Hidden Secrets of 39The Traitors39 How much players get paid

Hidden Secrets of 'The Traitors': How much players get paid, what show memorabilia they get to keep and how producers ratchet up the tension around round tables with music and air conditioning

The traitors have taken Britain by storm with their constant twists, betrayals and mind games.

The finale is scheduled to air on Friday and the remaining believers and traitors will try to outsmart each other to win the cash prize.

However, for many fans, some questions still need to be answered about the show itself and its behind-the-scenes secrets.

Many are eager to know how the series is filmed, how the participants are selected and what involvement the producers have.

Web has answered all the questions and revealed the biggest secrets of the popular series.

The Traitors has taken the UK by storm with its constant twists, betrayals and mind games.  The finale is scheduled to air on Friday and the remaining Faithfuls and Traitors will try to outwit each other to win the cash prize

The Traitors has taken the UK by storm with its constant twists, betrayals and mind games. The finale is scheduled to air on Friday and the remaining Faithfuls and Traitors will try to outwit each other to win the cash prize

However, for many fans, some questions still need to be answered about the show itself and its behind-the-scenes secrets

However, for many fans, some questions still need to be answered about the show itself and its behind-the-scenes secrets

Are participants paid?

One question many have asked is whether contestants are paid to appear on the show.

Players will not be paid a fee to take part, but as they will have to take time off work to film, they will be reimbursed for lost wages at around £100 per day.

One of the winners of the first series, Aaron Evans, explained in a question and answer session on YouTube: “They don't technically pay you, they subsidize what you would have gotten for working on the show, which is about £100 per day.”

He added: “It’s not that much.” […] But it is worthwhile in any case.'

Aaron generously gave most of his share of the £101,050 jackpot to his mother so she could buy a house.

One question many have asked is whether contestants are paid for their appearance on the show.  The answer is that technically they don't get paid for participating

One question many have asked is whether contestants are paid for their appearance on the show. The answer is that technically they don't get paid for participating

However, one of the winners of the first series, Aaron Evans, explained that they would be reimbursed around £100 a day for lost wages as they had to take time off work to film

However, one of the winners of the first series, Aaron Evans, explained that they would be reimbursed around £100 a day for lost wages as they had to take time off work to film

Where do the players stay?

Another mystery is where the players will be during filming. The show gives the impression that they are in the castle.

The famous film The Traitors was filmed at the 19th century Ardross Castle, which has 30 bedrooms and is located 25 miles north of Inverness.

The series often features clips of the contestants in their rooms with luxurious four-poster beds and elegant freestanding bathtubs.

However, the stars are actually staying at a £70-a-night airport hotel, The Courtyard by Marriott, which is a 40-minute drive from the castle.

Alan Cumming, who hosts the US version of the series, revealed the shocking deception, saying: “You.” [the contestants] Everyone stayed at the airport hotel at Inverness Airport. How glamorous – you come to Scotland and stay at the Inverness airport hotel!

“I lived in a small house in Inverness. But I had a room in the castle where I could put on makeup and dress. There was a huge bed inside. So I actually slept quite a bit, but not overnight.”

Players are also surrounded by security guards who roam the grounds to prevent them from having conversations.

One guest recalled: “There were guards on every corridor next to the elevators checking that people were leaving their rooms.”

Participants are also not allowed to move freely around Highland Castle, but only have access to the library, small bar, kitchen and billiards room.

The other rooms are packed with all the equipment and crew members, with season one's Claire Barratt describing the castle as full of “gaffer tape and wires” with “production staff, film crew and sound crew running around.”

