When Will The Traitors Return?

Last Easter, news emerged that the BBC had booked up Ardross Castle, filming location for The Traitors, for a whopping six years – that’s all the way up to 2030. In short, this beloved murder mystery series is going nowhere soon. And with the inaugural Celebrity Traitors all wrapped up, we’re already craving some civilian action. Here’s everything we know so far about ordinary The Traitors series 4.

MORE: Will There Be Another Series Of The Celebrity Traitors?

The Traitors Series 4: Plot, Cast, Release Date & More

The Traitors series 3 contestants. (BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry)

The Traitors series 4 was confirmed way back in August 2024 at the Edinburgh TV Festival, along with a nine-part celebrity version. Both were filmed at Scotland’s home of The Traitors Ardross Castle in summer 2025.

‘The Traitors has well and truly established itself as an unmissable highlight of the year and 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,’ the BBC’s head of entertainment Kalpna Patel-Knight said at the time. ‘It will once again be fascinating for our audiences to see who’ll outwit, outplay, and outlast. Let the mind games begin!’

‘We are thrilled to be inviting some celebrities into our castle to come and play the game,’ added Mike Cotton, executive producer of the series. ‘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 Series 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.’

(BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry)

Who Will Star?

The Traitors series 4 cast has not yet been revealed, but we know the contestants – ordinary people from across the UK – were selected in the first half of 2025 before descending on Ardross Castle in the summer.

If you’re dreaming of starring in the UK’s favourite live action murder mystery game, casting is already open for series 5 (which would likely air at the very start of 2027). You’ve got until 31 May 2026 to send your application. Find all the details at bbc.co.uk

Ardross Castle, where The Traitors is filmed. (BBC/Studio Lambert)

When Will The Traitors Series 4 Air?

Grab your cloak: The Traitors will return for series 4 at the start of 2026 – though there’s no specific release date just yet.

If previous years are anything to go by, The Traitors series 4 could either begin on Wednesday 31 December 2025 or Wednesday 7 January 2026, because we know the BBC likes to start The Traitors on a Wednesday, kicking off its three episode per week schedule.

If they stick to the traditional Wednesday, Thursday, Friday air dates, we think The Traitors series 4 is more likely to premiere on 7 January to avoid being overwhelmed by New Year’s Eve. Or maybe we will be treated to a double bill on Thursday 1 January 2026. Only time will tell, but we’re sure the BBC will tease new details very soon.

(BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry)

WATCH

The first three series of The Traitors and the first series of The Celebrity Traitors are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Also on BBC iPlayer, you can find two series of The Traitors Australia, two series of The Traitors NZ, and three series of The Traitors US.