The Celebrity Traitors returns to screens tonight with an all-new star-studded cast, filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. However, the celebrities do not actually live or sleep in the castle during filming.
Instead, they are transported to a nearby hotel near Inverness Airport, approximately a 40-to-45-minute drive from the castle. Cast members are driven in separate cars, so they cannot communicate with each other outside of the game. Security make sure players do not talk, plot, or share secrets off-camera.
Where do contestants spend their time?
The celebrities spend a lot of time in the castle throughout their time on the show, whether it's tense evenings at the round table or thrilling outdoor activities on the grounds. The Traitors makes use of several locations around Ardross castle, and the contestants spend most of their time there.
Throughout each episode, they are often spotted in the library, relaxing on the leather armchairs or exploring the corridors as part of their tasks. It is believed the morning breakfast scenes are staged, because the contestants eat before arriving at the castle for the day. They can also be seen in the drawing room, bonding over a friendly game of pool or cosying up by the wooden fireplace. The room boasts a distinctly Scottish design with green tartan wallpaper.
Can you visit the Traitors castle?
Fans of the show cannot visit the castle as it is a private venue. But, the property can be hired out as a wedding venue and its popularity has sky-rocketed since it became one of the most recognisable features of The Traitors.
The property was built more than 170 years ago in a Scottish baronial style. The estate at Ardross was initially bought by Sir Alexander Matheson, an MP and an instrumental figure in the building of railways in the Highlands. About 400 workers were involved in the property's construction to make it into the grand structure we know it as today. In 1983, the castle was bought by the McTaggart family and they still own it today.
How to watch Celebrity Traitors
Claudia Winkleman returns to host the show on BBC One. It airs Thursday, October 1 at 8pm. The full line-up includes Amol Rajan, Bella Ramsey, James Acaster, James Blunt, Jerry Hall, Joanne McNally, Joe Lycett, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Maya Jama, King Kenny, Michael Sheen, Miranda Hart, Myha'la, Hannah Fry, Richard E. Grant, Rob Beckett, Romesh Ranganathan, Ross Kemp, Sebastian Croft and Sharon Rooney.
Celebrity Traitors returns to BBC One and iPlayer at 8pm on Thursday, October 1.
