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BBC One is kicking off 2026 with a spectacular start, as The Traitors makes its comeback for what's set to be a thrilling fourth series.

Following the familiar format, 22 strangers from across the UK will journey to the Scottish Highlands for the ultimate test of deceit and betrayal, all competing for the opportunity to claim up to £120,000.

Claudia Winkleman will return to handpick her Traitors, who must systematically eliminate their fellow contestants one by one, effectively 'murdering' them from the competition. Meanwhile, it falls to the Faithful to identify the Traitors and banish them from the castle, reports Wales Online.

A first-look preview has revealed that the new series will introduce a striking red Traitors cloak for the very first time. The teaser showed the camera sweeping across a festive dinner table before a grandfather clock struck, and a candle was extinguished as a shadowy figure in crimson passed by a window.

Claudia remarks: "Have yourself a merry little Christmas... I'm joking." The cloaked Traitor then placed down a lantern before turning towards the camera and raising a gloved finger to their lips. Continue reading for information about The Traitors series 4 broadcast schedule and its BBC One premiere date.

When will The Traitors series 4 begin?

The opening episode of The Traitors, Series 4, will broadcast on Thursday, January 1, 2026, on BBC One and iPlayer. This launches the new series, featuring a fresh group of participants prepared to manipulate, double-cross, and scheme their way towards claiming up to £120,000.

In the second series of The Traitors, Harry Clark played the traitor and kept all the winnings for himself, while in the third series, loyal participants Leanne Quigley and Jake Brown split the prize money.

The first celebrity edition saw Alan Carr become the second Traitor to secure a win by deceiving his fellow A-list contestants.

When is The Traitors series 4 on TV?

The Traitors begins at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. This is expected to be the standard time slot for the rest of the series, with one exception confirmed so far.

How many episodes are there in The Traitors series 4?

The fourth season of The Traitors comprises 12 episodes. Fans will be delighted as this is an increase from the nine episodes in the celebrity edition, promising even more deceit and intrigue.

When can I watch The Traitors series 4 on BBC iPlayer?

The fourth series of The Traitors will be available on BBC iPlayer following its nightly broadcast on BBC One.

What is the schedule for The Traitors?

The BBC has confirmed the air dates for the episodes, although the timings for the final week are yet to be finalised:

• Episode 1: Thursday, January 1, 8pm
• Episode 2: Friday, January 2, 8pm
• Episode 3: Saturday, January 3, 7:45pm
• Episode 4: Wednesday, January 7, 8pm
• Episode 5: Thursday, January 8, 8pm
• Episode 6: Friday, January 9, 8pm
• Episode 7: Wednesday, January 14, 8pm
• Episode 8: Thursday, January 15, 8pm
• Episode 9: Friday, January 16, 8pm
• Episode 10: Wednesday, January 21, time TBC
• Episode 11 - Thursday, January 22, time TBC
• Episode 12 - Friday, January 23, time TBC

The Traitors season 4 begins on Thursday, 1st January 2026, at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on iPlayer.

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