The reality competition series, The Traitors, is set to introduce a highly anticipated twist with the revelation of its long-rumoured Secret Traitor. This unseen contestant will join the show in the upcoming episode, scheduled to air on January 7, 2026, marking a significant moment for the series and its dedicated audience.
The tension in the show escalated following the unexpected banishment of barrister Hugo, the first Traitor voted out by his peers. This development led the remaining Traitors, Stephen, 32, and Rachel, 42, to undertake a crucial mission aimed at reclaiming control from the unseen adversary who has operated in secrecy since the beginning of the game. Their successful completion of this task will unveil the identity of the Secret Traitor shortly.
In a dramatic sequence, Stephen and Rachel were instructed to select nine potential victims for elimination “in plain sight,” utilizing a family tree painting located within the castle. With a sense of urgency, they had to leave their fingerprints beside the names of their chosen targets before the night concluded. If they succeeded, one of those nine would face elimination the following day, and the Secret Traitor would finally be introduced to the group.
The mission was not without its challenges. Stephen expressed his anxiety as the Faithful contestants moved around the castle, stating, “My heart is just pounding. I’m praying and praying no one walks through this castle right now.” As Rachel took the lead in marking the fingerprints, she included Stephen’s name among the targets to divert suspicion. The final shortlist featured the names of Sam, Jade, Amanda, Reece, Maz, James, Jack, and Faraaz.
In a surprising turn of events, the pair completed their task undetected. Show host Claudia Winkleman, 53, later confirmed that they had successfully chosen their murder shortlist, regaining power and preparing for their encounter with the Secret Traitor.
Despite their success, unity among the Traitors remains uncertain. As the episode approached its conclusion, Rachel expressed her reservations about the new contestant, remarking to Stephen, “Whoever walks through that door, we don’t need them.” This sentiment followed Stephen’s earlier betrayal of Hugo during the roundtable discussion, where he prioritized his own position over loyalty to his fellow Traitor. He admitted that he hadn’t planned to betray Hugo but felt cornered by the circumstances.
Rachel, pleased with Hugo’s departure, asserted that he “dug his own grave.” The two Traitors then made a pact to protect one another, vowing to avoid writing each other’s names down as they aimed for the final prize of £120,000. This goal is particularly noteworthy, as no pair of Traitors has achieved it before.
As anticipation builds for the next episode, fans are eager to see how the introduction of the Secret Traitor will alter the dynamics of the game and whether Stephen and Rachel can maintain their alliance in the face of new challenges. The Traitors continues to captivate its audience, delivering unexpected twists and strategic gameplay that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
