The Traitors became a bit of an overnight sensation over the 2022 Christmas period, and after versions in the US and Australia, the UK version has stormed back onto our screens. Season two and is streaming on BBC iPlayer now.
The game of skill and deception – where the winner gets up to £120,000 (or $250,000 in the US version) – is based on Dutch series De Verraders. 22 strangers are tasked with working out who among them was named a ‘traitor’ at the very start of the show. But it’s not just the game gripping viewers.
The absolutely glorious locations are just as enticing as the game itself, so here is everything you need to know about The Traitors filming spots.
Where is ‘The Traitors’ filmed?
The Traitors is filmed in the nineteenth-century Ardross Castle, 25 miles north of Inverness in Scotland. The castle is in the Scottish Baronial style and set within beautiful formal gardens, and it’s surrounded by more than 100 acres of parkland on the banks of the River Alness.
When does season 2 of The Traitors start?
Season 2 of the traitors began last night (Wednesday January 3) at 9pm. Episodes one, two and three are streaming on BBC iPlayer now.
Any news on the contestants?
Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman is back hosting season 2, and this year’s cast includes 22 new faces from all over the UK. There’s 65 year-old Aubrey, a retired shop owner from Loughborough, Evie, a veterinary nurse from Inverness who’s 29, and Paul, a 36 year-old business manager from Manchester. But to find out where the divide is between the Faithfuls and the Traitors, you’ll have to tune in.
What else has been filmed at Ardross Castle?
Ardross Castle was also setting for the US version of the series, and is a popular filming location for TV, video and high-end photoshoots, according to its website.
Can you visit the castle?
Good news – if you’re watching the show and want to give the castle a visit, you can! It’s available for hire for parties and corporate events, but sadly individual visits are not allowed. If your workplace wants to hire it out for team-building, Ardross Castle also offers group activities including bike riding and guided walks. Time to butter up the boss.
Who lived at Ardross Castle?
In 1937, Austin Mardon purchased Ardross Castle, Lealty Farm and more than 80 acres of land. He lived there until 1983, when the estate was sold.
In 1983, the McTaggart family (who are the current owners) acquired the estate and began to restore the gardens. The castle and estate properties have been extensively renovated.
What’s ‘The Traitors’ about?
The game features 22 contestants, who firstly find out their fate: whether they are playing as a ‘Faithful’ or as a ‘Traitor’. The role of the Faithfuls is to identify the Traitors in the group and banish them all before the game ends.
The Traitors meet in secret and have the opportunity to choose a Faithful they wish to ‘murder’ in each episode, eliminating them from the series.
The contestants also carry out a series of missions to raise money for the prize pot – up to a total of £120,000 (or $250,000).
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