The Traitors has returned with a bang – and the surprises are coming in thick and fast following the unmasking of the Secret Traitor.
Last night’s episode of the much-loved game show saw Traitors Rachel and Stephen left stunned after discovering that the contestant who has been hiding in plain sight as their secret overlord is none other than Fiona.
Host Claudia Winkleman then announced, in a shake-up to the format, that a contestant would be banished in a roundtable immediately after breakfast, as opposed to dinner.
After a close call with Reece, Ross was the unlucky Faithful sent home, and shortly after his elimination, it was revealed that he is in a relationship with fellow contestant Ellie, who promised to avenge his banishment.
Episode four ended with three Faithfuls up for murder – Reece, Maz and Sam – with the Traitors set to kill the unlucky contestant face-to-face.
Read all about the ruthless face-to-face killing below...
The Traitors
- Maz becomes the latest Faithful murdered by the Traitors
- Amanda reveals police detective past to Rachel
- Suspicions turn on Stephen as he makes another blunder at breakfast
AMANDA HAS CONFESSED SHE'S A POLICE DETECTIVE
20:32 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottTHIS IS NOT A DRILL. RACHEL IS FREAKING THE HELL OUT.
Harriet was not enjoying that rain
20:31 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottMe when the forced me to play tag rugby in the rain during PE #TheTraitors pic.twitter.com/FFP3pnnIie
— Liz¹² 💜SEEING EVandPOPPY💜 (@eloonabeth) January 8, 2026
Nine beasts are ablaze
20:29 , Lydia Spencer-Elliott£9,000 has now been added into the prize pot. Traitors left without protection are that mission are:
- Sam
- Reece
- Jade
- Amanda
- Faraaz
- Fiona
- Ellie
- Stephen
- Matthew
Paranoia is FLYING in the cars back to the castle.
Matthew has sacrificed Sam
20:25 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThis is BRUTAL. “£1,000 added to the pot. And Sam might die,” Claudia yelled (with glee).
Jade has now set Amanda on fire. (Called it). Reece and Jade also up in flames.
Betrayal is imminent
20:22 , Lydia Spencer-Elliott£10,000 is up for grabs in this challenge by setting a series of creepy effigies on fire.
Problem is, every time one goes up, contestants have to pick someone’s name to yell out and they’ll no longer be protected from murder.
Why do I feel like Amanda is sacrificing Jade...
Sheep chic
20:20 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottClaudia’s outfit is a 10/10, as always.
It's time for another mission
20:19 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottAll the contestants are dressed in black tracksuits and heading into the countryside to win more money for the prize pot.
Suspicions are lingering over Stephen and Reece. So, all eyes will be on them while they attempt to stash some cash...
Maz has been murdered!
20:11 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottCouldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. RIP.
Fiona and Rachel's feud continues
20:10 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottFiona has just accused Rachel of not being a team player AGAIN. These guys are so betraying each other at the earliest opportunity.
Uh oh
20:09 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottAmanda is putting all her attention on Stephen’s every word and he is crumbling under the pressure.
He just implied Reece was let out of the cage last. If Reece returns, Stephen is going to have a tough time at the round table.
Icon alert
20:07 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottFiona has told cameras that killing either Reece or Maz last night was “wicked” and is now offering everyone an innocent cup of tea.
She’s giving Alan Carr.
Here we go...
20:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottTime to find out whether Sam, Rhys or Maz got the chop in the dead of night.
My money is on Sam...
A reminder of this year's Traitors contestants
19:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThere are SO many of them. 17 remaining, to be exact. Here’s a handy guide to help you brush up on who’s who before it all kicks off again for another episode in thirty minute’s time...
Meet the Traitors 2026 contestants, from a former detective to a crime writer
The Traitors's troubling cliché
19:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottYet again, minority ethnic players are being booted off in the early stages of the show.
Micha Frazer-Carroll looks at why this is becoming a bleakly predictable pattern:
Even reality TV as brilliant as The Traitors can’t escape this troubling cliche
Where is the Traitors filmed?
18:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottAll you need to know about the gothic castle...
Inside the Traitors castle: A wedding venue once owned by an opium trader
Could the contestants all be connected?
18:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottIt’s being predicted that more connections will surface as the show continues.
