The identity of the mysterious Secret Traitor on the BBC's hit reality show The Traitors is set to be unveiled in tonight's episode, airing Wednesday 7 January 2026. For its fourth series, the programme introduced a major new twist: a hidden traitor whose identity is unknown to fellow contestants and viewers alike.
Who Could the Secret Traitor Be?
Fevered speculation has gripped fans, with online forums and social media alight with theories. The Secret Traitor's actions have already ruled out several players. Contestants Maz, James, and Reece have all appeared on murder lists chosen by the hidden player. Furthermore, Faithfuls Ben and Netty have been murdered, while Faithful Judy and Traitor Hugo were banished by the group.
This leaves 13 potential candidates, but a handful have emerged as the most likely suspects based on viewer detective work and perceived clues from the edit.
1. Ellie, the Psychologist
Ellie, 33, is a leading contender. Fans claim her handwriting matches that seen on the Secret Traitor's murder list. Others point to obscured shots featuring strands of long blonde hair, similar to Ellie's. Crucially, viewers noted she is the only contestant to have verbally referenced the "Secret Traitor" concept, a potential slip. Suspicion deepened with theories of a pre-existing friendship with contestant Ross, hinted at by deleted social media posts.
2. Fiona, the Local Government Officer
Fiona, 62 from Wales, raised eyebrows during the first challenge involving coffins and graves, where she appeared confused. Many believe this was an act to "play dumb" and deflect attention. Her significant screen time, despite not being central to major dramas, has also been flagged as suspicious. Some fans see her trustworthy Welsh accent as the perfect cover for the ultimate deception.
3. Roxy, the Recruiter
Roxy, 32, entered the game hiding a major secret: banished contestant Judy was her mother. Her handwriting is again a focal point; viewers analysing the roundtable in episode three noted calligraphic similarities, specifically how the letters in her writing are linked together, just like the Secret Traitor's notes. This graphical evidence has convinced many of her guilt.
4. Jade, the PhD Student
Jade, 25, displayed a visibly rattled expression when Claudia Winkleman selected the original Traitors, a reaction some deem telling. Her handwriting is also in the mix as a potential match. An ironic clue lies in her being the only player to explicitly state a desire to be a Faithful at the start—a perfect cover for a Secret Traitor. Inconsistencies in her behaviour, like complaining about heat then wearing a thick jumper, have further fuelled theories.
5. Harriet, the Crime Novelist
The prime suspect for many is Harriet Tyce, 52, a former barrister and crime writer. A potential production blunder on the companion show Traitors: Uncloaked seemed to show four framed contestant photos on the wall: the three known Traitors (with Hugo crossed out) and Harriet. Her behaviour has also been strategic; she was instrumental in banishing actual Traitor Hugo, a move fans believe was a calculated ploy to build trust and eliminate competition. Her handwriting analysis also ties her to the role.
The Big Reveal Awaits
With the evidence mounting and fan theories reaching a crescendo, the truth will finally be exposed. The Traitors continues on BBC One at 8pm tonight. Will the online sleuths be proven correct, or is the real Secret Traitor still flying under the radar? The dramatic unmasking promises to be must-see television.
