The Traitors UK episodes follow a high-stakes psychological game where 22 strangers move into a remote Scottish castle to complete challenges and identify “Traitors” among them. Over the course of 12 episodes per season, the group competes for a prize pot of up to £120,000, while the Traitors meet in secret each night to “murder” a “Faithful.” Each episode culminates in a tense Round Table where players vote to banish one person they suspect of being a Traitor. In this comprehensive guide, you will find a deep dive into every series, including detailed episode breakdowns for Season 1, Season 2, and Season 3. We also cover the filming locations at Ardross Castle, the most shocking twists in the show’s history, and the specific rules that govern the end game. Whether you are catching up on BBC iPlayer or looking for a refresher on the winners of previous years, this authoritative resource provides everything you need to know about the most talked-about reality show in Britain. Series 1: The Global Phenomenon The first series of The Traitors UK premiered on November 29, 2022, and quickly became a cultural sensation for its emotional intensity and raw gameplay. Filmed in the spring of 2022, the series introduced 22 ordinary strangers to the public, setting the gold standard for the “civilian” format of the franchise. Episode 1: The Game Begins The debut episode features the arrival of the contestants at Ardross Castle via a dramatic steam train and Land Rover convoy. Host Claudia Winkleman selects the first three Traitors—Alyssa, Amanda, and Wilfred—by tapping them on the shoulder while the group is blindfolded. Episode 2: First Blood The first murder victim, Aisha, is revealed at breakfast, sparking immediate paranoia and the show’s first major accusations. During the Round Table, the Faithful successfully banish Nicky, who was actually a Faithful, demonstrating how easily the group can turn on the innocent. Episode 3: Rising Suspicions The Traitors target Claire for murder, removing a perceptive player who was beginning to ask the right questions. The mission involves a complex bell-ringing challenge to add money to the prize pot, but the focus remains on the growing divide between the “popular” group and the outliers. Episode 4: The Trial Twist Claudia introduces a major twist where three players—Alex, Ivan, and John—are put “on trial,” meaning one of them will be murdered by the next morning. This episode features the iconic moment where Tom reveals he and Alex are a real-life couple, sending the castle into a tailspin of distrust. Episode 5: The Resurrection After Amos and Kieran were seemingly eliminated in the first minutes of Episode 1, they make a shock return to the game in this episode. The group’s dynamics are further shaken when the Traitors are forced to turn on one of their own, leading to a heated discussion in the turret. Episode 6: The First Traitor Falls In a landmark moment for the series, the Faithful finally catch their first Traitor as Alyssa is banished at the Round Table. Her fellow Traitor, Wilfred, leads the charge against her to save his own skin, a move that would define his ruthless strategy for the rest of the season. Episode 7: Seduction and Betrayal With their numbers down, the remaining Traitors (Amanda and Wilfred) are given the chance to “recruit” a Faithful to join them. They offer the role to Alex, who famously declines the invitation, choosing to remain Faithful despite the risks. Episode 8: A Royal Exit The Traitors successfully murder Alex after her refusal to join them, removing a powerful voice from the castle. Meanwhile, Amanda, who had been seen as the “Grandmother” of the group, begins to see her mask slip as Maddy continues her relentless (and often erratic) crusade against Wilfred. Episode 9: The Iconic Betrayal This episode features one of the most famous moments in UK reality TV history when Wilfred orchestrates the banishment of his partner-in-crime, Amanda. By turning the group against the person they trusted most, Wilfred becomes the sole remaining Traitor heading into the final stages. Episode 10: The Recruitment Wilfred is given an ultimatum: recruit a new Traitor or remain alone; he chooses to recruit Kieran, who is essentially forced into the role. The tension reaches a breaking point as the number of players dwindles, and the Faithfuls remain largely oblivious to the threat in their midst. Episode 11: The Penultimate Push The final murder takes place, leaving the last group of players to face a grueling mission in the Scottish Highlands to max out the prize pot. Kieran struggles with his new role, while the Faithfuls Hannah, Meryl, and Aaron begin to form a tight-knit alliance. Episode 12: The Grand Finale In a cinematic finale, the players take part in a helicopter and speedboat mission before the final “Fire of Truth.” Kieran, realizing he is being set up by Wilfred, leaves a “parting