The Traitors returns: A new season and celebrity edition announced
Fans of the psychological gameshow “The Traitors” have reason to celebrate. The BBC has confirmed a fourth season of the hit show, along with a special celebrity edition. This exciting news was revealed at the Edinburgh TV Festival, setting the stage for more mind games and strategic deception.
A new chapter in the Scottish Highlands
The third season of “The Traitors” has already been filmed in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, but the anticipation doesn’t stop there. The upcoming fourth season will consist of 12 episodes, while the celebrity edition will feature nine episodes. Although the participants and broadcast dates for these new installments remain under wraps, the excitement is palpable.
Claudia Winkleman returns as host
Claudia Winkleman will once again take the helm as the host of the U.K. edition of “The Traitors,” produced by Studio Lambert, a part of All3Media. Her charismatic presence has been a staple of the show, adding to its allure and suspense.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, the BBC’s head of entertainment, expressed her enthusiasm: “‘The Traitors’ has well and truly established itself as an unmissable highlight of the year. The news of a fourth outing, alongside a brand new celebrity version coming to the BBC, will take the series to a whole new level. It will once again be fascinating for our audiences to see who’ll outwit, outplay, and outlast. Let the mind games begin!”
Celebrity intrigue and deception
Mike Cotton, creative director for unscripted at Studio Lambert and an executive producer on “The Traitors,” shared his excitement about the celebrity edition: “We are thrilled to be inviting some celebrities into our castle to come and play the game. Seeing famous faces navigate the round table or don the infamous green cloaks will be unmissable TV, and what a double treat for the fans with [Season] 4 also confirmed too. There’s a whole lot of exciting treachery and deception yet to come from the Highlands… Claudia’s going to have to pack some extra knitwear.”
The Traitors: Uncloaked podcast
In addition to the new seasons, a companion podcast titled “The Traitors: Uncloaked” is set to release 12 new episodes. Hosted by comedian Ed Gamble and produced by podcast agency Listen, this podcast will delve deeper into the show’s intricate dynamics and behind-the-scenes secrets.
The origins and global reach of “The Traitors”
“The Traitors” was originally created in the Netherlands by IDTV. The format and tape sales are represented globally by All3Media, ensuring that the show’s unique blend of strategy and suspense reaches audiences worldwide.
New BBC sitcom and documentary announcements
During the Edinburgh panel, the BBC also unveiled a new sitcom starring Dawn French, titled “Can You Keep a Secret?” This show features French as a militant granny who embarks on an insurance scam. Written and created by Simon Mayhew-Archer, known for “This Country,” the sitcom also stars Mark Heap from “Friday Night Dinner.”
Additionally, a new two-part documentary titled “Signs for Living” from Rogan Productions was announced. This documentary stars Rose Ayling-Ellis, who guides a group of older people through learning British Sign Language (BSL).
Celebrating British Sign Language
In a significant move, the BBC’s hit dance show “Strictly Come Dancing” will be signed live with British Sign Language for the first time in its 20-year history. The show already offers audio description and subtitling, and this addition marks a milestone in inclusivity.
Both Ayling-Ellis’s documentary and the BSL addition to “Strictly” are part of a BBC British Sign Language season next year, aiming to celebrate and promote signing.
Explore more
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of “The Traitors,” check out the trailer and stay tuned for more updates. The upcoming seasons promise to deliver more thrilling moments, strategic gameplay, and unexpected twists.
Whether you’re a fan of intense psychological gameshows, captivating sitcoms, or groundbreaking documentaries, the BBC’s latest announcements offer something for everyone. Get ready for a year filled with entertainment, intrigue, and innovation.