“I’ve been seeing clips online. I’m definitely gonna go watch it. It seems like he’s doing good from what I’ve been seeing,” Serena tells StyleCaster while promoting her partnership with European Wax Center. “But I’m not on TraitorTok and that side of the internet, because I don’t watch it. But I heard he’s doing good, and it seems like he’s still in the game.” She added, “Rob’s really good at reading people. I feel like that’s a show he would like be pretty good on.
Serena starred with Rob on Love Island USA Season 6, which she won with her boyfriend, Kordell Beckham. As for how well she would fare on The Traitors, Serena isn’t confident. “Oh, my God, I still need to learn the basis of everything, but I’m really good at reading people as well,” she says. “If that’s just all I need to do is read and observe and socialize, I can do that.” I might be pretty good. Who knows? I think I would be able to clock a traitor easily.”
She is confident, however, that she would last longer in the competition than Kordell. “Kordell is so bad at lying. I would be better at lying than him, but also he’s super forgetful, so he might slip up and say the wrong thing and get kicked out or something. He might literally tell somebody [he’s a traitor],” she says.
Serena and Kordell are set to celebrate their second Valentine’s Day together. Their first Valentine’s Day in 2025 was spent at a cabin in Big Bear, California. For this year, Serena wants something more lowkey. “We’re both super, super busy this week and working a lot. I don’t know the exact plans, because he’s making them, but I’m hoping that it’s just something chill and relaxing,” she says. “We both have a lot to do this week as well, so I would assume that it’s something chill, low-key in the house. Maybe some movies. Maybe a little staycation or something.”
Another date Serena wants to make happen with Kordell is a trip to European Wax Center, where Serena has been getting waxed at since she was a high school cheerleader. “That would be absolutely hilarious,” Serena says of the idea of getting waxed with Kordell. “Because he’s very, very, very dramatic, so I would definitely want to see that. But I also don’t know what he would get waxed. I’m sure he doesn’t want his own arms waxed.”
In honor of Valentine’s Day, Serena launched a bundle with European Wax Center featuring her favorite products. “These products are my core products. The ingrown hair serum and the ingrown wipes I’ve been using since I first started going,” she says. “The body buffer is like a built-in sponge. It’s just such a cute and cool invention. I’m sure a lot of people who go to European Wax Center may be the first timers. I think the ingrown hair serum is just a staple, and something that everybody should have, especially if you’re waxing.”
“I usually keep my SOS face spray with me. I am so OCD with it. I’m always spraying it on my face to make sure the germs stay off. Because I travel a lot, so I’m touching my face on planes and all that.”
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
“I moisturize every morning, every night, sometimes midday if I’m not wearing makeup. Neutrogena water boost. That one’s super light. I have very sensitive skin. I don’t use a lot of products on my face. So the ones I do, they have to be super light. That one’s water-based and feels like nothing’s going on.”
COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara
“COVERGIRL. Literally any drugstore mascara works for me on my lashes, because I have falsies on the top, and it’s mainly for my bottom lashes.”
Warning: This interview contains Traitors Season 4 spoilers. After eight episodes, six banishments (both failed and successful), and one controversial blue sweater, Colton Underwood was officially murdered on The Traitors, thus ending the time of one of Season 4’s most controversial contestants.
Underwood—who’s best known for his appearances onThe Bachelor andThe Bachelorette and made history as the first former Bachelor to come out as gay in 2021—was selected as a faithful in Episode 1 and was a strong player from the start, leading the banishment that took out Season 4’s first traitor, Donna Kelce, in Episode 2.
However, as the episodes went on, the fans (and his fellow cast members) seemed to sour on Underwood, with many criticizing his aggressive and reckless gameplay. The negative reaction, which also led to fans resurfacing Underwood’s past legal controversies, got so bad that The Traitors had to issue a statement condemning the cyberbullying and harassment of the cast.
How I showed up on Traitors is not how I show up in my real life.
“One thing that people don’t understand is how I showed up on Traitors is not how I show up in my real life as a dad and a husband. I’m not that intense in real life,” Underwood tells StyleCaster. “I’m a very competitive person. It’s sort of in my blood to compete and play hard. There are a lot of people who are first finding out about me on this show, and I get it, I was intense, and I was competitive, but that’s really not who I am in my everyday.”
