The BBC has officially announced the highly anticipated return date for the fourth series of its smash-hit reality show, The Traitors. Fans eager for more deception and drama will not have to wait long, with the new series kicking off in a prime New Year slot.
When and Where to Watch the New Series
The action begins on New Year's Day, 1st January 2025, at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The launch will be swiftly followed by two more episodes on January 2nd and 3rd, delivering a thrilling triple-bill to start the year. The iconic Claudia Winkleman returns as host, presiding over the psychological battles within the Scottish castle.
This series will feature 22 new contestants divided into 'Faithful' and secret 'Traitors'. They will compete in a high-stakes game of trust and betrayal, all vying for a prize pot that can reach up to £120,000. The BBC promises the new run will be packed with more twists, turns, secrets, deception, banishments, and murders than ever before.
Uncloaked Returns and Celebrity Series Renewal
Accompanying the main show will be the return of the companion programme, The Traitors: Uncloaked. The first episode airs on BBC Two, with subsequent instalments moving to BBC One in a prime-time slot. Host Ed Gamble will be joined by a mix of celebrity and civilian players to dissect the nightly events from the castle.
This news follows the recent confirmation that Celebrity Traitors has been renewed for a second series, scheduled for 2026. The debut celebrity series was a record-breaking success, with its first episode attracting a mammoth 14.8 million viewers, making it the BBC's biggest unscripted title since 2021. The finale also set a record as the BBC's biggest overnight audience for an entertainment show.
Major Economic Impact for Scotland
The BBC also revealed the significant financial boost the franchise has delivered. A new Economic Impact Report confirms that The Traitors has generated an estimated £21.8 million for the Scottish economy. This figure encompasses production of the UK, US, and Celebrity editions, all filmed in Scotland, highlighting the show's substantial contribution to the local creative industry.
With a brand-new batch of contestants, the return of Claudia Winkleman, and the promise of unparalleled deception, The Traitors Series 4 is set to be the must-watch television event of the New Year.