gift” by voting for Wilfred, which alerts the other Faithfuls to the truth. Hannah, Aaron, and Meryl eventually banish Wilfred, sharing the £101,050 prize. Series 2: High Stakes Deception Series 2 premiered on January 3, 2024, with a significantly higher viewership and a cast that was much more prepared for the psychological warfare of the game. This season is widely considered to have superior gameplay, specifically from the eventual winner, Harry Clark. Episode 1: Meet the Traitors Claudia selects Ash, Paul, and Harry as the initial Traitors, with a twist that they can immediately recruit a fourth member, Miles. The group is notably more strategic from the outset, with Paul establishing himself as a “master manipulator” early on. Episode 2: The First Murder The Traitors choose to murder Aubrey, a vocal player, setting a tone of removing anyone who might lead the group. The mission involves a giant bird-shaped puzzle in the middle of a lake, emphasizing the show’s increased production budget. Episode 3: The Secret Reveal The audience learns that Diane and Ross are actually mother and son, a secret they keep from the rest of the cast for the majority of the season. This episode also sees the banishment of Sonja, as the “Faithful” continue to struggle with finding a Traitor. Episode 4: The Dungeon Twist The Traitors are forced to put four players (including themselves) into a “dungeon,” where one will be murdered and one will be safe. This leads to a massive confrontation at the Round Table where the group begins to suspect Ash, the first Traitor to come under fire. Episode 5: The First Traitor Gone Ash is finally banished after a long, drawn-out battle at the Round Table, with her fellow Traitors turning on her early to gain trust. Paul’s popularity continues to grow, as he uses his emotional acting to convince the group of his “Faithful” status. Episode 6: The Poison Chalice In a unique twist, the Traitors are told they must murder a player “in plain sight” by making them drink from a specific poisoned chalice. Miles successfully gives the cup to Diane, leading to one of the most memorable “slow-motion” eliminations in the show’s history. Episode 7: The Funeral Procession Diane’s “death” is played out through a dramatic funeral procession through the woods, where she must eventually climb into a coffin. At the Round Table, the group finally turns on Miles after Paul throws him under the bus, leading to Miles’ banishment. Episode 8: The Fall of Paul The “Paul-tergeist” era comes to an end as the group, led by the observant Harry, realizes Paul has been playing them all along. Harry’s betrayal of Paul is clinical and perfectly timed, leaving Harry as the undisputed leader of the Traitors. Episode 9: The Son’s Revenge Andrew is recruited as a new Traitor, and Ross (Diane’s son) is also brought into the fold shortly after. Ross privately vows to get revenge on the Traitors for his mother’s murder, but he struggles to gain traction within the turret. Episode 10: The Shield Maneuver Harry pulls off a legendary move by convincing the group he has a shield (and thus cannot be murdered), while actually being a Traitor. This “Shield Plot” serves as a perfect cover, making him virtually “un-guessable” to the remaining Faithfuls. Episode 11: The Final Countdown The numbers are cut down as the group heads toward the finale, with Jasmine and Zack being eliminated in quick succession. Harry and Andrew remain the Traitors, but Harry is already planning to cut Andrew loose at the final moment. Episode 12: Harry’s Masterclass In the finale, Harry successfully banishes Andrew at the final hurdle. Mollie, Harry’s closest friend in the house, has a heart-wrenching moment where she changes her vote from Harry to Jaz at the last second, allowing Harry to win the entire £95,150 pot alone. Series 3: The Year of the Twist Series 3 launched on January 1, 2025, with more than 300,000 people applying to join the cast. This season was marketed as “brutal” and featured some of the most complex missions and psychological twists seen to date. Episode 1: Instant Elimination The season begins with a shocker: one player is eliminated before they even enter the castle based on a snap judgment by the group. This set a ruthless tone for the season, where no one was safe, even before the Traitors were chosen. Episode 2: The Shield Mystery For the first time, multiple shields were hidden throughout the castle, not just in the Armory. This led to a chaotic hunt where players were more focused on their own safety than finding the Traitors. Episode 3: The Traitor’s Dilemma A new rule allowed the Traitors to “blackmail” a Faithful into joining them; if the Faithful refused, they were immediately murdered. This created a fascinating dynamic where the newest Traitor was someone who truly didn’t want the role. Practical Information and Planning For fans looking to immerse themselves