Despite his best attempts to make it to the end, Underwood was murdered in Episode 8 of The Traitors Season 4, which saw remaining traitors Candiace Dillard Bassett and (Underwood’s closest ally) Rob Rausch seal his fate in the game, which, in turn, sealed Dillard Bassett’s fate as the next traitor to be banished. Below, StyleCaster spoke to Underwood about his reaction to the negative response he’s faced on The Traitors; where he stands with Lisa Rinna, Michael Rapaport, Tiffany Mitchell, and more rivals from the show; and whether he plans to attend the series’ upcoming reunion, where he’s sure to be in the hot seat: “There’s going to be a lot said.”
Was this the first season you were asked to be on The Traitors?
This was the third season I was asked. The first one just didn’t work out logistically for my schedule. The second time I was offered was right around when Bishop was born, so logistically it wasn’t in the cards. But I was so appreciative and so honored to join this season. I think everything happens for a reason. It was a perfect fit for me.
What was your reaction when you learned who the traitors were?
It was brilliant. Lisa, Candiace, and Rob. It’s the perfect mix, right? You have someone to call the wild card in Lisa. You have the quiet, reserved Rob. Then you have what I would consider the leader of the pack in Candiace, and sort of the brains of the operation. It just made so much sense when I found them out.
We saw you suspect both Lisa and Candiace. Did you ever suspect Rob?
Rob was not on my radar one bit. The only thing that made my antennas go up on Rob is when he told everybody he had the dagger. It didn’t add up to me. Why would he do that? There’s six of us here, statistically speaking, one of us is a traitor in this group. Why all of a sudden, are you telling everybody you have this? I thought it was for sure a coverage play. I was like, “If you need coverage, coverage from who? Your name wasn’t brought up at all at that point.” That was his only mistake, in my opinion.
Do you think it was a mistake to murder you?
I think Rob’s playing a brilliant game. But part of me thinks it was a little bit of a mistake to kill me off. I had no suspicion of Rob. My loyalty was 100 percent with him. He and Natalie were my one and two. I was ready to go after Candiace hard, and I would have loved to have been recruited. I haven’t seen that episode yet, so I don’t know how it plays, but from what I’ve heard, it was sort of like there is no deal-making. There is no other name. It is Colton, and we’re not leaving this turret until you say it’s Colton.
You’ve received a lot of backlash for your gameplay this season. What has your reaction been to that?
At this point of my life and my career, anytime I’m back into the spotlight, it gives me a little bit of anxiety. People have watched me grow up in front of them through The Bachelor in my early days, and my journey has been one I’m extremely proud of, and it has not been perfect. I would be the first one to say that. Through my Netflix show and other various times, I’ve owned the mistakes I’ve made in my past, so I definitely understand it is challenging at times to read things that are either inaccurate or lack context. But I’m also proud of how I showed up and played the game. I made some great friendships with the people who were on this season of Traitors, and they’re gonna be memories I cherish forever.
I want to talk about the Lisa Rinna of it all. After your back-and-forth with Lisa at the roundtable a couple of weeks ago, she posted a comment about you on Threads, which she later backtracked on. What was your reaction to that, and what’s your relationship now?
Lisa and I communicate via text and message each other. We’re friendly. We also understand we’re on a television show together, and we were sort of nemeses. She is an icon and a legend, and one of the greatest to do, not only housewives, but her career in general. I think anytime you watch something back, it brings up the emotions and the intensity of what that game was. After that episode, you sort of leave the drama of the show to the show. There were conversations she and I had where we were just like, “Hey, we’re all for playing the game, but when it becomes more than that, that’s when we have to have a conversation as friends.”
Tiffany is also someone who’s had words for you on social media after she was banished from the show. What’s your relationship now?
I was wrong with Tiffany, and I’ll be the first to sit here and be like, “I messed up. I made a mistake.” But I went for Tiffany, how I went for Donna, and how I went for Lisa, and how I was planning on going for Candiace. I wanted to play this game with conviction and confidence. The moment you’re wishy washy—you saw that with my gameplay at the very first round table. I let somebody pull me off my gut to go with Donna, and I went with Porsha and made a mistake. From then on out, as soon as I said a name, I was sticking to it, no matter what. But it is a game. I think she understands that too, as a game player, and I’m sure she’s gonna have a lot of questions for me, too. But I respect her gameplay. I wasn’t as familiar with her game style from Big Brother until after the show. Hopefully, she’ll respect the game of it all.
Traitors is an individual game.
How do you feel about the reunion coming up, and do you plan to attend?
We’ll have to figure out and tune in for that. That’s what I’ll say there. Obviously, a lot of people are going to have a lot of things to say and get off their plates. This season definitely did not lack, not only gameplay, but drama. There’s going to be a lot to be said there.
