It was just one of several surprise changes from last year’s debut season of The Traitors

A TRIO of traitors were unveiled as the hit show returned tonight – but there was a shock twist as a FOURTH back-stabber was also chosen.

Viewers of the contest on BBC1 won’t find out who the additional double-dealer is until the second installment when host Claudia Winkleman makes the big reveal.

The Traitors returned to our screens last nightCredit: BBC
But since the first three episodes were also made available on iPlayer, after the first show aired,  they don’t have to wait.

It was just one of several surprise changes from last year’s debut season of The Traitors, as the much-anticipated sequel to the murderous guessing game kicked off.

Claudia initially selected three individuals using her trademark secret shoulder squeeze – business manager Paul, British Army engineer Harry and events coordinator, Ash, to be the traitors.

She then told the trio they had to select another  partner-in-crime, and they decided it should be one of four people – Miles, Andrew, Sonja and Diane.

The debut show concluded with her telling the person they selected that they were a traitor, leaving viewers at home on a cliffhanger because they couldn’t see who it was.

Claudia said: “You stand before the traitors’ turret, before I give you this cloak, I need you to take the traitors’ oath.

“Do you commit to lie and deceive throughout the game? Are you willing to murder your fellow players every single night? Do you vow to keep your identity and the identity of your fellow traitors a secret?

“You are now officially a traitor – happy murdering.”

Though the action returned to Ardross Castle near Inverness, there were several notable changes from last year.

The show began with Claudia asking the contestants to line up with the people most likely to win one end, and those least likely to win at the other.

They were terrified because, at the start of the 2022 show, two people at one end of the line were immediately sent home, but in this case the producers were just taunting them and after lining up they were all allowed into the castle.

Claudia also asked each of the contestants, one-on-one, whether they actually wanted to be a traitor or a faithful before the selection process began.

Ranging in age from 21 to 67, they include a chess player, two vets, a pair of military men, a clairvoyant and a disability model.

The game of deceit and loyalty sees them battle to rack up a cash jackpot of up to £120,000 through a series of tasks performed in teams.

But the secret traitors can one by one “murder” the faithfuls by selecting then sending them  home in the middle of the night.

The remaining faithful only find out who’s gone the next day at breakfast and it’s up to them to determine who the traitors are and get rid of them before they can claim the cash for themselves.

Viewers watched as the team secured £15,000 for the prize pot.

Their first task saw them visit a loch where they had to rearrange puzzle pieces in the water to build a giant beacon, once they were in the right formation, they were able to set it alight.

Claudia revealed amongst the missions will be hidden shields which once collected, would protect the player from murder that evening, but not banishment.

Kyra, Jaz and Harry all secured a shield.

Events coordinator Ash was selected as a Traitor by host ClaudiaCredit: PA

British Army engineer Harry was also chosen as one of the three traitorsCredit: PA

Business manager Paul is also a traitorCredit: PA