As the highly anticipated fourth series of BBC's The Traitors prepares to launch, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, a burning question for many fans is whether the participants are compensated for their time. The answer involves a nuanced system of reimbursement rather than a traditional salary.
The Daily Fee for Taking Part
While it's often stated that contestants do not technically receive a fee for starring in the show, the reality is they are financially compensated. According to a television columnist who spoke to the Mirror Online, participants are reimbursed for the wages they lose by taking time away from their regular jobs.
The source explained that past contestants, such as Miles, Diane, Ross, and Paul, were not paid a flat rate. Instead, they received around £100 per day to cover their loss of earnings. This daily sum is intended to ensure fairness, so individuals do not suffer financially for their participation in the two-week filming schedule.
The Ultimate Goal: The £120,000 Prize Pot
The real incentive for the 22 new contestants, however, is the chance to win a life-changing cash prize. The show advertises a potential jackpot of up to £120,000. This money is not simply sitting in a pot from day one; it must be earned by the group through daily missions and tasks over the 12-day game.
If every task is completed successfully, the full £120,000 can be accumulated. However, slip-ups and failures during these challenges mean the total usually dwindles. To date, no series has seen the full amount won. In the current series, the pot stands at £68,150.
Who Takes Home the Money?
The final outcome of the game determines who wins the accumulated prize fund. If the Faithfuls successfully identify and banish all the Traitors by the end, the remaining Faithfuls split the money between them. Conversely, if a Traitor manages to remain undetected until the very end, they can steal the entire pot for themselves.
This structure means that while every contestant is supported with a daily allowance, only a select few will leave the Scottish castle with the substantial prize money, making the psychological game even more intense.
