THE Traitors has us hooked with its wild twists, shocking betrayals, and suspense at every turn – and it only started last night.
The much anticipated third series returned on New Year’s Day and as ever, Claudia Winkleman greeted the new contestants in suspenseful scenes that no one saw coming.
Three contestants were dramatically cut before they could even step foot in the castle – and already, eagle-eyed fans have been desperately looking for clues to get an idea of how the show works behind the scenes.
From how the traitors are chosen to how much they are paid per season, we answer some of the burning questions.
Unlike the US, contestants who appear on the UK version of the show are ordinary people with normal jobs.
They take time off work to participate, which means they don’t earn any income while they’re away filming.
To make up for it, the BBC gives those who take part a daily allowance of £100.
Although this isn’t seen as an official payment, it’s a small way to ensure contestants are still able to take care of their responsibilities on the outside.
Producers ban every contestant from having contact with anyone outside of the show.
This is to ensure the game is fair for all and no one is able to research their fellow stars in order to gain an advantage.
Contestants are also unable to get any access to mobile phones and the internet so they have no idea about current affairs or what’s happening on the outside.
It has even been suggested that remote controls in hotel rooms are sometimes seized from participants.
Each day, contestants learn who has been axed at a brutal breakfast buffet that looks mouth-watering on our TV screens.
But it turns out , the hearty spread is not as tantalizing as it looks, according to a former contestant.
Ivan from series one took to social media to share: “I’m sorry guys, it’s time to come clean and leak something shocking about The Traitors.
“It pains me to tell you, but that breakfast is REALLY DRY AND NOT VERY NICE.”
In addition, before coming down to film the scenes, contestants have breakfast in their hotel rooms anyway!
After a hard day’s work of backstabbing and plotting, some viewers assume that the contestants end up spending the night in Andross Castle, where the show is filmed.
This is in part due to seeing cutaways of the cast nervously preparing for bed and hoping they are not the next to be killed off.
However, this is not the case. They are lodged around Inverness Airport, which is 45 minutes away from the castle.
They make the drive back each day to get the cameras rolling.
For added drama and mystery, viewers are led to believe the murders on the show take place in the dead of the night while all other contestants are asleep.
But that has been debunked by a previous contestant.
John McManus, who was in the first series, let slip that the murders take place in broad daylight while everyone is wide awake.
He said: “Everybody goes to the castle at the same time in different jeeps and then you’re all put into separate holding rooms.
“It’s like a Big Brother diary room with the letter sat on the chair in front of you, and it just says, ‘The Traitors have murdered you’.”
Watching on TV, it is easy to believe that contestants are able to explore the beautiful grounds of the castle.
In reality, they are confined to a small section of the sprawling property.
They are only allowed in a small bar, the library, the billiards room and the room where they try to vote off traitors.
While the castle may look glamorous, that’s often not the case as producers and crew members are often busy going back and forth trying to ensure the smooth running of the show.
According to Claire from the first series, the castle is often covered in “gaffer tape and wires” and has “production staff, filming crew and sound crew all running around.”
If you thought there was just one single room where the contestants line up to film their confessionals, you’d be mistaken.
There are several rooms set up identically for the contestants to share their thoughts.
This ensures that time isn’t wasted with just one contestant at a time.
Producers do not slap contestants with a cigarette or vape ban, while they’re not banned from alcohol as long as they don’t go overboard with their drinking.
There is a strict rule that each person can only have two drinks.
Wilfred, the memorable traitor from the first season, said: “They said two but they [the drinks] always disappeared after one. They don’t want us to mess up and get drunk and accidentally do something.”
The Traitors is back with a bang and the new crop of contestants have already sharpened their claws to scheme, backstab and plot their way to the win. Here's the rundown on who is on the show this year.
In previous seasons, we have seen contestants wearing scarves and other warm clothing in the banishment rooms.
That’s because producers deliberately turn down the temperature on the air conditioning to create a tense atmosphere that will provide drama.
And that’s not all – contestants are forced to listen to The Hanging Tree from The Hunger Games soundtrack to rack up the intensity of the banishment.
Contestants are constantly under watchful eyes and not allowed to leave the sights of producers.
This is so that they do not speak to each other about gameplay or strategies off-camera. All conversations between the cast must be captured.
There are also security guards operating at all times to ensure no one is breaking any rules.
Claire from season one also let slip that contestants are often blindfolded and led individually to their hotels to protect the identity of the traitors.
After each season, the BBC opens its doors to thousands of applicants who fancy their chances on the show.
But not everyone has to apply.
Some contestants are scouted by producers and approached to participate. Those who pique the interest of producers are often members of chess clubs or people who enjoy games that involve strategy.
Producers are said to be strongly against people who want to use the show as a stepping stone to fame as they believe that can compromise its authenticity.
