The Celebrity Traitors UK is a high-stakes reality competition series on BBC One where famous faces gather at a remote Scottish castle to play a deadly game of deception and detection. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the star-studded spin-off follows the same format as the civilian version: secret “Traitors” must eliminate “Faithful” contestants to steal a prize pot, while the Faithful strive to unmask them first. In the inaugural 2025 series, the final prize of £87,500 was won by the Traitors, Alan Carr and Cat Burns, for their respective charities. This guide provides an exhaustive look at the show’s mechanics, the full list of celebrity participants, and what to expect from the upcoming second series in 2026. You will learn about the filming locations at Ardross Castle, the appearance fees paid to the stars, and the strategic gameplay that has made this show a cultural phenomenon. Whether you are catching up on the first season or preparing for the next batch of celebrity banishments, this is your definitive resource for all things Traitors. The Concept of Celebrity Traitors The show functions as a social deduction game set within the atmospheric confines of the Scottish Highlands. A group of celebrities is invited to Ardross Castle, where a small number are secretly designated as Traitors by the host, while the rest remain Faithful. Each night, the Traitors meet in secret to “murder” a Faithful, removing them from the game immediately. During the day, the group competes in physical and mental challenges to build a prize pot, which can reach up to £100,000 for charity. Season 1 Winners and Results The first series of The Celebrity Traitors UK concluded with a dramatic victory for the Traitors faction. Comedian Alan Carr and singer Cat Burns successfully navigated the final “Fire of Truth,” deceiving the remaining Faithful to secure the winnings. The prize money, totaling £87,500, was donated to their chosen charities, including Neuroblastoma UK. Historian David Olusoga and rugby star Joe Marler were among the final Faithful who were narrowly defeated in the closing moments of the game. Full Cast of Series 1 (2025) The inaugural cast featured 19 celebrities from various fields, including comedy, sports, and journalism. This diverse group was assembled to ensure a mix of analytical minds and unpredictable personalities. Alan Carr: Comedian and Traitor (Winner) Cat Burns: Singer-songwriter and Traitor (Winner) Stephen Fry: Legendary actor and writer (Banished) Jonathan Ross: Talk show host and Traitor (Banished) Clare Balding: Sports presenter (Banished) David Olusoga: Historian (Runner-up) Tom Daley: Olympic diver (Murdered) The Iconic Filming Location The series is filmed on location at Ardross Castle, situated north of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. This 19th-century Baronial-style estate provides over 100 acres of parkland and gardens for the show’s elaborate outdoor missions. While the celebrities sleep in nearby luxury accommodation, such as Ness Walk in Inverness, all gameplay occurs within the castle walls. The Great Hall serves as the setting for the daily Round Table, where contestants vote to banish one of their own. The Role of Claudia Winkleman Claudia Winkleman returns as the host, bringing her signature wit and gothic-inspired wardrobe to the Highlands. Her role involves selecting the initial Traitors and guiding the contestants through the psychological toll of the game. She is known for her “tough love” approach, often reminding the celebrities that the game is about cold-blooded betrayal rather than friendship. Winkleman’s performance has been a key factor in the show’s critical and commercial success. Prize Money and Appearance Fees Unlike the civilian version where players keep the winnings, the celebrity edition sees the prize pot donated to charity. The maximum possible prize is £100,000, determined by the team’s success in daily missions. In addition to the charitable pot, reports suggest that each celebrity receives a flat appearance fee of approximately £40,000. This guaranteed payment ensures that high-profile stars are willing to commit to the intensive filming schedule. The Round Table and Banishment The Round Table is the centerpiece of the show’s drama, occurring every evening before the Traitors’ midnight meeting. Here, the celebrities debate, accuse, and ultimately vote to banish the person they suspect most of being a Traitor. If the group successfully banishes a Traitor, they are one step closer to the prize; however, banishing a Faithful further depletes their numbers and strengthens the Traitors’ hand. These sessions are often emotionally charged and can lead to long-standing celebrity rivalries. Missions and Team Challenges Every episode features a mission where the celebrities must work together to add money to the prize pot. These challenges range from grueling physical treks across the Highlands to intricate puzzles involving local Scottish history. Missions are also the only opportunity for players to win a “Shield,” which grants them immunity from being murdered by the Traitors that night. The strategy of who wins the shield and whether they reveal it to the group adds a layer of complexity to the social game. The Traitors: Uncloaked Spin-off To accompany the main show, the BBC airs a companion series titled The Traitors: Uncloaked. Hosted