in the world of The Traitors UK, understanding the logistics of the show and its location is key. While you can’t join a game of murder mystery at the castle tomorrow, here is what you need to know. Filming Location: Ardross Castle The show is filmed at Ardross Castle, located in Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands. The estate is a 19th-century castle set in over 100 acres of parkland. Accessibility: The castle is a private residence and wedding venue; it is not open to the general public for walk-in tours. How to get there: The nearest major city is Inverness. Fans often stay in Inverness and drive 40 minutes north to see the castle gates. Viewing Information Where to Watch: All episodes of Series 1, 2, and 3 are available on BBC iPlayer in the UK. International viewers can often find it on Peacock or local streaming partners. Costs: Viewing is free with a UK TV License. The show typically airs in January, making it a staple of winter television. What to Expect The show is known for its high production values, including: Atmospheric Knitwear: Host Claudia Winkleman has become a fashion icon for her Highland-themed wardrobes. Extreme Challenges: Expect everything from buried-alive scenarios to high-speed boat chases on Loch Glass. Emotional Weight: Unlike the US version, which uses celebrities, the UK version features regular people, leading to much higher emotional stakes and genuine tears. Frequently Asked Questions Who won The Traitors UK Series 1? Series 1 was won by the Faithfuls: Aaron Evans, Hannah Byczkowski, and Meryl Williams. They split the prize pot of £101,050 after banishing the final Traitor, Wilfred Webster. Who won The Traitors UK Series 2? Series 2 was won by Harry Clark, who was a Traitor from the first day. He successfully convinced his fellow finalists he was a Faithful and took home the entire £95,150 prize alone. Where is The Traitors UK filmed? The series is filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, near the town of Alness. The contestants actually stay in a hotel in nearby Inverness during the nights, though the show portrays them staying in the castle. How many episodes are in each season? Each standard series of The Traitors UK consists of 12 episodes, usually airing three times a week over a four-week period. Each episode is approximately 60 minutes long. What is the maximum prize money? The potential maximum prize pot is £120,000. Players increase this total by successfully completing missions throughout the series, though it rarely reaches the full amount due to failed tasks. Is there a celebrity version of The Traitors UK? Yes, a Celebrity Traitors UK was commissioned following the success of the first two series. It features well-known personalities playing for charity under the same rules as the civilian version. How are the Traitors chosen? The Traitors are chosen by host Claudia Winkleman during the first episode. She interviews all contestants individually and then taps the chosen Traitors on the shoulder while the group is blindfolded at the Round Table. What happens if a Traitor reaches the end? If any Traitors remain at the end of the game, they win the entire prize pot and the Faithfuls get nothing. If all Traitors are banished, the remaining Faithfuls split the money equally. How do the “Shields” work? A Shield protects a player from being murdered by the Traitors during the night. However, it does not protect them from being banished by the group at the Round Table. Who is the host of The Traitors UK? The show is hosted by Claudia Winkleman, who has won multiple awards for her performance. She is known for her supportive yet slightly mischievous role as the “Mistress” of the castle. Final Thoughts The phenomenon of The Traitors UK has redefined the landscape of psychological reality television, blending the high-stakes tension of a murder mystery with the raw human emotion of a social experiment. From the shocking betrayal of Alyssa in Series 1 to the clinical gameplay of Harry in Series 2, the show continues to evolve, keeping both the contestants and the audience in a constant state of suspicion. As the production moves into its fourth and fifth confirmed series, the “faithful” strategies must become more sophisticated to counter increasingly bold “traitor” tactics. Beyond the entertainment value, the series serves as a fascinating study of groupthink, body language, and the fragility of trust. Whether you are a casual viewer or a dedicated tactician, the episodes offer a masterclass in how narratives are built and destroyed under pressure. With its iconic Scottish backdrop and the guiding hand of Claudia Winkleman, The Traitors UK remains a pinnacle of modern British broadcasting, promising many more years of “murders,” banishments, and breathtaking finales. Read More on Kent Daily Post navigation Mobland Season 2: Everything to Know About the 2026 Premiere