Another mystery is where the players will be during filming.  The show gives the impression that they are in the castle

Another mystery is where the players will be during filming. The show gives the impression that they are in the castle

The famous film The Traitors was filmed at the 19th century Ardross Castle (pictured), which has 30 bedrooms and is located 25 miles north of Inverness

The famous film The Traitors was filmed at the 19th century Ardross Castle (pictured), which has 30 bedrooms and is located 25 miles north of Inverness

The series often features clips of the contestants in their rooms with luxurious four-poster beds and elegant freestanding bathtubs The series often features clips of the contestants in their rooms with luxurious four-poster beds and elegant freestanding bathtubs

The series often features clips of the contestants in their rooms with luxurious four-poster beds and elegant freestanding bathtubs

However, the stars are actually staying at a £70-a-night airport hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott (pictured), which is a 40-minute drive from the castle

However, the stars are actually staying at a £70-a-night airport hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott (pictured), which is a 40-minute drive from the castle

Participants are also not allowed to move freely around Highland Castle, but only have access to the library, small bar, kitchen and billiards room (pictured).

Participants are also not allowed to move freely around Highland Castle, but only have access to the library, small bar, kitchen and billiards room (pictured).

Is the show scripted?

When it comes to reality shows, there is also the question of how much is “reality” and how much is scripted.

While there are some series that rely heavily on scripted scenes, The Traitors is very real and doesn't give players any instructions.

Series one finalist Wilfred Webster even said that contestants had “forgotten the cameras”.

Aaron added that the very heated arguments that viewers love come about naturally, emphasizing that producers never interfered in their discussions.

He shared, “We were never forced into the drama, it just happens, the producers would never control anything, we had complete control over what we said and what we did.”

Instead, the producers help build tension behind the scenes, primarily by keeping the identities of the traitors and the tasks and twists ahead a secret.

Contestants are never allowed to be alone until they are in the hotel rooms and are constantly supervised so that they cannot have off-screen conversations.

They also have no access to the outside world as there is no internet, so they cannot google each other and potentially find out important information.

Even the remote controls in their hotel rooms are sometimes confiscated while each participant is blindfolded and taken to their room one at a time.

The producers also use clever tactics to heighten the paranoia and tension, such as running the air conditioning in the room with the round tables on full blast to make it freezing cold.

Before each banishment, they also play the song “The Hanging Tree” from The Hunger Games to participants to keep them entertained.

Maddy explained: “It puts you in such a state – you're nervous all the time.” They play “The Hanging Tree” from “The Hunger Games” before you go to the round table, and every time we thought, “Uhhh !” “Everything is reduced and it's actually scary.”

While there are some series that rely heavily on scripted scenes, The Traitors is very real and doesn't give players any instructions

While there are some series that rely heavily on scripted scenes, The Traitors is very real and doesn't give players any instructions

Series one finalist Wilfred Webster (pictured) even said that contestants had “forgotten the cameras”.

Series one finalist Wilfred Webster (pictured) even said that contestants had “forgotten the cameras”.

Aaron added that the very heated arguments that viewers love come about naturally, emphasizing that producers never interfered in their discussions

Aaron added that the very heated arguments that viewers love come about naturally, emphasizing that producers never interfered in their discussions

The producers also use clever tactics to heighten the paranoia and tension, such as running the air conditioning in the room with the round tables on full blast to make it freezing cold

The producers also use clever tactics to heighten the paranoia and tension, such as running the air conditioning in the room with the round tables on full blast to make it freezing cold

Before each banishment, they also play the song “The Hanging Tree” from The Hunger Games to participants to keep them entertained

Before each banishment, they also play the song “The Hanging Tree” from The Hunger Games to participants to keep them entertained

Who chooses the traitors?

“The Traitors” begins with everyone at the round table blindfolded while host Claudia Winkleman goes around selecting the traitors by tapping them on the back.

Many viewers wondered whether it is the beloved host who makes the choice or whether it is actually the producers who make the decision.

However, it turns out that it is Claudia who decides who is a traitor and who is a believer, although she may also consult with the producers.

The series begins by interviewing each player to learn more about their tactics and mentality and inquire whether they want to be a traitor or a believer.

Aaron explained: “It ends up being Claudia when you first walk into her room in episode one.”

“She has some idea of ​​who she’s going to pick, but you can influence her quite a lot.”

