In the ancient halls of Ardross Castle, where alliances form and betrayals unfold on Peacock’s hit reality series The Traitors season 4, a surprising daily ritual has emerged as an early proving ground for strategy and survival: the mad dash for breakfast.

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Far from the dramatic Round Table accusations and rain-drenched missions, the show’s stars faced a more immediate scarcity issue each morning—limited portions of smoked salmon that turned polite dining into a subtle game of positioning and timing.

The Salmon Scramble: A Microcosm of the Game

In an exclusive PEOPLE digital cover interview, season 4 standouts including Candiace Dillard Bassett (The Real Housewives of Potomac) and Monét X Change (RuPaul’s Drag Race) spilled the details on this unspoken side competition. “I was eating the salmon and the eggs, the chocolate croissants,” Candiace shared, highlighting the appealing spread. But Monét quickly pointed out the catch: “The salmon was so good but here’s the thing: everybody liked the salmon. It was a struggle to get the salmon.”

Candiace drove home the point: “It was only like two pieces for all 20 of us. If you were last at breakfast, you got no salmon.” Latecomers were relegated to basics like orange juice and coffee, a disappointing start to days filled with physical challenges and psychological maneuvering.

This breakfast bottleneck mirrored the larger game dynamics—where resources (trust, information, and now food) are finite, rewarding those who rise early, build quick connections, or strategically time their arrivals. With 23 celebrities competing for up to $250,000, every edge counts, even at the breakfast table.

Glam on the Go: Morning Rush and Improvised Beauty Sessions

The early wake-ups weren’t just about securing salmon; they also kicked off frantic preparations for filming. Contestants handled their own glam under tight deadlines, turning breakfast into an impromptu styling hub.

Candiace recounted multitasking: “I’d often be contouring Tara while having an egg in one hand.” Tara Lipinski (Olympic figure skater) confirmed, “Candiace was like my makeup artist,” crediting the group—including herself—for forming a supportive “glam squad.” Monét, who normally takes 2.5 hours for her full look, was shocked by the layers involved: “I’m putting 3 lbs. of Sherwin-Williams shellac on my face. I was like, ‘This is crazy.'”

Tara added to the chaos: after grueling outdoor missions in the rain, producers gave mere minutes to redress and touch up. Monét emphasized the no-holds-barred intensity: “Missions were hardcore… people think that with celebs going in, they’re like, ‘Oh, they’re going to give them the princess treatment.’ No, we’re doing this s— for real.” Host Alan Cumming reportedly raised the stakes, ensuring the celebrity cast faced genuine hardship.

Why This Matters in Season 4’s High-Stakes World

Premiering January 8, 2026, with the first three episodes now streaming (new Thursdays on Peacock), season 4 features a diverse lineup including Lisa Rinna (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Rob Cesternino (Survivor), Stephen Colletti (Laguna Beach), Donna Kelce, and more. The show’s blend of deception, physical trials, and interpersonal drama has fans hooked, but these candid revelations show the competition begins at dawn.

In a game defined by scarcity—of trust, time, and now breakfast favorites—the smoked salmon saga underscores a key truth: survival often hinges on the smallest advantages. As betrayals continue in the castle, viewers can watch how these early-morning battles influence bigger plays.

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