The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman has teased season three's new finale twist, saying it "throws it all on its head".

The BBC One game show's season three premiere kicked off on New Year's Day and revealed a host of new surprises, including a shocking twist for the finale.

Unlike previous years, the contestants were told that those who make it to the final will no longer reveal whether they are a Traitor or Faithful when they are banished.

"Instead, you will need to rely solely on your instincts as to whether any Traitors are left in the game," said Claudia.

the traitors 2025 cast
BBC

Related: Best streaming services

Speaking to Hello! and other press, Claudia said the twist is "so smart" because "it underlines the 'you think you know how to play'" aspect.

What to Read Next

"If any of you were gonna think, 'Come on let's just go in the castle, let's play,' you might have a way of working it out, right?

"Whether you want to be a Traitor or a Faithful. And 'I'm going to take this path, I'm going to throw this person under the bus'."

the traitors season 3, claudia winkleman
Euan Cherry / BBC / Studio Lambert//BBC

Related: The Traitors star Livi reveals she's "still apologising" to Freddie

However, Claudia said the twist "takes away all of that" and "goes back to the absolute main body of the show, which is trust and gut instinct".

"You're going to like the end I hope," she added. "That's all I can say. It throws it all on its head."

Paul Gorton, who appeared on The Traitors season two, criticised the show's new twist when asked for his opinion on X.

"What do you think to the rule change for the final ep? Will it make a big difference for the remaining Traitors?" he was asked by a fan. "Don't like it, I didn't think the final needed tampering with," Paul replied.

The Traitors is currently airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer – check out The Traitors season 3 release schedule for episode details.

Interested in talking about The Traitors? Visit our dedicated sub-forum

Read more The Traitors news on our dedicated homepage

You Might Like...
Lettermark

Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.