One eagle-eyed viewer noticed that after the family tree was first revealed, the camera cut to a book titled Who’s Who...
Aside from Maz and Amanda, other potential connections being theorised online are:
- James and Jessie = siblings
- Maz and Faraaz = father and son
Could the social media sleuths be on to something?
Read all the conspiracy theories surfacing online below:
All the theories about secret links between the Traitors players
Let's take a look back at Claudia Winkleman’s best outfits
17:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThe best dressed woman on prime time. End of.
A look back at Claudia Winkleman’s best outfits on The Traitors
Reece seems to have forgotten he has all the evidence
17:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottDespite Stephen very blatantly colluding with Rachel in front of his eyes, Reece appears to have totally forgotten that he possesses the eye witness account to talk two Traitors down.
If only it were Harriet who’d spotted them having whispered discussions beside the family tree.
Stephen could be the next Traitor to be banished
16:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottStephen knew he cocked up the moment he was placed in that cage last night. The Faithfuls immediately clocked that a Traitor was among the contestants at risk of murder and all the clues seem to lead back to him.
Let’s be honest, he hasn’t exactly been subtle...
Who has left The Traitors so far?
16:01 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottSo much has happened on the show’s first few episode that you’d be forgiven if your head is still spinning and struggling to keep up.
In the first four episodes, here’s who we’ve lost:
- Netty, Faithful, murdered, episode 2
- Judy, Faithful, banished, episode 2
- Ben, Faithful, murdered, episode 3
- Hugo, Traitor, banished, episode 3
- Ross, Faithful, banished, episode 4
And one more Faithful will be murdered tonight...
Fancy heading to the Traitors castle yourself?
15:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottSadly, Ardross Castle isn’t available for getaways but these regal hotels offer a Traitors-esque experience — complete with turret rooms and four-poster beds:
Seven castles in the UK for a Traitors-style getaway
Traitors icon backs shock contestant for victory
15:10 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThe Traitors star Amanda Lovett has given her verdict on this year’s series, revealing her unexpected pick for victory...Stephen.
Considering how clumsily he’s been playing the game in recent episodes this come as somewhat of a shock.
Read the reason for Amanda’s rationale here:
Traitors icon backs shock contestant for victory: ‘Don’t underestimate them’
Why Claudia Winkleman is at the riskiest point in her career
15:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottClaudia might have us all eating out of the palm of her knitted glove-clad hand right now, but The Independent’s Helen Coffey thinks The Traitors presenter is at the most precarious point of her professional life. Here’s why...
Why Claudia Winkleman is at the riskiest point of her career
Has another secret connection been revealed?
14:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThe Traitors fans have come up with a new theory regarding contestants Maz and Amanda.
Maz, formerly referenced to as a “civil servant” revealed he used to have a job in the police...just like former detective Amanda. Hmmm.
Read the full story below:
The Traitors viewers think another contestant just revealed a surprise connection
Who's at risk of being murdered tonight?
14:00 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottSam, Rhys and Maz are currently at risk of being murdered by the Traitors as they’re sat in the woods in cages waiting to find out if they’ve been killed. Bleak.
Stephen isn’t up for murder as he’s a Traitor but he has dealt himself a dicey hand as he can’t confer with Rachel and Fiona and will have a suspicious survival.
My gut tells me Sam is on the chopping block...
Tensions are brewing between Rachel and Fiona
13:30 , Lydia Spencer-ElliottThings appear a little taut between Traitor Rachel and former Secret Traitor Fiona. The former has already accused the latter of “stirring the pot” and predicted she’s going to “ruffle some feathers”.
“She’s so unpredictable and I’m watching her,” Rachel told the cameras. “I think she is very dangerous for my game.”
It’s hinting towards some more Traitor on Traitor violence. But why do I feel like Fiona is going to have the last laugh?...
Where is The Traitors filmed?
12:30 , Jacob StolworthyEverything to know about the castle where the BBC show is made.
Inside the Traitors castle: A wedding venue once owned by an opium trader
Meet this year's Traitors contestants
12:00 , Jacob StolworthyThere are quite a lot of contestants – 17 remaining, to be exact – and some people are yet to receive much screen time. So, with the show returning this evening, what better time is there to brush up on who everyone else?
