THE iconic Land Rover used in hit BBC series The Traitors has seen a surge in demand as fans swoon over the sexy 4×4, new data has revealed.
TV lovers are desperate to get their hands on the same sleek SUVs that ferry the reality show’s cast to and from the Scottish castle that serves as its dramatic setting.
PAUL CHAPPELLSThe Traitors has been a ratings hit, with some episodes raking in over six million viewers[/caption]
BBCThe show has also prompted an uptick in interest in the Land Rover Defenders that appear on it[/caption]
The latest figures from second-hand motor site AutoTrader show an uptick in interest in the black Land Rover Defender featured in the programme.
Views for the model are up by over a third, with a 39% increase on this time last year at a total of 92,404.
Specifically, the pre-facelifted version of the car has attracted renewed attention in the wake of its starring role on the small screen.
The Traitors is set to conclude on January 26, with millions expected to tune in.
The BBC has already confirmed that several episodes of the Claudia Winkleman-fronted show have pulled in over six million viewers when catch-up is taken into account.
The 70-minute finale episode, which will air at 9pm, sees remaining Traitors Harry and Paul decide which of the Faithfuls to recruit to their villainous stable after former partner-in-crime Miles was eliminated.
In a special look ahead to the sensational ending, the contestants took to the skies above Inverness along with Claudia in a helicopter.
During the trip, the host said: “You are going to face your biggest mission yet and the final round table.
“The banishments will continue until you are confident there are no Traitors left.
“Remember, if there is a Traitor or Traitors left at the end, they take it all.”
That refers to the roughly £75,000 prize pot the final five stars will be competing for.
The Land Rovers play a key part in the show, as they keep the contestants separate and prevent them from talking to one another off-camera to keep the show’s rules in tact.
Now, it appears, fans want to get themselves a slice of the Traitors lifestyle by snapping up a Defender.
Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader said: “Viral cultural moments often influence consumer behaviour and in particular, the cars people choose to drive.
“We saw it in 2023 with the release of Barbie and the rise of interest in pink ‘Barbiecore’ cars and now as The Traitors has consumed the nation, we’re not surprised to also see the rise in popularity of the Land Rover Defender.
“Coupled with the fact the Defender has an iconic British presence, the car plays such an integral role in the show everyone wants a piece of at the moment.”
It comes after eagle-eyed fans claimed to spot a “fatal error” Harry made which will prevent him from winning the show.
And speaking of winners, victorious candidates from series one of the programme explained why this year’s favourite isn’t who you might think.
BBCThe 4x4s are used to ferry contestants around without them talking to one another off-camera[/caption]
BBCThe series finale will air at 9pm on January 26[/caption]