A NEW year and a new series of The Traitors is gracing our TV screens.
The third season of the tense reality showdown comes complete with a new cast of contestants. Here we take a look at where the show is shot.
Viewers praised host Claudia Winkleman’s choice of three female Traitors to launch the new BBC One series.
She previously branded series two’s all-male gang “like the olden days”, adding: “Whatever happens, it was the right thing to do.”
The third season of The Traitors is filmed at Ardross Castle — the same location as the previous two series.
Located in the scenic Scottish Highlands, this stunning 19th-century castle is situated approximately 25 miles north of Inverness.
It serves as the primary backdrop for the show’s intense gameplay, where contestants engage in strategic deception to win a cash prize of up to £120,000.
Ardross Castle, designed in the Scottish Baronial style, boasts a rich history and an impressively beautiful setting.
Scottish baronial architecture, also known as Scots baronial, is a distinctive style that emerged in the 19th century as part of the Gothic Revival movement.
Drawing inspiration from medieval castles and tower houses, it is characterised by a variety of elaborate features that evoke Scotland‘s historical architectural heritage.
Surrounded by over 100 acres of lush parkland along the banks of the River Alness, the castle provides an atmospheric environment that enhances the show’s themes of intrigue and betrayal.
The castle’s many rooms and shadowy corners create the ideal setting for contestants to plot their strategies and engage in psychological warfare against each other.
What is now Ardross Castle was originally the site of a hunting lodge built by the first Duke of Sutherland in the 18th century.
In 1845, the land was sold and the Baronial style castle that exists today was constructed later.
The castle was bought by the McTaggart family in 1983, who carried out extensive renovations to the site.
Aside from its usage as a filming location, the stunning privately run venue also hosts weddings and events.
Speaking about filming at Ardross Castle during series one, Claudia said: “I thought I’ve been to beautiful places. I have never been anywhere more beautiful than the Scottish highlands in my life.
“It felt sometimes like we were in a painting if that’s not too cheesy.
“On day two we saw a double rainbow and everyone was like oh my gosh, and the crew were crying, there were baby deer, there was beautiful heather, there were ancient trees and an ancient loch.
“We were all taking pictures. I FaceTimed my kids to say ‘you’ve never seen anything like it, it’s magical’.
“And then, by day four, there had been another three double rainbows.
“I mean, by the end of the three weeks where we had seen 50, it was like, ‘don’t care’. But it’s just the most beautiful landscape.”
In addition to Ardross Castle, The Traitors utilises nearby scenic locations for various challenges.
For instance Loch Glass, located about 30 minutes from the castle, has featured prominently in some of the show’s more dramatic tasks.
These outdoor locations provide breathtaking backdrops, as well as adding an element of adventure to the competition.
Filming for season three took place during the summer of 2024.
