Contestants on the hit BBC show The Traitors must follow a strict set of rules or risk being removed from the programme. The show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, has captivated audiences since its debut in 2022 with its blend of deception and strategy.
One of the key rules is that contestants are not allowed to know the time. There are no clocks in Ardross Castle or in players' rooms, and they rely entirely on producers to tell them where to be and when. Mobile phones and laptops are also banned, cutting off all communication with the outside world. Executive producer Mike Cotton explained: 'They don't have access to the internet or telephones. They can't communicate with one another or the outside world in any way.'
When not filming, contestants must return to their individual lodgings and cannot interact with each other. Even on the celebrity version, where stars stay in the same hotel, security guards ensure they do not visit other rooms. Contestants are also blindfolded when taken to their accommodation to prevent them from knowing its location.
Another strict rule is that Traitors cannot reveal their own identity to unmask another player. They swear an oath with Claudia at the start of the series, promising to keep their fellow Traitors' identities secret. They can accuse other Traitors, but not by using their own role as a basis for the accusation.
All contestants sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to prevent spoilers. Series two Faithful Jaz Singh said: 'You have to get a ton of stuff prepared... because you're under an NDA, and they will sue you for hundreds of thousands of pounds of TV damages if this gets leaked.' Winner Harry Clark expressed regret, saying: 'I wish I could have run around the streets and told everyone I won some money but I wasn't allowed to do that.'
Contestants are only allowed in areas where cameras are set up, and they cannot wander the grounds unsupervised. Before the show, potential contestants undergo personality tests to ensure a diverse mix of personalities. Finally, no one is allowed to sleep overnight in Ardross Castle; all contestants are taken elsewhere to sleep.
