'The Traitors' S3 final is near: Things you didn't know about the surprising TV show

As the third season of The Traitors UK is underway, we take a look at some golden snippets of information about the show you may not know. But don’t worry, there are no season 3 spoilers in this gallery…

For example, did you know that The Traitors is now airing in over 20 countries? The resounding success seems to have originated from the UK but, although the British version was such a success that the US followed suit, it wasn't actually the British show that lit The Traitor's oil lamp.

The first show actually aired in The Netherlands in 2021. More specifically, it is based on a Dutch storybook, and a producer turned the tale into a TV show.

Image: Channel RTL 4

The Dutch producer, Marc Pos, bought a book about the 17th-century Dutch ship Batavia, which was wrecked on an island off the west coast of Australia. One of the bloodiest mutinies in history soon broke out, during which around 125 of the 300 survivors were murdered, as GQ tells us.

"The story is not about traitors or loyalists – it’s about mutineers on an island. But when [the ship’s passengers] crashed on the island, they didn’t know who was in favour of the mutiny or not. They all lied to each other because they didn't trust anyone", the producer said. 

Image: BBC

Marc Pos continued, "When I was reading this, I thought, what happens when there is a group together on an island, and they need each other? What does that human behaviour look like?" And thus the TV show was born.

Image: BBC

Not only has the success meant a new phase in reality TV, but the brand has also branched out into further Traitor businesses. In the UK, they are opening 'Traitors Live', where you can go with your friends and take part live in the game. It is great for corporate groups too, to see how well your colleagues are at lying!

Image: BBC

The contestants themselves have a new fame after the show so, as you can imagine, there are thousands that sign up to take part. But in order to avoid 'fame seekers', the production team also find the contestants themselves - at poker and chess tournaments and clubs. Makes sense.

Image: BBC

During filming and actually as soon as they arrive in Scotland, the Traitors production team takes away many of their personal items such as passports and mobile phones. So no, they aren't allowed to Google each other!

The contestants do not get paid. As such. But, of course, the TV show is very time consuming and they will all be missing work. The show gives them around £100 a day for taking part to potentially reimburse any losses.

Image: BBC

"You can only drink one drink a night anyway, it was quite restricted," US season 2 contestant Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu told Entertainment Weekly in January 2024. In the UK, the same (despite them always seeming to have a drink in hand!)... they can have around two drinks but the producers don't like them getting free with their talking or accidentally give anything away!

Image: BBC

Contestants are not allowed to speak to each other if the cameras aren't rolling. Well, not about the game itself at least. The reason isn't because of what you might think...

Image. BBC

Despite thinking there may be private mutinies going on, that isn't the real reason the contestants cannot speak to each other about the game when outside filming hours. The real reason is because it may be juicy content and the producers wouldn't want to miss a thing!

Image: BBC

Yes, the contestants are fed and, yes, the breakfast is real. But the gorgeous set up at the breakfast table in the morning drawing room at the castle isn't as tantalising as it appears on TV and The Mirror reports that the contestants actually eat in their hotel rooms before the start filming.

Image: BBC

"I’m sorry guys, it's time to come clean and leak something shocking about The Traitors. It pains me to tell you, but that breakfast is REALLY DRY AND NOT VERY NICE," Ivan from series one said on social media.

Image: BBC

Can you imagine how much time it would take to interview all the contestants in that cosy room with the nice comfy armchair? That's because there are four or five rooms that are absolutely identical in order to speed up the filming.

Image: BBC

If we look at the location of the round table - the contestants are played the same song each time before they go in to get them in the emotional and quizzical mood. The song played? 'The Hanging Tree', from 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay'.

Image: BBC

Follow Showbizz Daily to see the best galleries every day