The Traitors is only a few episodes in and the body count is already rising – but is the show on tonight?
With murders, banishments and a game-changing new format, it’s definitely been a dramatic start to the latest series.
The new run launched last week and viewers have wasted no time getting invested.
This year, there’s a major shake-up too, after host Claudia Winkleman revealed the existence of a Secret Traitor who is quietly pulling the strings behind the scenes.
At the start, three named Traitors were chosen to carry out the murders. But lurking in the background is the Secret Traitor, who has been drawing up ‘shortlists’ of potential victims without revealing their identity.
Viewers are desperate to know who the Secret Traitor is and the wait is nearly over.
But is The Traitors on tonight? Here’s everything you need to know.
The Traitors: Murdered and banished list
The new series began with a three-night launch starting on New Year’s Day (Thursday January 1, 2026).
In the opening episode, 22 new contestants arrived at Ardross Castle, many of them openly hoping to be selected as Traitors.
Claudia ultimately chose four. Three were named outright; Rachel, Stephen and Hugo. The fourth Traitor remains hidden, operating as the Secret Traitor.
While the named Traitors were told that a Secret Traitor exists, they were not told who it is. Meanwhile, the Secret Traitor has known their identities from the very beginning.
So far, this is how the casualties have stacked up:
- Netty: Murdered in episode 2
- Judy: Banished in episode 2
- Ben: Murdered in episode 3
- Hugo: Banished in episode 3
Hugo’s exit came after a growing number of contestants correctly identified him as a Traitor. Things moved quickly, and the barrister was visibly stunned when fellow Traitor Stephen wrote his name down at the Round Table.
Who will make it all the way to the final? (Credit: BBC)
Is The Traitors on tonight?
The BBC has given The Traitors a noticeable scheduling shake-up this year. But it is not on tonight.
Because the series launched on New Year’s Day, the first three episodes aired across Thursday, Friday and Saturday. From this week onwards, however, things settle into a more familiar pattern.
The next episode airs tomorrow (Wednesday January 7), with further episodes following on Thursday and Friday. This mirrors last year’s Wednesday-to-Friday run.
There is one important change to note. The show has been moved to an earlier slot and now airs at 8pm on BBC One, rather than 9pm.
This appears to make room for spin-off show Uncloaked, which now airs on BBC One at 9pm. Hosted by Ed Gamble, Uncloaked follows immediately after the main episode finishes. It previously aired on BBC Two, but has been promoted to the main channel this year.
When is The Traitors final?
This year’s series consists of 12 episodes, with all remaining instalments running for one hour each.
Based on the current schedule, the 2026 final of The Traitors is expected to air on Friday January 23, 2026.
The BBC Is yet to officially confirm the finale date, but unless there are last-minute schedule changes, this is the most likely conclusion.
Last year’s series wrapped up on Friday January 24, with Faithfuls Jake Brown and Leanne Quigley crowned as the winners.
Here, you can find out what Jake and Leanne spent their winnings on and where all the previous winners are now.
With plenty of twists still to come, the big question remains – who will triumph this time?
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