The BBC has acquired the rights to the US version of The Traitors, and has just dropped the entire series on iPlayer.
Following on from what has been the absolute smash-hit success of reality show The Traitors over the past couple of weeks, having already been streamed over 28 million times on BBC iPlayer to date, and continuing to grow day-by-day, the BBC has confirmed that it has now acquired the rights to air the US version of the show over here.
All episodes will be shown on both BBC Three and BBC One across the next three weeks.
But for those looking for something to binge-watch this weekend, the broadcaster has decided to drop the entire US series as a boxset on BBC iPlayer today (13 January) - which means you can catch all the episodes early before they air on live TV.
For fans who found themselves gripped by the UK version, not only is this a brand-new series to get stuck into, but the BBC's acquisition of the US series means viewers will get the chance to watch the show here within hours of its release over in America.
Unfamiliar with what The Traitors actually is? Heard the named of the show being banded around, but haven't had the chance to watch it just yet?
The Traitors US sees 20 of America’s "most cunning contestants" play the ultimate murder mystery game of deception and suspicion.
The BBC has acquired the US version of smash-hit reality show The Traitors / Credit: BBC
Hosted by award-winning actor Alan Cumming at an ancient castle in Scotland - the same place as the UK version - contestants will work together on exhilarating missions to build a prize fund worth up to $250,000, but hidden amongst the 'Faithful' contestants are the 'Traitors', whose goal is to eliminate the Faithful and claim the prize for themselves, all the while remaining undetected.
Under the cover of darkness, the Traitors will murder the Faithful one by one.
Alongside this "treacherous spree", as the BBC calls it, the players must then try to uncover the Traitors and banish them from the game.
If the Faithful contestants manage to banish all the Traitors, they will get to share the prize fund among themselves, but if a Traitor makes it to the end, then they will steal all the money.
All episodes of the US version are now available to watch as a boxset on BBC iPlayer / Credit: BBC
The Traitors US is now available to watch as a boxset on BBC iPlayer from today.
It will then be shown on BBC One as double-bills on Wednesday nights at 10:40pm for five weeks starting from the 25 January.
Featured Image - BBC
Art & Culture
Inside the historic Leeds mill transformed into a thriving hub for creatives
Nestled in Armley, Assembly House is an independent creative hub bringing artists together.
Assembly House, based on Canal Road in Armley inside a historic Victorian mill, has become a home for creatives across Leeds since launching in 2013.
The artist-led organisation combines working studios with an independent gallery and project space, hosting everything from exhibitions and workshops to community events and live music.
The space is currently home to 80 creatives who make up their community, comprising of professional practitioners including educators, performers, painters, sculptors, illustrators, video artists and designers.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their aim is simple - to offer affordable studios to emerging artists alongside technical support, producing support along with access to workshops, internal film screenings and events.
Assembly House offer a yearly program of exhibitions designed to showcase the studio holders and get their work out there. It's all aimed at helping the artists, whether it's their first show or tenth.
It has also helped bring art into the wider neighbourhood through community murals, public sculptures and activities for local people.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They believe art has the power to bring people together and to evoke emotion and thought, and we've got to say that we absolutely agree.
The space can also be hired by students and independent creatives looking to put on their own exhibitions or bring a project to life.
The fabulous venue is generally open to visitors during exhibitions, workshops and events, with visits by appointment at other times, so it's worth checking its website before heading over.
To have a look at their current programme and to find out more about what Assembly House are doing for Leeds and the community, you can take a look at their website here.
Leeds Palestinian Film Festival announces dates for 12th annual edition
Clementine Hall
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has announced the dates for this year's festival.
This year's festival will explore the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: "To make art is to say we are here."
These words will reflect the content of this year's festival, which aim to keep Palestinian stories alive; defy the erasure of history; and bring voices from the depths of destruction.
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival will open Friday 13 November at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House with Life Support, a documentary about doctors in Gaza directed by Daniele Rugo.
Image: Supplied
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and doctors from the film, chaired by Healthworkers4Palestine.
Early programme highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea, Muayad Alayan's family drama in which a 60-year-old Palestinian man in Jerusalem, ordered by an Israeli court to pay a debt allegedly owed by his son who drowned decades ago, sets out to discover what happened.
Also showing will be Maggie Lemere's documentary, Land of Canaan, follows Palestinian farmers and their olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and the fair-trade movement led by Dr Nasser Abufarha to protect them.
Image: Supplied
Frances Bernstein, Festival Director, said: “To make art is to say we are here. We chose the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour as this year's theme because they reflect what the programme is for: keeping Palestinian stories alive, defying the erasure of Palestinian history, culture and identity, and bringing voices from the depth of destruction to audiences in Leeds."
The full programme, guests and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find out more here.
Emily Sergeant -
13th January 2023 
