Incredible behind-the-scenes secrets of The Traitors revealed by TV insiders to Insane length round tables REALLY last, £54 place where contestants actually sleep… and when the murders really happen

Incredible behind-the-scenes secrets of The Traitors revealed by TV insiders to Insane length round tables REALLY last, £54 place where contestants actually sleep... and when the murders really happen

Week after week, an unprecedented number of viewers find themselves hooked on The Traitors, a captivating television series that combines elements of deception, betrayal, and mental strategy, led by the charismatic Claudia Winkleman.

However, hidden from public view, intricate strategies are being employed, such as legions of security personnel and strategically limited alcohol supplies, all in an effort to safeguard the numerous confidences that make up the spectacle.

Keeping Schtum

In this game, the objective is straightforward: A total of 22 individuals find themselves within a Scottish castle. They participate in different challenges, yet unbeknownst to most, some among them are ‘Traitors.’ Their mission is to covertly ‘eliminate’ their fellow participants without being discovered.

It falls upon the “Faithful” group to identify the potential traitors within their ranks and remove them from the game, preventing any further harm they might cause.

Those Faithfuls who survive to the end have the chance of sharing the £120,000 prize money.

However, if a traitor goes unnoticed, they could end up with everything – much like the last year’s winner, Harry Clark, aged 23, who cleverly deceived his fellow players into believing he was loyal and walked away with a £95,150 prize money.

It makes keeping everything secret the biggest challenge of the show.

Instead of staying at the castle, people are escorted nightly to a more modest hotel in close proximity, while security personnel patrol around to prevent any secret meetings or covert activities among the guest rooms.

Immediately upon entering, contestants’ personal phones are taken away. In the initial season of 2022, Theo Mayne, aged 28, who was a participant then, shared that players are provided with a simple Nokia phone to reach the production team if required, but their usage is limited only to this purpose.

After returning to the castle, all personal belongings are confiscated for each participant, and each one is assigned a protective guard similar to football team defenders, who closely monitor them.

Traitors’ Lair

Every evening, the Traitors devise a murder plan from within their fortified hideout, and a message is sent to the unfortunate target, informing them that their participation in this ‘game’ has come to an end.

However, what’s the secret behind their return undetected? At dusk, just like everyone else, they leave the Highland estate; however, after everyone has departed, they are mysteriously brought back for the purpose of shooting that particular scene.

Contrary to what appears on screen for a heightened sense of suspense, the killings do not occur during the deepest hours of the night while people are asleep.

In the initial series, John McManus, aged 52, casually mentioned that murders often occur during daytime hours – just moments before the gathering in the castle’s breakfast room each morning.

He stated: ‘At the same time, everyone heads to the castle in various Jeeps, only to be subsequently separated into individual detention rooms. It resembles a Big Brother’s diary room, with a letter sitting on a chair before you, reading, ‘The Traitors have taken your life.”

A chilly vote

Each evening, competitors gather around a circular table for discussion, aiming to identify who among them might be a Traitor by analyzing their performance in trials and exchanging information gossiped throughout the day. They then cast votes to expel someone from the table, which is another method of eliminating a contestant from the show, in addition to the daily ‘murder’ that often results in two players being dismissed per day.

This year’s round-table discussions have been described as particularly intense by viewers, featuring tears, tantrums, and betrayals – even a sister-against-sister conflict when Loyal Maia, aged 25, betrayed her sister Armani, age 27, leading to her elimination.

24-year-old Elen, a translator from Cardiff, was often seen weeping, leaving viewers distressed as 33-year-old Kasim, a doctor from Cambridge, faced bullying and isolation by the group, unjustifiably, it seemed, due to unwarranted suspicion.

The whole spectacle is intentionally orchestrated. Producers strategically lower the temperature in the room, causing discomfort among all participants, creating an atmosphere of chilliness, unease, and tension. As a result, viewers often observe contestants wearing multiple clothing items and scarves.

Originally, viewers watch a condensed 15-minute debate clip, which is trimmed from a lengthy debate spanning two to three hours – after a tiring, 15-hour workday. It’s not surprising that emotions run high and tears are shed in the process.

