The fourth series of the BBC's hit reality show The Traitors, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, is approaching its dramatic conclusion, but viewers are expressing mounting frustration over what they perceive as a foregone outcome. With only seven contestants remaining in the game, a vocal segment of the audience believes the winner has already been effectively decided, leading some to declare they are switching off in disappointment.
Ceremonial Dagger Twist Sparks Controversy
In Wednesday's pivotal episode, a major twist unfolded at the roundtable. The Traitors, Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby, secretly bestowed the ceremonial dagger upon Faithful James Baker. This powerful move granted James a double vote at the subsequent banishment, a tactical play the duo hoped would direct suspicion towards Faithful Matthew Hyndman and secure his exit.
Despite Matthew's vehement protests that it would be illogical for him, given James's open suspicions, to have given away such an advantage, the other Faithfuls were not convinced. The plan worked flawlessly, resulting in Matthew's banishment. The tension in the turret was palpable, with both Rachel and Stephen visibly on edge about the secret pact they formed earlier in the series.
Viewer Fury Erupts on Social Media
Taking to social media platform X, fans of the show erupted in anger at the Faithfuls' apparent gullibility and poor gameplay. Many criticised the remaining contestants for being easily manipulated by the Traitors' schemes.
One disillusioned viewer wrote: 'Ngl it was fun at first but watching traitors with stupid faithfuls towards the end is getting boring now.' Another expressed their frustration more bluntly: 'Had to turn this off for the first time in my life, the faithful are so jarring, no one suspecting the traitors, I’ll come back in 45 mins to read the spoilers.' A third comment summed up a common sentiment: 'At this point in the game the faithfuls left are always the ones that have no bloody clue.'
Faithful Roxy Wilson's Naivety Draws Mockery
Further fan exasperation was directed at Faithful contestant Roxy Wilson, whose approach to uncovering deception was widely mocked. In a moment that left audiences dumbfounded, Roxy decided to confront her close ally Rachel directly, asking her if she was a Traitor, seemingly expecting an honest answer.
In a kitchen conversation, Roxy said: 'I'm so paranoid and I'm really thinking to myself "why am I still here now?". I've got really close to some people. I've got to ask.' Rachel, feigning surprise, denied any treachery, replying: 'I love you to bits but no it's not me'.
Viewers were scathing in their response online. One wrote: 'Roxy taking the traitors word as gospel is utterly laughable. The game is about lying and deceit.' Others added: 'Roxy just has no clue does she' and 'Roxy will need years of therapy after this.' The consensus was clear: her strategy was fundamentally flawed in a game built on deception.
Traitors Poised for Victory?
Rachel and Stephen's successful manipulation has led many viewers to conclude that the Traitors are now inevitable winners. One fan stated simply: 'Just hand Rachel the money now.' Another agreed: 'This is one of the only series where I just want them to give the traitors the money and get it over with.'
Even host Claudia Winkleman appeared to chastise the Faithfuls' performance, telling them: 'Faithfuls. What were you thinking? I am genuinely speechless.' Meanwhile, James Baker was left emotionally devastated after realising his mistake in targeting Matthew, telling the camera through tears: 'It's soul destroying.'
Glimmer of Hope for the Faithfuls?
Despite the Traitors' strong position, not all hope is lost for the Faithfuls. Contestant Faraaz Noor has voiced suspicions about both Rachel and Stephen, directly telling Rachel: 'I think it might be Jade or Stephen, and I think the other might be you.' Rachel calmly deflected the accusation with a joke: 'If I was a Traitor, I would have killed you on the first night.'
The episode concluded with Rachel and Stephen deliberating their next murder, deciding between Faraaz and Roxy Wilson. Their choice, and its consequences, will be revealed in the next instalment.
The Traitors continues its run on BBC One and iPlayer, with the next episode airing tonight at 8pm, as the series hurtles towards what many viewers now see as a predictable, if controversial, finale.