He added that Claudia originally had Ivan Brett in mind as a traitor in season one, but when he said he wanted to be a believer, she changed her mind.

“The Traitors” begins with everyone at the round table blindfolded while host Claudia Winkleman goes around selecting the traitors by tapping them on the back

“The Traitors” begins with everyone at the round table blindfolded while host Claudia Winkleman goes around selecting the traitors by tapping them on the back

It turns out that it is Claudia who decides who is a traitor and who is a believer, although she may also consult with the producers

It turns out that it is Claudia who decides who is a traitor and who is a believer, although she may also consult with the producers

The series begins by interviewing each player to learn more about their tactics and mentality and inquire whether they want to be a traitor or a believer

The series begins by interviewing each player to learn more about their tactics and mentality and inquire whether they want to be a traitor or a believer

How is the show filmed?

The show is very cleverly edited to heighten the tension and ensure that all the drama fits into three episodes per week.

However, behind the scenes the film is actually slightly different from what is seen on television, partly due to the fact that the filming is very long.

Filming can last for hours, and some reports say there are days when the stars film until the early hours of the morning.

The intense schedule also means the week is full Monday to Saturday, but series one winner Meryl Williams revealed they have Sundays off.

In addition, players can freely talk to spectators in the confession room, but there is actually more than one.

In order to film multiple participants' confessionals at the same time, there are actually four or five confessionals, all identical to each other.

The dramatic murders aren't quite what they seem either, as the players aren't actually killed at night, which would mean they'd be up all night or woken up in the middle of the night.

Season 1's John McManus revealed that the faithful are instead murdered the morning after they arrive at the castle.

He said: “Everyone goes to the castle at the same time in different jeeps and then you are all put in separate lounges.”

“It's like being in a Big Brother diary room where the letter is on the chair in front of you and it just says, 'The traitors murdered you.'

While off camera, players are allowed to take smoke or vape breaks, but must be supervised at all times.

They are allowed to drink alcohol, as seen on the show when fan favorite Diane Carson is poisoned with carbonated rosé.

There is a two drink limit, but Wilf said, “They said two, but they.” [staff] always disappeared after one.

“They don’t want us messing up, getting drunk and doing anything accidentally.”

The show is very cleverly edited to heighten the tension and make sure all the drama fits into three episodes a week, but behind the scenes it's actually a little different than it is on TV

The show is very cleverly edited to heighten the tension and make sure all the drama fits into three episodes a week, but behind the scenes it's actually a little different than it is on TV

Filming can take hours and the week is busy Monday to Saturday, but series one winner Meryl Williams (pictured) revealed they have Sundays off

Filming can take hours and the week is busy Monday to Saturday, but series one winner Meryl Williams (pictured) revealed they have Sundays off

In order to film multiple participants' confessionals at the same time, there are actually four or five confessionals, all identical to each other

In order to film multiple participants' confessionals at the same time, there are actually four or five confessionals, all identical to each other

The dramatic murders aren't quite what they seem either, as the players aren't actually killed at night, which would mean they'd be up all night or woken up in the middle of the night

The dramatic murders aren't quite what they seem either, as the players aren't actually killed at night, which would mean they'd be up all night or woken up in the middle of the night

Season 1's John McManus revealed that the faithful are instead murdered the morning after they arrive at the castle

Season 1's John McManus revealed that the faithful are instead murdered the morning after they arrive at the castle

You are allowed to drink alcohol, as seen on the show when fan favorite Diane Carson was poisoned with carbonated rosé (pictured), but there is a two drink limit

You are allowed to drink alcohol, as seen on the show when fan favorite Diane Carson was poisoned with carbonated rosé (pictured), but there is a two drink limit

Is the breakfast offering as tasty as it looks?

Another perceived deception of the show is the revelation that the breakfast served to players each morning at the castle is not as tasty as it seems.

Series one star Ivan shared the truth on Twitter, explaining that the lavish spreads were actually “not very nice”.

