The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman reveals what sinister red cloak means in brutal twist as BBC bosses shake-up show format

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This thrilling game is all about lies, backstabbing, and betrayal, and it’s quickly become a popular show on the BBC.

As a huge fan of Traitors, I’m so excited to hear they’re mixing things up this season! The producers have said they’re really feeling the heat to make this version with regular people as good as the celebrity one, and they’re doing that by changing how the game actually works. It’s a big risk, but I think it could be amazing!

As a huge fan, I was absolutely hooked from the very beginning of the new season! Claudia Winkleman announced something completely unexpected – not only will she be choosing three Traitors, but a fourth one too! This secret Traitor will have a special red cloak to set them apart, while the original three stick with the classic emerald green. It’s a brilliant twist and I can’t wait to see how it plays out!

As a huge fan, I’m so excited about this season! The person playing the Traitor will be the only one who knows exactly who everyone else is – it’s incredible! And the best part? Even we watching at home won’t know who Claudia has selected as the Traitor. It’s going to be a total mystery!

Mike Cotton, Creative Director at Studio Lambert, explained the reasoning behind this year’s format change: ‘Every season of the show feels like a new mystery. We keep the main game the same, but always add surprises. This time, we wanted to create extra intrigue by keeping one of the Traitors’ identities hidden from the others.’

According to Claudia on the show, the Traitors will continue to secretly control things until the others regain control. The Traitors are accustomed to being in charge, so it will be fascinating to watch how they adjust and whether they can still use their position to win.

During the episode, Claudia chose Stephen, Rachel, and Hugo as Traitors. However, the show didn’t reveal which of them she secretly designated as the ultimate Traitor.

Claudia explained to the Daily Mail that while the process is stressful, she doesn’t make decisions on her own. She interviews all potential participants, and some are very eager to remain committed. If anyone raises concerns or seems untrustworthy, they’re considered a potential match.

‘I then go into a small room with the bosses and an enormous tin of biscuits and we pick.

We chose a contestant who was truly motivated and eager to take on the role of a ‘Traitor’. They were completely invested in the experience and seemed to enjoy the challenge. She also mentioned the game can be very intense, and players really put their emotions on the line.

I’ll never forget when she first told us. She admitted there was another Traitor among us, someone she’d secretly chosen at the round table. It was a shock, to say the least! She explained that we still had some influence, but it wasn’t as strong as it used to be, knowing someone else was working against us too.

The hidden Traitor will operate independently, giving you a list of potential targets each night. You are limited to eliminating only one person from that list. Keep in mind, because they’re a Traitor, they won’t include themselves or you on the list.

‘Let me add this, you don’t know who they are, but they know exactly who you are.

Stephen reacted to this with disbelief, saying, ‘This is twisted.’ Claudia, with a sly smile, replied, ‘Just the way I like it.’

Twenty-two players are competing for a top prize of up to £120,000, and among them are Judy and Roxy – a mother and daughter team. They’ve chosen to keep their family connection a secret from the other contestants, but revealed it to viewers during the first episode.

And two more contestants had an unexpected reunion when they arrived at the famous Scottish castle.

Netty was happy to recognize someone amongst the group of twenty newcomers, but Ross was already acting suspiciously and preparing to play the game, even before the Traitors had been selected.

BBC officials have confirmed they didn’t intend to cast another pair of contestants who already had a relationship, especially after the first episode revealed a mother and daughter were competing.

As a lifestyle expert and someone who often works behind the scenes on productions, I can tell you that when we were doing our standard background checks on potential cast members Netty and Ross, we noticed they followed each other on social media. Honestly, it wasn’t a strong connection, and we definitely didn’t want to exclude talented people just because of a casual online link. We always aim to be fair and focus on their abilities, not minor connections like that.

According to Mike Cotton, Creative Director at Studio Lamberts, the players weren’t told about the opening scene beforehand. The team wanted to capture their genuine, first-time reactions on camera and see how those reactions would affect the game’s storyline, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Netty was shocked at first, but her face lit up as she ran to hug Ross when they got out of the black SUVs. Ross, however, seemed more subdued, which made the moment a little awkward.

She then points to Ross and screams to the group, ‘I know him!’

Oh my gosh, you won’t BELIEVE this! She was talking to the camera and said she got out of the car and instantly saw Ross – Ross! The guy she met like, ten or fifteen years ago! She was SO surprised, she had absolutely no idea he’d be there. I’m freaking out just hearing about it!

Oh my gosh, he actually said it! He confessed he was worried people would think something was up with us. He was talking about the first time he saw Netty, and he went, ‘Oh, can we keep…’ and then he pretended to zip his lips shut! It was the cutest, most telling thing ever! I just knew there was something special between them, and he was clearly smitten from the very beginning. It’s like he was already head over heels and trying to be discreet, but failing hilariously!

She’s a truly honest person, and I didn’t want to let her down. It was lovely seeing her, but something felt a little off to me.

They shared that they first met through friends when they both lived in London. However, Netty has since relocated to Glasgow, and it’s been over a decade since they last saw each other.

The Traitors continues on January 2 at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. 

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2026-01-02 02:19