Secrets of The Traitors

Our TV writer reveals how treacherous show's made

- POLLY HUDSON and SARA WALLIS

WITH paranoia, backstabbing, guilt and betrayal at every turn, BBC1 hit reality show The Traitors is keeping fans hooked as its finale looms.

The murder mystery show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman in all her tweedy finery, sees “Faithfuls” killed off by “Traitors” as contestants battle to win a cash prize of up to £120,000.

But it has left our superfan columnist Polly Hudson with some big questions.

Does Claudia really pick the traitors? Do they really sleep in that grand Scottish castle? Can they have a fag break?

Here TV columnist SARA WALLIS answers all these and more.

Q Do the contestants get paid to take part?

The contestants don’t technically get paid, but obviously they have to take weeks off work, losing wages.

It doesn’t seem fair that should lose money by taking part so they are reimbursed with around £100 a day.

Q Are they allowed access to the outside world?

One thing they most definitely cannot have is access to the outside world.

If the Faithful and Traitors had their phones – or any access to the internet – they would be able to Google each other and possibly gain unfair advantages.

Sometimes even the remote controls for the TV in their hotel rooms are confiscated.

Q Is the breakfast they’re served each morning as mouth-watering as it looks?

Sorry to burst your bubble, but no it isn’t. The opposite in fact.