He said: “I'm sorry guys, it's time to be honest and reveal something shocking about #TheTraitors.”

“It hurts me to tell you this, but breakfast is REALLY DRY AND NOT VERY NICE.”

However, his former co-star Maddy Smedley disagreed, replying: “Oh, I really liked the cheese and the ham.”

But season two star Evie Morrison quipped: “Watch me eat it anyway!!!” “Stress eating is real.”

Viewers were quick to joke that they thought the “dry food” was another sneaky way to create tension in the group.

One wrote: “Of course. There's nothing like slightly stale croissants to get people turning on each other. “The mind games take place on all levels.”

To which Ivan replied: “Orange juice is the same temperature as coffee?” “I'm going to kill my friend now.”

Another perceived deception of the show is the revelation that the breakfast served to players each morning at the castle is not as tasty as it seems

Another perceived deception of the show is the revelation that the breakfast served to players each morning at the castle is not as tasty as it seems

Series one star Ivan (pictured right) shared the truth on Twitter, explaining that the generous spreads were actually

Series one star Ivan (pictured right) shared the truth on Twitter, explaining that the generous spreads were actually “not very nice”.

1706100453 643 Hidden Secrets of 39The Traitors39 How much players get paid Viewers were quick to joke that they thought the

Viewers were quick to joke that they thought the “dry food” was another sneaky way to create tension in the group

Are players allowed to keep memorabilia?

The players who don't get to take home any money can still keep a part of the show as a memento of their experience.

Wilf revealed that participants were each sent their iconic framed photos that hang in the castle.

The producers also sent each player a copy of the board game “The Traitors” so they could hone their deception skills.

Players will also be able to keep a portion of the show as a souvenir of their experience, as Wilf revealed they were each sent their iconic framed photos that hang in the castle (pictured).

Players will also be able to keep a portion of the show as a souvenir of their experience, as Wilf revealed they were each sent their iconic framed photos that hang in the castle (pictured).

How do you get on the show?

Anyone who would like to take part in the popular series and have a chance of winning the jackpot can apply online.

However, the producers are also looking for actors for the show, especially puzzle solvers and logical minds.

They are looking for participants in poker and chess clubs, as well as fans of strategy games.

However, unlike the casting process for shows like Love Island, producers have stated that they do not look for fame seekers or people with large followings as it ruins the authenticity of the show.

Maddy previously gave an insight into the casting process for the hit competition and revealed exactly how she secured a spot on the show.

Speaking to Anna Cookson on BBC Radio Kent, she shared: “I got a call out of the blue about applying for Race Across The World and a previous show and they must have kept my thing a secret.”

“Someone called me and asked, ‘Do you work in a nursing home? Are you an actor?' and all that stuff, and they pitched the show to me on the phone and I thought it was like wink murder or an acting game and I thought, “That sounds pretty good.”

“Next thing you know, you're doing Zoom calls where you're being asked tons of questions and then you're doing a medical test and then I was like, 'Oh my God, I'm in the castle.' Crazy!'

Anyone who would like to take part in the popular series and have a chance of winning the jackpot can apply online

Anyone who would like to take part in the popular series and have a chance of winning the jackpot can apply online

However, the producers are also looking for actors for the show, especially puzzle solvers and logical minds

However, the producers are also looking for actors for the show, especially puzzle solvers and logical minds

They are looking for participants in poker and chess clubs, as well as fans of strategy games

They are looking for participants in poker and chess clubs, as well as fans of strategy games

However, unlike the casting process for shows like Love Island, producers have stated that they do not look for fame seekers or people with large followings as it ruins the authenticity of the show

However, unlike the casting process for shows like Love Island, producers have stated that they do not look for fame seekers or people with large followings as it ruins the authenticity of the show

Maddy previously gave an insight into the casting process for the hit competition and revealed exactly how she secured a spot on the show

Maddy previously gave an insight into the casting process for the hit competition and revealed exactly how she secured a spot on the show