Meet the Traitors 2026 contestants, from a former detective to a crime writer
The Traitors's troubling cliché
11:30 , Jacob StolworthyYet again, minority ethnic players are being booted off in the early stages of the show.
Micha Frazer-Carroll looks at why this is becoming a bleakly predictable pattern:
Even reality TV as brilliant as The Traitors can’t escape this troubling cliche
More evidence the family tree has a deeper meaning
11:00 , Jacob StolworthyIt’s being predicted that more connections will surface as the show continues. One eagle-eyed viewer noticed that after the family tree was first revealed, the camera cut to this book:
Something is afoot with the family tree. They all have a connection or know each other in some form. Then they focus on this...... #TheTraitors pic.twitter.com/1sNsleWu9R
— Steven Bell (@StevenBell99) January 2, 2026
Claudia Winkleman’s exact outfit on The Traitors
10:30 , Jacob StolworthyClaudia and her stylist, Sinead McKeefry, are playing a blinder with the presenter’s outfits.
Where you can shop Claudia Winkleman’s exact outfits from The Traitors
Another connection revealed?
10:00 , Jacob StolworthyViewers picked up on a comment by civil servant Maz about a previous job, which would potentially have brought him into contact with another contestant.
Read more here:
Traitors viewers think they’ve unearthed another surprise connection
Who will be 'murdered' tonight?
09:30 , Jacob StolworthyContenders include Sam, Maz or Reece. Our prediction is Reece based on impressive deduction skills*
*absolutely nothing but guesswork
Ross says Netty ruined his gameplay
09:00 , Jacob StolworthyRoss said Netty boldly revealing she knew him threw his whole game plan “out of the window”.
“I actually recognised Netty before she noticed me, and so I was initially really excited because I thought I’ve got a secret ally and a competitive edge here.
“I was just telling myself ‘This is fantastic – keep it cool!’, and so I kind of muted myself. I was going to say ‘Hi, what’s your name?’ but the honest soul that Netty just shouted my name, and I couldn’t leave my homegirl hanging.
“In the back of my head, I understood that it had put a mark on back and it threw my whole game plan out of the window.”
The Traitors family tree
08:15 , Jacob StolworthyWell, well, well – it seems the family tree is hinting at more connections that could be revealed as the show continues.
So far, we have Judy and Roxy being mum and daughter, and Ellie and Ross being in a relationship.
Latin on #TheTraitors #TheTraitorsUK family tree image suggests more connections:
— Christine Carr 💙 (@ChristineCarr) January 2, 2026
- Top “Shared roots and trust bind people together sometimes too strongly.”
- Bottom “Greatest dangers are hidden among intimate friends. Beware your trust does not become cause of your downfall.” pic.twitter.com/kNrJrQjuh4
Things aren't looking good for Stephen
07:00 , Jacob StolworthyStephen keeps screwing up. He thinks putting himself in the mix of contestants being up for murder will lead back to him after he makes it back alive – especially as he’s one of the people Jessie suspected of setting Ross up. The breadcrumbs certainly do lead back to him...
05:00 , Jacob Stolworthy ICYMI: Ellie and Ross are in a relationship.
Reece has all the evidence
04:00 , Jacob StolworthyIf Reece really thought about it, he could prove that Rachel and Stephen are Traitors!
REECE needs to wake up, do you not remember rachel & steven shooing you away at the picture !!! #TheTraitors
— Hannah (@hannah__03x) January 7, 2026
The Traitors's persistent issue
01:00 , Jacob StolworthyYet again, minority ethnic players are being booted off in the early stages of the show.
Micha Frazer-Carroll looks at why this is becoming a bleakly predictable pattern:
Even reality TV as brilliant as The Traitors can’t escape this troubling cliche
Meet this year's Traitors contestants
00:00 , Jacob StolworthyThere are quite a lot of contestants – 17 remaining, to be exact – and some people are yet to receive much screen time. So, with the show returning this evening, what better time is there to brush up on who everyone else?
Meet the Traitors 2026 contestants, from a former detective to a crime writer
Fiona's in her villain era
Wednesday 7 January 2026 23:15 , Jacob StolworthyThe secret Traitor – rise up.
