The BBC has finally confirmed when the new season of The Traitors will begin — and fans won’t have to wait long at all.
Series four of the smash-hit reality thriller will launch on New Year’s Day at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer, with the second episode dropping the very next night on January 2.
To build the excitement, the broadcaster has released a chilling new teaser trailer. It features a mysterious figure cloaked in the show’s iconic cape, carrying a lantern as they walk through the darkness. A haunting reimagining of Blondie’s Heart of Glass echoes in the background before the screen fades to a simple message:
“Coming 2026.”
This season, 22 contestants from across the UK will arrive at the show’s imposing Scottish Highlands castle, all fighting for the life-changing £120,000 prize. Producers have promised even more psychological warfare, double-crossing, and jaw-dropping twists than ever before.
BBC also confirmed that Traitors: Uncloaked — the visualised companion podcast hosted by Ed Gamble — will return. The first episode will air immediately after the New Year’s Day premiere on BBC Two at 9.05pm, then move to BBC One from January 2 at 9pm. Fans can also listen on BBC Sounds and catch episodes on iPlayer.
The new season follows the enormous success of the first-ever Celebrity Traitors, where comedian Alan Carr dominated from day one and ultimately walked away with £87,500 for charity. The finale drew a huge 11.1 million viewers, while last year’s season two opened with 8.2 million watching live.
With its blend of mind games, hidden alliances, and ruthless betrayals, the Bafta-winning format — inspired by the classic party game wink murder — has become one of television’s biggest cultural phenomena.
And the buzz isn’t slowing down. Thanks to the massive momentum from the celebrity edition, excitement is already building for a potential All Stars season. While it hasn’t been confirmed, BBC insiders say the appetite to make it happen is stronger than ever.