Alan Carr, who won the inaugural Celebrity Traitors competition, is acquiring Ayton Castle in Berwickshire, Scotland for £3.25 million. The UK and US versions of Traitors are filmed at Ardross Castle near Alness, though it is rumored Carr fell in love with Ayton Castle while passing it on the East Coast railway line to Edinburgh. The purchase has not been officially confirmed by Carr or his representatives, leaving the exact completion date and move-in timeline unclear.
Ayton Castle is a Gothic Revival-themed building located near the village of Ayton, which has a population of 600. The property features nine bathrooms, eight public rooms, and 17 bedrooms, with grounds covering 160 acres. The current owners, Richard Syred and Brian Parsons, have hosted community events such as carol singing nights, arts and crafts fairs, and children's railway trips. It remains unknown whether Carr will continue these community traditions after taking ownership.
Locals were initially concerned that Alan Carr might close paths in the castle grounds, as dog walkers and country strollers are accustomed to wandering freely through the area. However, people are now mostly intrigued and view Carr's purchase positively. The impact of the documentary series on daily life and access for locals in Ayton is still uncertain.
Film-makers are planning a Hollywood-style documentary series at Ayton Castle, though the specific details of their plans have not been disclosed. A public meeting about these plans was canceled last month because the local bowling club was too small to accommodate it. Disney+ agents then approached Ayton Parish Church to host the gathering, and the session clerk agreed. Carr, who spends each Hogmanay in Edinburgh with his TV friend Amanda Holden, has not commented on how the production might integrate with local activities or his own residency.