At a few roundtables ago, Michael Rapaport made a comment that you interpreted as a dig toward your sexuality. Michael has since apologized and said that he didn’t mean it like that. What do you believe now?
What I’ll say about that situation is I believe it was a low blow. I always went into the roundtables with evidence from the game, and I never wanted to make anything personal about whatever I knew about these players. I just don’t want to create a bias when there’s not. I want to treat everybody as the same. I want to just gather information and present it. I think when that moment happened, you see me take a step back, and it took me out of the game where I’m like, “OK, that wasn’t cool.” Since then, he has called, and we’ve spoken on the phone, and he’s apologized. I am not somebody who holds grudges or wants to sit in that for very long. So of course, I forgave him, and we moved past it. I’m sure, if he is at the reunion and if I’m at the reunion, we’ll have to talk about it again. But after the show, he handled it I thought in a very respectful and good way.
If you weren’t murdered, do you think you could’ve won?
At that point, I played such a brash, bold game, and I was very proactive in seeking Traitors out that the only way I would have won the show is if I had been recruited.
At that point, you had a lot of suspicion on you as a traitor. If you were recruited, how would you have kept the suspicion off of you until the end?
If we’re speaking in hypotheticals, my first move, unfortunately, would have been to turn on Rob. Throw him right under the bus and be the solo traitor at the end, damn. That would have been savage, but Traitors is an individual game. Yes, there are traitors. Yes, there are faithfuls. And yes, you have to work together, but it is an individual game. It is a competition game show. And I will always respect people for playing the game hard and playing the game that they feel is best for them.
My journey has been one I’m extremely proud of, and it has not been perfect.
Do you consider yourself a gamer?
I definitely think I’m a gamer from other aspects of my life. I’ve been in the industry long enough now to understand certain things. You see this too, with a lot of relationship-based shows. Even Love Island. I’ve never experienced that. But there’s strategy involved. You have to make decisions about what is best for your life, what is best for your relationships. Yes, it’s a love and romance show, but there is some sort of competition. I don’t even know if you would call it a competition dating reality show, but there is a competition aspect to it. I’m proud of the representation from Bachelor Nation over the years. I think everybody who’s stepped onto the show from that franchise has done an excellent job.
I want to talk about the outfit with the blue sweater over your shoulders. Fans made a lot of memes of that look. What was your reaction to that?
I stand by all of my wardrobe choices. If I’m going to go compete on a television show with Alan Cumming in a castle in Scotland and do the most campy, theatrical murder mystery performance, I want to have fun with it. I worked with an incredible stylist to put together pieces that I felt comfortable and confident in and that I could wear on certain days that maybe I needed to feel good. My overall mood board was preppy jock. I was definitely feeling myself on the blue sweater that day. I saw the memes online. You film all day, and sometimes, you get hot, so you drape it over, and then it’d be over one shoulder. And then it would just be off, and then it would be fully back on. You’re going inside and outside. Your body temperature is changing. It was nice to have the option to either get warm or let it breathe.
Would you do Traitors again?
Naturally, the competitor in me screams yes. However, where I’m at in my life as a father and a husband, I’ve been through so much, and it takes a certain level of vulnerability to return in front of the camera. I sort of dip my toe back in, and then I’m like, “OK, I need a few years off again.” I would probably consider it. It just would be a larger conversation with my family the next time.
The Traitors may be over, but it’s clearly not goodbye as Stephen Libby made a surprise step into presenting on This Morning.
On Thursday’s show (February 5), Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley welcomed Stephen into the This Morning fold. The appearance came just weeks after his first outing on the sofa as a guest, and this time he was very much front and centre.
True to form, Stephen was tasked with presenting the fashion segment. While Ben and Cat were full of praise, reactions from viewers at home were far more mixed.
Stephen has presented his own fashion segment (Credit: ITV)
Stephen Libby makes This Morning presenter debut
Throughout The Traitors, Stephen proved himself a firm fan favourite. Despite openly dropping hints that he might be a Traitor, he still made it all the way to the final alongside Rachel, with the pair successfully taking home the prize money.
It wasn’t just his dramatic reactions that got people talking during his time in the castle, though. Stephen’s bold and unusual outfits quickly became part of his Traitors identity.
From statement jumpsuits to standout looks, fans became increasingly obsessed with his style choices. And it seems all that attention has paid off.
On This Morning, Stephen led the fashion segment himself, showcasing a mix of high-street and vintage outfits to demonstrate how they can be styled together.
He appeared to impress Ben and Cat with his presenting skills, and the segment ended with a surprise appearance from Anneka Rice – a style icon who had previously shared her thoughts on Stephen’s Traitors outfits.
