Emily Bashforth
Published January 24, 2026 6:48pm
Updated January 24, 2026 6:48pm
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Have you got what it takes to be a Traitor? (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Paul Chappells)
The Traitors may be over for another series (sobs), but if you’re anything like us, you’ll already be itching to know when it’s returning.
Last night, a staggering 9.4million people tuned in for the nail-biting finale of season 4, with figures peaking at 9.6m in a civilian Traitors viewing record.
After plenty of anxiety-inducing ‘will they or won’t they’ between Traitors Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby, who had vowed to stick together until the end, the result was revealed, causing living rooms across the country to erupt into cheers.
Managing to maintain their alliance, they stole a prize pot of £95,750 from under the Faithfuls’ noses, which even reduced host Claudia Winkleman to tears after an incredible fire pit showdown.
Alas, even the most brilliant television must come to an end, with The Traitors UK now set to be off screens for a while.
But never fear, because season 5 is in the works already – and you could be part of it… If you reckon you’ve got what it takes.
Rachel and Stephen stole the whole prize pot in an epic series 4 finale (Picture: Paul Chappells/Studio Lambert/BBC/PA Wire)
When does The Traitors series 5 start?
The Traitors’ UK adaptation began in 2022 to an astonishing reception as Faithfuls Hannah Byczkowski, Meryl Williams, and Aaron Evans split the winnings.
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And it’s only grown since, with awards galore (including Baftas and NTAs) to its name.
As such, before we even knew who the Traitors and Faithfuls were in series 4, the BBC confirmed that a fifth instalment had been greenlit due to the twisted game show’s phenomenal success.
Given that series 4 premiered at the start of 2026, it’s fair to assume that series 5 will likely begin in January 2027.
Filming will take place in the now-famous 19th-century Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands (approximately 25 miles north of Inverness) later this year.
Applications are now open for season 5 (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Paul Chappells)
How to take part in The Traitors series 5
Applications are now open for The Traitors series 5 for anyone who believes they have what it takes to backstab, deceive, and banish new friends in pursuit of a cash prize.
You can apply via the BBC website, where a form is available.
Applicants must be aged 18 or over and ‘available to take part in the programme for up to four weeks, currently anticipated to be in summer/autumn 2026’, as explained by the broadcaster.
The application form also contains one very important question – so think carefully about crafting your answer.
‘If given the choice, would you choose to be a Traitor or a Faithful?’, they asked, followed by a text box where hopefuls must explain why.
The closing date for applications is currently May 31, 2026.
The Celebrity Traitors is due to return in autumn (Picture: Cody Burridge/BBC/PA Wire)
When does The Celebrity Traitors series 2 air?
Fortunately for us superfans, we needn’t wait a whole year for our next Traitors fix, as the celebrity edition will return for a second series.
Last year, comedian Alan Carr stormed to victory as an unlikely Traitor, taking home the £87,500 prize pot for his charity.
Other famous participants included banished Traitors Jonathan Ross and Cat Burns, while the likes of Sir Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie, Kate Garraway, Tom Daley, and Paloma Faith were loyal Faithfuls.
A whopping 11m tuned in for the final, cementing the spin-off’s success after three civilian versions.
The celeb version was first filmed in April and May last year, followed by the civilian version in June, so we can assume a similar format might be followed this time around.
11million viewers watched Alan Carr’s victory last year (Picture: BBC)
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This would mean The Celebrity Traitors series 2 could premiere in October.
As for who is taking part, we’re yet to find out.
However, some huge names are currently flying around, with the likes of Alison Hammond, Danny Dyer, Daisy May Cooper, and Ruth Jones all reportedly in talks.
Steve Pemberton is another potential player in the mix, while Amanda Holden and Tom Hiddleston have said they would love to take part.
Speaking previously about casting the famous faces, an insider teased that ‘the pot of talent wanting to take part is overflowing’, meaning execs ‘have a lot to weigh up’ if they want to make the best telly.
‘The first series of The Celebrity Traitors was dynamite, so the second series needs to have the same weight,’ the source told The Sun.
Filming for series 5 of the civilian edition will take place in summer (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry)
Contracts will not be signed ‘until closer to the start of production’.
Where else to watch The Traitors
If you can’t hang on until autumn, never fear, because there’s still plenty of Traitors action out there to keep you entertained.
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Hosted by Alan Cummings, The Traitors US has three series on BBC iPlayer so far, while season 4 – starring the likes of Maura Higgins, Lisa Rinna, Mark Ballas, and Colton Underwood – is still airing.
You can also binge two seasons of The Traitors Australia and The Traitors NZ, both of which have a third to come.
Finally, The Traitors Ireland is on iPlayer, too. Hosted by Derry Girls icon, Siobhán McSweeney, it follows the same format we all know and love, with players going head-to-head for a potential €50,000 prize.,
Stream The Traitors UK in full on BBC iPlayer.
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