Wednesday 7 January 2026 22:45 , Jacob StolworthyShe’s so villainous I’m obsessed pic.twitter.com/EoO5Tlk2Lz
— The Traitors HQ (@the_traitors_) January 7, 2026
ICYMI: The secret Traitor is revealed!
The clues that Fiona was the secret Traitor
Wednesday 7 January 2026 22:15 , Jacob StolworthyFiona drew suspicion thanks to her actions during the first challenge.
The Welsh local government officer, 62, appeared confused during the task, in which coffins were placed into named graves – though fans have speculated that the confusion was all a ruse, and she was playing dumb.
“I’m 100 per cent sure that Fiona is the secret traitor,” one person wrote on X. “First, she’s had loads of screen time despite not being caught up in any of the major storylines.
Ross says he wanted his girlfriend Ellie to help him out more.
“We went for the household, not to sacrifice ourselves – but don’t do nothing!” he tells Uncloaked host Ed Gamble.
Who has left The Traitors so far?
Wednesday 7 January 2026 21:44 , Jacob StolworthyIn the show’s first week, four contestants were eliminated from the show.
First to be murdered by the Traitors were Netty and Ben, while Judy – a Faithful was banished – followed by the first ousted Traitor, Hugo.
As week two kicked off, Ross was next to be banished.
Wednesday 7 January 2026 21:31 , Jacob Stolworthy Ross said he and Ellie have been trying to protect their relationship bombshell by leaving the house at separate times since the new series started.
Ross thought his girlfriend was a Traitor!
Wednesday 7 January 2026 21:18 , Jacob StolworthyOn The Traitors Uncloaked, Ross said he thought Ellie (his real-life girlfriend), Stephen, Fiona and Harriet were all Traitors. Two out of five ain’t bad.
Wednesday 7 January 2026 21:03 , Jacob StolworthyOK, so it seems Rachel and Fiona have chosen to kill someone that’ll aid Stephen’s game. This leads detective Stolworthy to conclude that they are going to kill Reece, as Stephen has (ineffectively) been trying to frame Maz.
We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out!
Wednesday 7 January 2026 20:59 , Jacob Stolworthy As Stephen is trapped in a cage as a “Faithful” up for murder, he won’t be able to choose who to kill, leaving the decision in Rachel and Fiona’s hands.
Fiona v Rachel
Wednesday 7 January 2026 20:58 , Jacob StolworthyI can see it heading to a big Traitor showdown between these two titans.
“She’s so unpredictable and I’m watching her,” a concerned Rachel says. “I think she is very dangerous for my game.” Hard to disagree.
Wednesday 7 January 2026 20:55 , Jacob StolworthySo, Reece, Maz and Sam face murder – and they’ll be killed face-to-face.
I think considering Maz isn’t being suspected, it makes sense to murder him.
Wednesday 7 January 2026 20:52 , Jacob Stolworthy Rachel might have just sealed Stephen’s fate by saving Amanda in the nick of time. If he’d been saved, he might have escaped detection, but when he’s not murdered, eyes will certainly be on him.
Ross and Ellie are in a relationship!
Wednesday 7 January 2026 20:34 , Jacob StolworthyThis is not a drill. Ellie just revealed the news (crucially not to her fellow contestants). You best believe Ellie is now in her Lady Vengeance era.
Give Fiona an Oscar
Wednesday 7 January 2026 20:06 , Jacob Stolworthy“I was wonderful, wasn’t I? Hollywood is beckoning, I can feel it.” Fiona you are a QUEEN. #TheTraitors pic.twitter.com/gketyJ15cd
— Dani (@danidelle23) January 7, 2026
The Traitors breakfast room – uncloaked!
Wednesday 7 January 2026 17:45 , Jacob StolworthyGuests at Ardross castle, where The Traitors is filmed, have shared photos of the breakfast room º and this is what it looks like without its giant L table setup.
The Traitors castle guests reveal what the breakfast room really looks like! pic.twitter.com/gWHBKeHnxE
— The Traitors HQ (@the_traitors_) January 4, 2026
So true
Wednesday 7 January 2026 15:45 , Jacob StolworthySome of the male contestants think they’re in a Knives Out film...
funniest genre of traitors contestant has to be the mid-30s recruitment consultant who genuinely believes they're benoit blanc
— Puds (@havingalaugh) January 1, 2026