The Traitors UK season 5 confirmed to ditch divisive format change from previous episodes

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The show’s executive has confirmed that the controversial ‘secret traitor’ storyline won’t be used in future seasons of the popular reality series.

I remember when this all started back in season four – it aired earlier this year, and honestly, we were all shocked! Claudia Winkleman announced she’d picked a secret Traitor, someone with even more power than the regular players. It completely threw everyone – both the viewers and the Traitors already in the game – for a loop!

The secret traitor knew who the murderers were each night, but the turret’s villains didn’t know the hidden figure’s identity. They had to choose their next victim from a list provided by the secret traitor.

The shocking truth came out: Fiona Hughes was the Traitor all along! The reveal was a huge moment that fans are still talking about.

Creative director Mike Cotton explained that each installment in the series is designed like a mystery. The fundamental gameplay remains consistent, but they consistently introduce new and surprising elements to keep things fresh.

Unfortunately, that surprising plot twist won’t be happening again. Stephen Lambert, the CEO of the show’s production company, Studio Lambert, recently confirmed it’s been retired.

Lambert explained to IGN that a successful event format makes people feel comfortable and encourages them to return for future installments. It’s about creating something familiar that keeps audiences engaged and coming back for more.

The show is built to stay fresh, mainly by using a new group of players each time, but also through small adjustments to the format. What’s great about The Traitors is how many different directions the story can take with each new cast and those little changes we make.

After The Celebrity Traitors really took off, we started thinking about how to do something fresh and unexpected, and that’s where the idea of having a secret traitor came from. It felt like a great way to shake things up!

He explained that while the initial idea was a smart way to show they were trying something new, they ultimately decided against continuing it. He emphasized that the enjoyment of the show comes from the audience being kept in the dark about who the Traitors are.

Other shows have tried this hidden-identity format before, and the problem is that the outcome relies entirely on how the editors choose to present things. That can be frustrating for viewers because it doesn’t feel earned or fair.

Good news for fans! The BBC has just agreed to a new three-year contract, meaning both The Traitors and The Celebrity Traitors will continue airing on BBC One through 2030, with plenty more surprises coming along the way.

This popular, award-winning show will keep viewers hooked with its ongoing story full of unexpected surprises, hidden truths, daring adventures, betrayals, exiles, and plenty of thrilling murders.

According to the BBC, fans can expect season five of The Traitors in 2027, with new seasons planned for the following years: season six in 2028, season seven in 2029, and season eight in 2030. These will all be available on BBC One and iPlayer.

New seasons of The Celebrity Traitors are planned each year starting in 2026. Season 2 will air in 2026, followed by season 3 in 2027, season 4 in 2028, and season 5 in 2029.

Stephen Lambert, head of Studio Lambert, said that The Traitors has become a huge hit, particularly in the UK, and they’re delighted to keep making it with the BBC. He added that viewers can look forward to many more seasons full of strategy, suspense, and surprises.

You can currently watch seasons 1 through 4 of The Traitors, as well as season 1 of The Celebrity Traitors, on BBC iPlayer.

Authors

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah writes about entertainment for TopMob, covering everything from popular TV shows and reality competitions to impactful documentaries. Before joining TopMob, she worked at The Tab, where she focused on reality TV and celebrity news. Katelyn has a degree in Journalism.

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2026-03-12 22:39