The explosive new series of BBC's hit gameshow The Traitors has claimed its first victim, with bubbly nursery school teacher Netty being brutally 'murdered' in a dramatic opening twist.
'Gutted' Exit After Secret Traitor Twist
The 42-year-old single mum was left horrified after discovering her fate via the show's iconic murder letter, becoming the first contestant to leave the Scottish castle. Speaking exclusively after her departure, which aired on 2nd January 2026, Netty admitted she was "gutted" but insisted her tears were "happy tears".
In a significant format shake-up, her murder was not decided by the regular Traitors. Instead, her name was on a shortlist drawn up by a new Secret Traitor, a twist which has usurped the original Traitors' power this series. "Maybe I was too loud," Netty speculated about why she was targeted. "If I knew what was coming, I probably would have stayed a little bit quieter. But I don't know if that would have stopped me being on that short list of names anyway."
Gameplan Regrets and Castle Reunion
Netty confessed she failed to follow her own initial strategy of observing quietly. "Originally, I said I'll observe and see what's going on, but I absolutely did not stick to it," she sighed. "I was like 'what do you think?' to everyone and 'this is what I think'. That's what I felt like I needed to do."
Her early departure was complicated by a surprise castle reunion with an old friend, Ross, whom she hadn't seen for years. She laughed off suggestions this connection played a part in her murder, joking, "I don't think I even remembered his name!" However, Ross has since expressed concern that her enthusiastic hug upon recognising him made them both a target, leading other players to suspect they were working as a pair.
A Bittersweet End and No Regrets
Despite her disappointment, Netty described the experience as "bittersweet". "I didn't have the time that I had hoped to have, but I think I've had the time I was meant to have," she philosophised. Her highlight was the first mission involving 100 coffins. "The rowing, that was good fun... the madness of being caught on the anchor made me chuckle."
Although she initially told host Claudia Winkleman she wanted to be a Traitor, she found solace in being a Faithful. "I got to relax being a Faithful, I did get to just be me and I think that was easier," she reasoned. Her goal was to win the prize money to take her young daughter travelling.
Netty leaves with no regrets, cherishing the unique bonds formed. "It's been one of the most fun experiences. It’s a massive group of people that I would never have crossed paths with in my life... It's really nice to do something for myself." The Traitors continues on BBC One, with the Secret Traitor's identity still hidden from both Faithfuls and regular Traitors alike.