by Ed Gamble, this spin-off features interviews with banished and murdered celebrities as they see the Traitors’ identities revealed for the first time. The show provides behind-the-scenes footage and expert analysis from psychologists and former players. It has become essential viewing for fans who want to understand the logic—or lack thereof—behind the celebrities’ decisions. Celebrity Traitors Series 2 (2026) Following the massive ratings of the first season, the BBC has officially confirmed a second series for 2026. While the full cast is yet to be announced, filming is expected to return to Ardross Castle in late 2025. Rumors have already begun circulating regarding potential contestants, with names like Gareth Southgate being linked to the show. The second series will likely introduce new twists to prevent returning viewers and future players from predicting the game’s flow. How to Watch and Stream In the UK, the series airs on BBC One and is available for live streaming and catch-up on BBC iPlayer. International viewers can often find the series on platforms like Peacock in the US or Crave in Canada, though release dates vary by region. For those traveling abroad, a VPN can be used to access BBC iPlayer to stay up to date with the latest episodes. The show typically releases three episodes per week during its broadcast run, maintaining a fast-paced narrative. Practical Information and Planning If you are a fan of the show and wish to visit the area where it is filmed, there are several things to keep in mind. While Ardross Castle is a private wedding and event venue, the surrounding Highland region offers many public attractions. Opening Hours: Ardross Castle is not open to the general public for tours, as it is an exclusive-use venue. Location: The castle is located approximately 30 miles north of Inverness; the nearest major airport is Inverness Airport (INV). Transport: Car hire is highly recommended for exploring the Highlands, as public transport to the castle itself is limited. What to Expect: Expect stunning landscapes, unpredictable weather, and a variety of luxury hotels in nearby Inverness where the cast is rumored to stay. Tips: Visit in the autumn months to capture the “Traitors aesthetic” with the changing colors of the Scottish foliage. Frequently Asked Questions Who won the first Celebrity Traitors UK? The first series was won by the Traitors, Alan Carr and Cat Burns. They successfully deceived the Faithful and split the £87,500 prize for their charities. Where is Celebrity Traitors UK filmed? The show is filmed at Ardross Castle in Ross-shire, Scotland. The castle is located about 30 minutes north of Inverness. How much do the celebrities get paid? Celebrities reportedly receive an appearance fee of £40,000 regardless of how long they stay. The prize money they win during missions goes entirely to charity. Can I visit Ardross Castle? You cannot visit as a day tourist because it is a private venue. However, you can rent the castle for weddings or corporate events. When does Celebrity Traitors Series 2 start? The BBC has confirmed the show will return in 2026, with filming expected to take place in late 2025. Who hosts Celebrity Traitors? The show is hosted by Claudia Winkleman, who also hosts the civilian UK version and Strictly Come Dancing. How many episodes are in a season? Typically, a season consists of 9 to 12 episodes, airing over the course of three to four weeks. Are the celebrities actually staying in the castle? No, the contestants film in the castle during the day and evening but are transported to local hotels in Inverness to sleep. What is the maximum prize money? The prize pot can reach up to £100,000, depending on the celebrities’ performance in the missions. Is there a US version of Celebrity Traitors? The US version of The Traitors on Peacock features a mix of celebrities and civilians, whereas the UK version began with an all-civilian cast before launching its separate celebrity spin-off. Final Thoughts The arrival of The Celebrity Traitors UK has redefined the landscape of event television, proving that the psychological intensity of the “Scottish Highlands murder mystery” translates perfectly to an all-star format. By blending the strategic depth of social deduction with the charitable stakes of a celebrity fundraiser, the BBC has created a hybrid that appeals to both hardcore gamers and casual viewers alike. The success of the first series, marked by the masterful deception of winners Alan Carr and Cat Burns, has set a high bar for future contestants, establishing a “playbook” that balances public likability with private ruthlessness. As we look toward the confirmed 2026 second series, the anticipation surrounding the new cast continues to grow. With rumored names like Danny Dyer and Alison Hammond potentially entering Ardross Castle, the social dynamics are guaranteed to shift, bringing new layers of drama to the Round Table. Whether you are a fan of the tactical “endgame” or the high-camp aesthetic of Claudia Winkleman’s knitwear, one thing is certain: the game of Traitors is here to stay, continuing to captivate millions by answering the age-old question of who we can truly trust when the lights go out. Read More on kentdaily.co.uk Post navigation Linda Robson Actress 2026: Loose Women, Birds of a Feather Return Mobland Season 2: Everything to Know About the 2026 Premiere