Viewers of the hit BBC reality series The Traitors are convinced they have uncovered a major secret: that contestants Ross Carson, 37, and Ellie Salthouse, 33, knew each other before filming began. This alleged hidden connection has sparked accusations of an unfair advantage within the game's high-stakes deception.
The Clues That Sparked The Theory
Suspicions were first raised during the show's opening episode. Fans noted an unusual familiarity between the two Londoners as they chatted on the train to the Scottish castle, with their interaction seeming too comfortable for a supposed first meeting. Some viewers even speculated they were secretly in a romantic relationship.
The theory gained substantial traction after eagle-eyed fans discovered both contestants had posted holiday photographs from the same luxury resort in Tenerife. The snaps were shared after filming concluded in May last year.
Ellie posted bikini pictures believed to be at the Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort, captioning them: 'Some winter sun is good for the soul.' Meanwhile, personal trainer Ross shared his own photos from a Tenerife trip, writing: 'Suns out, guns out. Holiday gains in Tenerife!'
Social Media Deep Dive and Fan Reactions
Dedicated fans launched a full online investigation, unearthing further potential links. They found that Ross had 'liked' a post on Ellie's LinkedIn profile back in July, though it's unclear if this occurred before or after the show was filmed.
On forums like Reddit, viewers dissected every glance. One commented on their initial meeting: 'Their initial scene did have a fake energy. If you live in London and someone else says they do too, especially when you're young, you wouldn't be that surprised!'
Another observed: 'She glances at him when everyone is sitting in a group after traitors are chosen... it looks like she's checking his reaction.' A third simply stated: 'The scandal!'
Production Response and Other Known Connections
This isn't the first pre-existing relationship on this series. The first episode revealed Ross already knew fellow contestant Netty from over a decade ago, a reunion producers captured naturally without warning either party. Furthermore, contestants Roxy, 32, and Judy, 60, are secretly mother and daughter, operating as a covert alliance.
BBC bosses at Studio Lambert have stated it was not planned to have a second pair of connected contestants. Regarding Ross and Netty, Creative Director Mike Cotton told the Daily Mail that background checks revealed they followed each other on social media, but the link was deemed tenuous. They chose not to disqualify them, wanting to capture their genuine on-screen reaction.
Netty has since been 'murdered' in the game, while Judy was banished. The speculation around Ross and Ellie, however, continues to fuel fervent discussion among the show's fanbase, who are watching their every move for further clues.