Cat was impressed with Stephen’s skills (Credit: ITV)
Fans are divided on appearance
Not everyone watching at home was convinced Stephen was ready for a presenting role, with some suggesting nerves got the better of him.
At the start of the segment, Ben attempted to put Stephen at ease by appearing in his own jumpsuit, a nod to the Traitors star’s signature look, which clearly delighted him.
Viewers soon took to social media to share their thoughts. One wrote: “This is a definite no from me.”
Another commented: “So, Stephen’s got himself a new career after being a [bleep] Traitor. Eye roll.”
A third asked: “Wait, the worst dressed guy from The Traitors is now doing the fashion section on This Morning?”
“Please don’t do this segment again,” another added.
One viewer observed: “He seems really nervous. Just keeps saying ‘yeah’ and ‘erm’.”
However, Stephen also had plenty of supporters, with some calling for him to return.
One fan said: “I love Stephen on the fashion segment. So much better than the usual presenters.”
Another agreed: “I’m actually loving this fashion segment, Stephen is fab.”
And one viewer even predicted: “They will find him a permanent segment…”
Love him or loathe him, Stephen Libby is clearly keeping viewers talking long after The Traitors has finished.
Eric Nam caused quite a stir on social media once The Traitors fans discovered how old he actually is. The Korean musician has been a more low-key presence this season when compared with some other competitors. But, viewers rushed to the Internet to discover that Nam is actually 37 years old! Completely shocking for folks unfamiliar with the star’s work before sitting around that table. But, it’s absolutely true. Nam takes really good care of himself, and it shows judging by all these reactions to this news from folks.
One person on Reddit had to make a thread and the jokes are flying. AuraStardust said, “What…? He looks 25 at MOST. You could’ve told me he was 22 and I would have believed it. Later in the thread /kristennicole94 likened him to a Disney prince. She said, “I saw this on TikTok the couple days after the season premiered and was blown away. So many folks were shocked and that includes /Fluid-Beyond8466. They typed, “I had to go look him up as I didn’t know who he was & was SHOCKED at his age. But, if you look closely, you can see the laugh lines around his eyes that do indicate he’s older than he looks at first glance.”
For a more complete primer on Nam, we turn to /tiddiesnext who laid it all out for us. “He’s most famous in Korea – he was on an x-factor-esque show back in 2012 and debuted in 2013. He’s released a lot of music and is known by a lot of kpop stans. He used to host an english speaking program for kpop idols that was pretty popular in its heyday.”
Who Is Eric Nam?
(Euan Cherry/Peacock)
Eric Nam is a musician from Atlanta, Georgia. He would do music a bit in his early life, but then attend Boston University. After that stint in school, his music career really picked up steam.
In Korea, his YouTube followers skyrocketed. Nam is known for the run he had as a K-Pop idol in 2012. He signed with B2M Entertainment as a solo artist after placing in the final five on the Star Audition: Birth of a Great Star 2 TV program.
Nam is also slated to star opposite Ji-young Yoo in a new K-Pop movie. Paramount Pictures and HYBE are working together on the untitled project.
The next episode of The Traitors US debuts on Thursday at 9pm ET. There’s currently only one new episode a week until the finale graces your TV screens on February 26.
This week, both Caroline Stanbury from the Real Housewives of Dubai and Monet X Change from RuPaul’s Drag Race were murdered by the traitors. It seems the group has only managed to banish one traitor in Donna Kelce. She was selected as the “Secret Traitor” of this season. That poor woman was just a bit too nice to be swimming with sharks around that round table.
Teresia Gray (She/Her) is a writer here at the Mary Sue. She’s been writing professionally since 2016, but felt the allure of a TV screen for her entire upbringing. As a sponge for Cable Television debate shows and a survivor of “Peak Thinkpiece,” she has interests across the entire geek spectrum. Want to know why that politician you saw on TV said that thing, and why it matters? She’s got it for you. Yes, mainlining that much news probably isn’t healthy. Her work at the Mary Sue often includes political news, breaking stories, and general analysis of current events.
Traitors fans have reacted with joy to Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby winning this year’s series.
After a nail-biting final, the Traitors outplayed the remaining Faithful and took the prize in dramatic style.
There were moments when both looked ready to turn on each other.
But when it mattered most, they held their nerve and saw it through together.
Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby have won The Traitors 2026 (Credit: BBC)
It was tense, unpredictable television. And the fact two Traitors made it to the end made the victory even more remarkable.
Fans have now reacted to Rachel and Stephen’s win.
Writing on X, one gushed: “So happy Rachel & Stephen deserved to win brilliant traitors!”
