The Traitors season two FIRST LOOK: BBC finally confirm launch date and offer a sneak peek at new series

The launch date for season two of The Traitors has been confirmed by the BBC.

Fans were hooked by the first season, which featured a nail-biting psychological reality competition in which 22 strangers played the ultimate game of detection, backstabbing and trust in the hope of winning up to £120,000.

After months of anticipation, fans of the hit show can tune in for the second series on Wednesday, January 3.

Those looking to binge the first few shows are in for a treat, as episodes two and three will be available to watch on iPlayer immediately afterwards.

Going forward, the show will air on BBC One on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The second season of The Traitors kicks off on Wednesday, January 3, with a first look at season two showing host Claudia Winkleman posing in front of two cloaked figures.

As well as announcing the launch date, BBC bosses have released a brand new image from the second series, showing presenter Claudia Winkleman standing in front of two cloaked figures.

Their identities remain hidden, suggesting they are traitors in the show, but interestingly there are only two figures, as there were three traitors last year.

The participants for season two have not yet been announced.

It is claimed that due to The Traitors' new ending, season 18 of The Apprentice has been postponed until February.

MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.

The first season of The Traitors, set in a Scottish castle, started in late November 2022 and ended on December 22.

The first series attracted an average of 5.4 million viewers and was so popular that a second series was commissioned in February.

In the show, most of the contestants are 'Faithfuls' and must figure out who among them are 'Traitors' – who have the ability to 'kill' a fellow contestant every night.

The group has daily 'bans' in which they must vote to kick out someone they believe is a traitor, while working together on challenges to raise money for the prize fund.

Show bosses are confident the next installment will be another success and have already approved and opened casting applications for a third season.

The Traitors, a nail-biting psychological reality competition hosted by Claudia Winkleman, has been renewed for a third season ahead of series two's debut

Earlier this month, it was revealed that season two of The Traitors will get a new spin-off, but Claudia won't be at the helm.

While she will continue to host the main show, a special spin-off podcast will be hosted by comedian Ed Gamble.

The Traitors: Uncloaked is a brand new visualized podcast that will take fans of the hit entertainment show deeper into the castle.

There will be an array of cast members and celebrity guests, who will be on hand to discuss all the betrayals, mind games and manipulations.

Speaking about his new role, Ed said: 'The first series of The Traitors was my absolute obsession, and I can't wait to dive deep into series two and dissect all the twists and turns it has to offer. It goes without saying that I am one hundred percent loyal.'

The episodes air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, and an extended version with additional guests, further theories and essential analysis is available on BBC Sounds

The Traitors returns on Wednesday January 3 at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer

Claudia returns as host of The Traitors, but for a special spin-off podcast she is replaced by comedian Ed Gamble