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And just like that, the Traitors final is upon us. Yes, another year of gothic castle shenanigans, giant cosy knits, turret plotting, emerald cloaks and breakfast table accusations is coming to an end. But before we start mourning the loss, we can look forward to what is sure to be another epic Traitors final.
Warning: The Traitors season 4 spoilers ahead.
The BBC has announced that the much-anticipated finale is fast-approaching, but before we get into all of the nitty-gritty details, a reminder of the journey so far. And what a wild ride it has been. At the beginning, Rachel, Stephen and Hugo were selected as Traitors, with an impeccably dressed Claudia also selecting a Secret Traitor in a twist to end all twists.
For a week or two, we all enjoyed playing Faithfuls from home until it was revealed that the gleeful Welsh Fiona had been below the red cloak pulling the strings behind the scenes. Meanwhile, secret barrister Harriet took the other barrister, Hugo, to court, and he was banished.
After Fiona came for Rachel, the Faithfuls turned on Fiona, and she was also banished. This left Rachel and Stephen in the turret – and somehow, against all logical reason, there they remain (or do they?).
Of course, we now wait on a big cliffhanger ahead of the final, when we'll find out whether Rachel has been banished or if she survived the fateful box selection following a roundtable vote draw between herself and James.
With only eight contestants remaining, we're getting down to the wire. Who will make it to the endgame? Only time will tell – and luckily, we don't have to wait too long to find out. And with that, here's everything we know about The Traitors final.
Expect the unexpected this season, including a war between Traitors.
When is The Traitors' final?
The BBC has confirmed that The Traitors' final will air tonight, Friday, 23 January at 8:30pm (rather than the usual 8pm start time). So, mark those calendars, change those plans, grab a cosy jumper and get ready.
Which contestants have made it to the end of The Traitors?
Despite there being only the finale left to watch, we still don't officially know who the finalists are – thanks to that cliffhanger. However, we do know who the final six players of the original 22 are:
- Rachel, Traitor
- Stephen, Traitor
- Jack, Faithful
- Jade, Faithful
- James, Faithful
- Faraaz, Faithful
What are the rules and how do Traitors or Faithfuls win?
If you're unfamiliar, The Traitors always concludes with a final – and very dramatic – ‘endgame’.
After the last banishment (which we still don't know the result of), no more players will reveal their identity after they leave the game, so it's down to the contestants to trust their guts on who they think is a Faithful or a Traitor.
Usually, we'll see the players take part in one final mission and another roundtable before players reach the endgame, though that's yet to be revealed. The remaining players then head outside the castle to a firepit to decide if they want to end the game or not. Here's how it works.
- The remaining players head out to the garden, where Claudia awaits them by the firepit (although in the recent Celebrity Traitors series, it was inside the castle).
- They are asked if they want to end the game (because they believe everyone is Faithful), or keep on playing (because they believe there is still a Traitor amongst them).
- To demonstrate this, they are each given two ‘ceremonial pouches’ to throw into the fire and show whether they want to end the game or not. One will glow red and demonstrate they want to banish again, while one will glow green and indicate they want to end the game.
- If one person or more choose to banish again, the whole group has to vote someone out, though they won't find out if they are a Traitor or a Faithful. This will keep happening until the players are happy to end the game (or there's two players left).
- Once the players have decided to end the game, each contestant will reveal their identity. If everyone is a Faithful, the Faithfuls have won and will share the prize pot – but if there is a Traitor in their midst, they will win the money instead.
- If there is more than one Traitor, they will share the prize pot.
How much money is in the prize pot?
As of the semi-final, there is a massive £76,750 in the prize pot – though it could grow further. Traditionally, there is one final mission during The Traitors final, where the players have the chance to bank even more money.
How to watch The Traitors final
The Traitors' final will air on BBC One and on iPlayer at 8:30pm on Friday 23 January.
However, you can also watch the episode in select cinemas and pubs around the UK. London spots showing the final include the Exhibit Cinema in Balham, Genesis in Bethnal Green, the Picturehouse in Finsbury Park and Clapham Grand.
The Light in Stockport, Mockingbird in Birmingham, Cultplex in Mancheste, and Showroom in Sheffield are also options.
You'll also find plenty of alternative venues that are planning on hosting The Traitors watch parties.
The show would be nothing without their chaotic, sassy energy.
