Claudia Winkleman says the new series of The Traitors is packed with unexpected twists that left her screaming – despite being an old hand on the BBC show.
Hosted once again by Claudia, the hit BBC series will be returning on New Year’s Day, much to the delight of viewers across the United Kingdom.
The Traitors series four dropped a new trailer teasing a sinister twist – as a mysterious Red Cloak figure is unveiled.
But ahead of the show’s return and speaking of the new trailer, Claudia confessed to The Mirror that she screams during an unexpected change in the upcoming episodes.
She said: ‘Did they keep the bit in when I scream?’
‘At one point, all the hairs were standing on, and because you think, “yeah, I’ve seen this, it’s going to go down this route.”
Claudia Winkleman has confessed that the twists of the new Traitors series left her screaming as she opened up on the popular upcoming BBC show
Hosted once again by Claudia, the hit BBC guessing game will be returning to our screens on New Year’s Day
‘And all I can say is that it absolutely doesn’t.’
She went on to explain that while the Celebrity version saw contestants keeping to their polite selves, according to the upcoming civilian series, the roundtable is believed to get heated.
Claudia admitted that the game gets ‘brutal’ and the contestants play with their hearts.
A clip from the upcoming trailer revealed a major bombshell – that for the first time, the show will feature a new red Traitors cloak.
The ad featured a Christmas dinner table as a Grandfather Clock chimed and a candle was put out.
An ominous red figure then approached, holding a lantern in their hand.
Twists are believed to start right from the beginning as all 22 contestants are said to survive the first episode unscathed.
Speaking in a voiceover, Claudia said: ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas… I’m joking.’
But ahead of the show’s return and speaking of the new trailer, Claudia confessed to The Mirror that she screams during an unexpected change in the upcoming episodes
The red-cloaked Traitor put down the lantern before facing the camera and putting their finger to their lips.
A source told The Sun: ‘Nobody knows what the red Traitors cloak means, what that player will do, how they will fit in or even if there is just one of them.
‘But one thing is for sure, a different kind of Traitor in play will entirely change the game, again.
‘The new twist creates distrust and treachery like never seen before.
‘Bosses know that viewers and players alike know the game inside out so they have to keep everyone on their toes.’
Earlier this year, a star-studded celebrity edition saw 19 famous faces enter Ardross Castle to play the game.
It saw chat show legend Jonathan Ross, 65, singer Cat Burns, 25, and comedian Alan Carr, 49, selected by Claudia to become Traitors.
The record-breaking series saw more than 14 million viewers tune in to see Alan trick Faithfuls David Olusoga and Nick Mohammed to take the win.
While rumours had been circulating that celebrity names were already being thrown into the hat for a second series, the broadcaster soon confirmed it’ll be back on screens in 2026.
Claudia will once again host a new group of contestants as they take on the game of trust and treachery.
Brand new episodes of spin-off series Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked will also return to BBC Two and BBC Sounds.
The BBC’s head of entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight said: ‘In 2026 the doors of the castle will be opened again to welcome celebrity players to the game to see who can charm, who can scheme and ultimately who can survive in series two which promises to be just as unmissable as the first.
‘Plus with Uncloaked returning and today’s news of the positive contribution The Traitors brand has made to Scotland’s economy, there is plenty to celebrate.’
While the director of BBC Scotland added: ‘The Traitors is an immense TV success story and it’s fantastic to have multiple versions of it filmed in Scotland.
‘We welcome and celebrate it. This report highlights the many ways that Scotland is seeing a direct economic benefit from The Traitors filming here and, working together with our partners, we will use this success to promote sustainable growth within Scotland’s creative industry.’
The Traitors returns on New Year’s Day on BBC One and iPlayer.
