Viewers of BBC One's nail-biting reality series The Traitors believe they have identified the next contestant likely to be recruited by the dwindling band of deceivers, and it isn't the one who openly asked to join them.
Matt's High-Stakes Gamble
The latest episode, which aired on Friday 11 January 2026, ended on a stunning cliffhanger. Following the banishment of Fiona, only two Traitors, Rachel and Stephen, remain in the game. In a tense twist, several challenge winners were granted the chance to ask the hidden Traitors questions.
Faithful contestant Matt used his opportunity to make an audacious proposal. He first asked the Traitors who they planned to murder next, before directly offering himself up for recruitment. "I'm taking a massive risk here," he stated, addressing the unseen duo.
He continued: "I want to know that there is some trust. I suspect Claudia [Winkleman] will offer you the opportunity to seduce the next time you meet. I want you to turn that down and I want you to murder Jessie. And then the next time you seduce, you can seduce me. So my question is, do we have a deal?" The episode concluded before any response was revealed, leaving fans on tenterhooks until the show returns.
Why Fans Are Looking Elsewhere
Despite Matt's bold play, a growing number of fans on forums like Reddit are theorising that the Traitors will look to recruit a different player entirely: Harriet. Observant viewers note that Harriet, who is yet to have her questions to the Traitors aired, has displayed exceptional game awareness.
One fan elaborated online, praising Harriet's analytical skills. "I know I may be jumping the gun a bit here but so far Harriet is well on track to be the best faithful we have seen on the show, she clocked Hugo and dismantled him so quickly," they wrote.
The theory suggests Harriet has already identified Rachel as a Traitor and is keeping her close as a "human shield." The fan added, "I feel she’s the perfect candidate for recruitment or the next murder, she’s too clever for the game so far." This sentiment was echoed by others who called her "the best traitor hunter we have EVER seen" and praised her methodical, modest approach.
Broader Reactions and Spoiler Concerns
The speculation comes amid some viewer frustration directed at the show's companion podcast, Uncloaked. Some fans have pleaded with the BBC to stop the podcast from "spoiling" episodes, claiming a pattern has emerged where guests inadvertently reveal outcomes.
One viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Regarding #Uncloaked, their guests keep spoiling the show, and I’m tweeting this so they hopefully see it and stop it!!"
All will be revealed when The Traitors continues on Wednesday at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The central question remains: will the Traitors accept Matt's risky deal, or will they seek to bring the formidable Harriet over to the dark side?