Incredible behind-the-scenes secrets of The Traitors revealed by TV insiders to Insane length round tables REALLY last, £54 place where contestants actually sleep... and when the murders really happen

The anxiety police

It’s quite understandable that viewers are worried about the emotional performances of the contestants, given the dramatic nature of the competition. This season’s participant, Francesca, age 44, had to reassure her fellow competitor Freddie, a 20-year-old who cried after barely avoiding elimination: “This is just a game.

But the welfare of the show’s stars is a huge priority for the production team.

Dr. Howard Fine, an experienced clinical psychologist specializing in consultation work, shared his insights on “The Traitors,” stating, “The level of effort required backstage to ensure safety exceeds most viewers’ expectations. Truthfully, it can be quite challenging.

As an ardent fan, I can confidently share that the contestants are offered personal psychiatric assistance before, throughout, and after the recording process. To illustrate, Alex Gray, a dedicated follower from season one, expressed: ‘You had the chance to consult with a psychologist when you felt overwhelmed, helping you regain your composure and reminding you that it’s all part of the game, not actual reality.’

Beyond the scenes where the cameras stop recording, the welfare assistance continues unabated as well. The current contestants are made aware of any edits or changes in their storylines before each episode’s airing by a production team member who keeps them informed during briefings.

Finalist of Series One, Wilf Webster, aged 31, commended host Claudia for her understanding, expressing: “I found myself tearing up with Claudia. She was incredibly supportive too, given the challenging nature of the program.

Iconic castle

Due to the actions of The Traitors, Ardross Castle now carries a notorious reputation, rivaling that of Barnard Castle in County Durham, which gained attention when Dominic Cummings, a former influential Tory figure, took a drive there during the Covid-19 lockdown to test his eyesight.

Ardross boasts grandiose interiors and dramatic lighting, serving as an apt setting for a rather tense show. Acquired in the late 1700s by the 1st Duke of Sutherland who constructed a hunting lodge on it, the Scottish estate later passed through multiple hands. In 1845, it was purchased by Liberal MP Sir Alexander Matheson. More recently, in 1983, the castle found new owners – the McTaggart family – although they do not reside there.

As per Companies House records, Evie McTaggart, aged ninety, serves as the chatelaine of the castle. She splits her time residing in both Scotland and Greece.

Although players might feel inclined to delve into the numerous chambers of the castle, it’s important to note that contestants are essentially restricted to a limited area within this vast estate. Their access is strictly confined to the bar, the library, the billiard room, and the round-table room.

Instead of having just one room for all contestants to share their confessionals, disclosing their thoughts and emotions about the game’s progression, there are several identical rooms. This setup prevents delays caused by filming only one contestant at a time.

As per 45-year-old Claire Barratt, who was a dedicated fan from the initial series, the castle appears less grandiose in reality compared to its on-screen portrayal. In actuality, it’s frequently adorned with gaffer tape and wires, and bustling with production staff, film crews, and sound crews scurrying about.

As a fervent admirer, I must share my disheartening experience: Seeking a weekend escape in that majestic castle, only to find it doesn’t offer individual room bookings. However, if you’re planning a fairy-tale wedding, listen up! The enchanting Great Hall within its walls can accommodate up to 130 of your most cherished guests, making it an idyllic venue for tying the knot.

Casting checkmate

Finding suitable participants is the crucial aspect that The Traitors show’s producers focus on continuously throughout the year, as it plays a significant role in making the program successful.

In contrast to the multitude of applicants, certain contestants are personally selected by producers for participation. The individuals who catch the attention of the show’s creators are frequently associated with chess clubs or those who appreciate games that demand strategic thinking.

2021’s lineup features Alexander, a previous British diplomat at age 38, Lisa, an Anglican clergy member aged 62, and Leanne, a soldier disguised as a nail technician, at 28 years old. The show’s creators reportedly oppose individuals looking to exploit the platform for fame, as they feel it may undermine its genuine nature.

