The latest series of the BBC's smash-hit reality show The Traitors has kicked off with a game-changing twist that has already left its central villains seething. Presenter Claudia Winkleman has admitted the three contestants chosen as Traitors were left "livid" upon discovering a mysterious Secret Traitor holds power over them.
The Secret Traitor's Devious Power Play
In the launch episode on Friday 1st January 2026, viewers saw Claudia select barrister Hugo, 51, from London, communications boss Rachel, 42, from County Down, and cyber security consultant Stephen, 32, from the Outer Hebrides as the three Traitors. However, in a shocking revelation, Claudia had also secretly appointed a fourth, red-cloaked Secret Traitor whose identity is unknown to everyone, including the other Traitors and the audience at home.
This clandestine player holds a crucial advantage: each night, they dictate a shortlist of potential murder victims from which the other Traitors must choose. "It's really fantastic for the Secret Traitor, they're having the time of their lives," Claudia laughed during a screening event, contrasting their joy with the fury of the main trio who have had their autonomy stripped away.
Why Producers Introduced the Game-Changing Twist
Executive producer Mike Cotton explained the reasoning behind the major format shift. "The Traitors are used to having all of the power, and for once they don't," he said. "There's a shortlist that they have to murder from, it'll be interesting to see how they navigate that."
He addressed the common viewer suggestion of hiding all Traitor identities, stating the production team believes knowing the Traitors is key to the show's appeal. "But we did think it would be interesting if they didn't know who one of them was. It might change the conversation slightly," Cotton added. Claudia agreed, noting it was for viewers who constantly question how the Faithful remain oblivious.
Cast Reactions and Hidden Relationships
The chosen Traitors were quick to express their frustration on camera. Rachel, who wants to win prize money for her mother who has dementia, immediately voiced suspicion of Hugo, calling him "a devil". Hugo, who described himself as a "psychopathic teddy bear", complained: "I'm so annoyed about this - I do not require middle management." Stephen, meanwhile, seemed thrilled at the chance to be "naughty".
The episode also unveiled hidden relationships among the Faithful. Child liaison officer Judy, 60, is the adoptive mother of fellow contestant Roxy, 32, a secret they are keeping from the group. Another pair, Netty and Ross, recognised each other from a mutual friend over a decade ago, a link producers discovered during background checks but didn't know would surface.
For the first mission, contestants earned £10,000 for the prize fund by moving 100 specially-made coffins across a lake. Producer Mike Cotton revealed the show has an on-site "weird death museum" arts store full of such props.
The big question now is how long the Secret Traitor's identity will remain hidden. Bosses are refusing to say, with Mike Cotton only hinting: "It'll keep going until the Traitors can win back the power." With the Secret Traitor's first murder shortlist naming Netty, James, or Maz, the power struggle within the turret has only just begun. The next episode airs tonight on BBC One at 8pm.
