers for their schedule. Furthermore, all personal devices like mobile phones and laptops are completely banned.
Executive producer Mike Cotton explained to Weekend Magazine: 'They don't have access to the internet or telephones. They can't communicate with one another or the outside world in any way.' This isolation extends after filming; players must stay in their individual rooms unless escorted by security.
Adding another layer of secrecy, contestants are not fully aware of where they are staying. Series one Faithful Maddy Smedley revealed to the BBC that participants are blindfolded during the 30-minute drive from the castle to their accommodation. Celebrity contestants, believed to have stayed at Inverness's Courtyard by Marriott, faced similar restrictions with security preventing movement between rooms.
Gameplay Restrictions and Legal Obligations
The rules governing gameplay itself are equally stringent. Traitors operate under a specific oath made to Claudia Winkleman, promising to murder nightly and keep their fellow Traitors' identities secret. Crucially, they cannot reveal their own Traitor status to prove someone else is also a Traitor, though they can accuse others without using their role as evidence—a tactic seen in series four with Traitors Fiona and Rachel.
All players, both civilian and celebrity, sign extensive non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that remain in force from filming until after the series airs. Series two finalist Jaz Singh told The Sun that breaches could result in being sued for 'hundreds of thousands of pounds'. Winner Harry Clark expressed frustration, wishing he could have publicly celebrated his victory sooner.
Additional Castle and Personal Conduct Rules
Further regulations control life within the game. Alcohol consumption is limited; series one joint winner Meryl Williams told Metro it was rationed to 'one glass or two glasses each' on certain nights. Contestants are also restricted to castle areas where cameras are set up, as series one Faithful Matt Harris confirmed to the BBC: 'You're not allowed out of sight from the cameras.'
Before entering, all would-be contestants must take a personality test to ensure they are the right fit for the high-pressure environment and to help producers assign roles. Finally, despite long filming days at Ardross Castle, no one sleeps overnight there. Players are taken to their separate lodgings, a process that includes filming individual confessionals and ensures no one knows who is visiting the Traitors' turret.
Breaking any of these rules can lead to serious consequences for contestants, with the contracts designed to protect the show's compelling format. The Traitors continues to air on BBC One and iPlayer.