Before setting foot in the castle, the sibling duo, Maia who is a full-time mom, and Armani who’s an investigator specializing in finance, had amassed close to 14 million likes on TikTok combined.

The application procedure includes submitting a video, several interview stages, and a psychological evaluation to ensure that the competitors have enough mental resilience.

After contestants find out about joining the show, it becomes their responsibility to prepare themselves independently.

In the initial series, Alex Gray mentioned that he purchased two books on the internet regarding the art of deception, and in essence, discovered that determining whether someone is lying can be incredibly challenging.

In my role as a devoted devotee, I’d like to clarify that neither myself nor any of my fellow cast members are compensated for our appearances on this beloved program. Instead, we only receive a modest sum of £100 per day to offset any potential financial losses incurred during filming.

Additionally, they are guided on their clothing choices. A stylist provides them with ideas for overall looks and color schemes, then assists in selecting items to build their wardrobe.

Breakfast lies

Each day’s adventure kicks off at the breakfast table, revealing which contestants made it through the past hours. It’s often puzzled me why none of us seem to dig into the delightful assortment of croissants, smoothies, and fresh fruits set before us.

It appears that they had their breakfast – toast and porridge – at their hotel earlier, which is the Courtyard by Marriott, located 45 minutes away from here, specifically at Inverness Airport. This particular hotel was reserved for a period of two months over the summer by the BBC and Studio Lambert for filming purposes, with room rates starting at £48.

Although it appears that the bar is readily accessible for contestants to unwind with an evening beverage, its selection isn’t as extensive as it seems. Alcohol consumption is closely regulated here; each participant is only allowed up to two drinks, whether they choose wine or beer, to prevent anyone from becoming too intoxicated and potentially revealing sensitive information.

Global sensation

The idea behind the series was originated by Dutch businessman Marc Pos, drawing inspiration from a novel detailing a 17th-century Dutch shipwreck on an island. The stranded crew members, over time, grew suspicious of one another and even resorted to murder among themselves.

The programme launched in the Netherlands in 2021 and then premiered on the BBC in 2022.

More than five million viewers watched the opening episode of the new series.

Twenty nations have purchased the show’s format as of now. A U.S. adaptation, similarly filmed at Ardross Castle, premiered in 2023, with actor Alan Cumming as the host.

Additionally, there are plans for a British celebrity edition, with popular figures like Stephen Fry, Tom Daley, and Clare Balding reportedly on board.

But it hasn’t been a hit everywhere. The Australian version was canned because ratings were so bad.

The Claudia effect

As a devoted viewer, one of the nerve-wracking scenes that always gets me is when Claudia makes her rounds among the contestants at the outset of the program, subtly indicating the Traitors by a gentle nudge on their shoulders with her finger.

Claudia, aged 52, doesn’t merely function as a presenter; instead, she plays a crucial role in the entire production process.

The process of choosing the Traitors proves to be quite extensive, requiring me and five other casting team members to convene in one location to make our decisions. During these meetings, we consume approximately seven boxes of biscuits, with my voice being the softest among us.

In Ardross Castle, she possesses a private dressing room that is meticulously arranged by her personal stylist, Sinead McKeefry. Each episode costs approximately £2,000 for her stylish wardrobe, making it a fashion spectacle in its own right.

This season’s opening event saw her don a Bella Freud tweed blazer priced at £875, paired with fingerless knit gloves, a black turtleneck, and £800 Saint Laurent suede ankle boots.

She rocked a £875 Bella Freud tweed blazer, teamed it with fingerless knitted gloves, wore a black turtleneck, and strutted in £800 Saint Laurent suede ankle boots at this year’s kickoff event.

The floor-length Saint Laurent fringed coat she wore in series two cost £4,750.

As a steadfast admirer, I may not interact extensively with the contestants while the filming is underway, but post-competition, I often find myself in close proximity to them, earning affectionate nicknames like “Mum” from some of them.

She stated, “They are akin to my own kids, whom I can sometimes be quite harsh with. Yet, I adore each one of them deeply.

2025-01-11 04:49