Celebrity Traitors to be filmed at Glasgow Uni with rector appearing alongside Claudia Winkleman

The University of Glasgow is set to become the backdrop for the next celebrity edition of the BBC’s hit reality series The Traitors, with filming expected to take place across campus towards the end of the summer and into the beginning of the autumn semester.

Best known for its dramatic setting at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the programme has reportedly been forced to relocate due to ongoing refurbishment work at the castle. Producers are understood to have turned to Glasgow for its similarly striking Gothic architecture and atmospheric interiors.

The University’s Main Building – particularly the cloisters – will play a central role in filming. With their vaulted ceilings and enclosed walkways, the spaces closely mirror the tone of the show, which relies on secrecy, suspicion, and psychological tension.

A source close to the production said the campus was “an obvious choice,” noting that “the scale, the history, and the slightly imposing layout all contribute to the same sense of unease that defines the show.”

Filming is also expected to extend beyond the campus itself. Locations including Loch Lomond and the Campsies are being considered for the programme’s signature missions, where contestants work together to build a prize pot that can total up to £120,000.

The format of The Traitors will remain unchanged. A group of celebrity contestants will be split between “Faithful” players and a select few secretly chosen as “Traitors.” Each episode typically centres on daytime challenges followed by the evening round table, where contestants vote to banish those they suspect—while the Traitors continue to eliminate players in secret.

Whilst the BBC has not officially confirmed the move, preparations on campus suggest filming plans are already underway.

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The university has been a site of interest for many moviemakers in the past, with filming happening on campus for previous productions such as Outlander, Trainspotting, and The Stone of Destiny. The rector believes filming will be slightly different due to the prolonged nature of filming the series being a bit more disruptive than small scenes in films/tv shows, but claims there will be minimal disruption to students and staff.

Students have been advised to expect restricted access to parts of the Main Building, with the cloisters likely to close intermittently. Some classes scheduled in central rooms will be relocated, and additional security and production staff will be present throughout filming.

A University spokesperson said that efforts are being made to minimise disruption, with changes to timetables and room allocations communicated in advance.

There are also indications that the university’s Rector may play a small role in the series. Speaking on the reported collaboration, the Rector said: “The University of Glasgow has always embraced opportunities to showcase its unique character on a wider stage. Working alongside Claudia Winkleman and the production team has been a fascinating experience, and I think audiences will be surprised by just how well the campus lends itself to the dynamics of the game.”

No official cast list has been released, though speculation is already building. Given the Glasgow setting, some expect a stronger presence of Scottish celebrities, with names such as Lewis Capaldi and Paolo Nutini circulating online – though these remain unconfirmed.

Filming is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the series likely to air on BBC One and iPlayer at a later date.

Featured image via BBC, YouTube and Unsplash