Another added: “So happy for these 2, was worried at start but their bond got stronger & stronger. They stuck together throughout & got the reward. Best traitor duo EVER?”
And a third penned: “How fitting that the two most faithful Traitors that have been on the show last until the end and win together. Amazing to watch.#TheTraitors has been fantastic once again.”
The Traitors: What happened in the final
The final picked up exactly where the last episode left off, with a brutal cliffhanger hanging over the Round Table.
James Baker and Rachel were locked in a deadlock, forcing Claudia to bring out the chests of chance to decide their fate.
When the boxes were opened, James found his was empty. Rachel revealed an immunity shield, sealing his exit from the game.
That meant James was banished from the game and Rachel moved forward with fellow Traitor Stephen and Faithfuls Faraaz, Jade and Jack.
The next morning, the remaining players faced their final Mission. Split into two teams, they raced to collect cash from floating pontoons before scaling a towering dam wall to meet Claudia.
Then came a final twist. They were offered the chance to win an extra £10,000 by running straight down the wall on a harness and sprinting to a waiting helicopter.
Rachel admitted she was terrified, revealing she had a fear of heights. But she shocked everyone by going for it anyway.
“I just saw Rachel sprint in front of me. I mean, she was insane!” Stephen said.
The Final Round Table
With the mission complete, attention turned back to strategy and suspicion.
Both Rachel and Stephen appeared ready to sacrifice each other if it meant securing the win.
Stephen admitted: “Defending Rachel could actually spell the end of my game. If I don’t vote for her at the Round Table tonight, I think Jack and Jade will think it is really suspicious.”
Faraaz planned to remove Jade first, then target Rachel and win alongside Jack. Rachel, meanwhile, wanted Jade gone so she and Stephen could move forward together.
When the votes were cast, Jack voted for Rachel and Jade voted for Faraaz. But Rachel, Faraaz and Stephen all voted for Jade, sending her out of the game.
The series came to a conclusion at The End Game (Credit: BBC)
Rachel and Stephen win in The End Game
Rachel, Stephen, Jack and Faraaz then faced The End Game.
Each player received a pouch of sand and had to choose whether to banish again or end the game.
All four chose to banish. Faraaz voted for Stephen. Rachel wrote Faraaz’s name. Jack chose Rachel, while Stephen also picked Faraaz.
Faraaz was banished, leaving just three players standing.
They went again, and once more all chose to banish. Rachel voted for Jack. Jack voted for Rachel. Stephen stayed true to his word and voted for Jack.
That decision sealed it. Stephen and Rachel were declared the winners!
How much did they win?
Stephen and Rachel shared a prize pot of £95,750. An impressive £19,000 of that total came from the final mission alone.
Split evenly, they each take home £47,875.
Claudia summed it up perfectly, telling them: “Two Traitors, but totally Faithful to each other.”
The Traitors fans have been left furious ahead of tomorrow night’s final, with many accusing BBC producers of interfering with the game at the very last hurdle.
The penultimate episode saw the group push themselves to their physical limits in the second-from-last mission, but viewers were quick to claim that a key decision from the BBC crossed a line.
Roxy was murdered by the Traitors, and right up until her final moments in the castle she firmly believed Rachel and Stephen were Faithfuls – leaving many viewers wishing they could have seen her reaction once the truth was revealed.
Roxy was the final Faithful murdered by The Traitors (Credit: BBC)
Brutal mission
Tensions were already high as Traitor Stephen appeared to slowly turn his back on fellow Traitor Rachel. That atmosphere only intensified during the gruelling mission, which required the group to carry heavy gold rocks in backpacks up a steep incline to the top of a peak.
Once there, they had to place their gold rocks onto a shield in order to block the Traitors from carrying out the final murder of the series. Along the route, contestants could smash urns with their gold rocks to collect more – a twist that left many viewers confused.
James rushed back down the hill to gather extra gold, but after pushing himself too far he began vomiting and collapsed on the grassy verge. Faraaz ran to collect the gold, while Jack and Stephen stayed with James to make sure he was okay.
Stephen and Rachel questioned each other at the Round Table (Credit: BBC)
BBC producers accused of ‘interfering’ by The Traitors fans
Despite the drama, the group completed the mission successfully, meaning Rachel and Stephen were unable to murder that night. While this initially appeared to benefit the Faithfuls, it also prevented the Traitors from making a final decisive move in the game – something fans weren’t happy when it came to the BBC producers’ decision.
That twist didn’t sit well with fans at home. Many argued that allowing the mission to stop the final murder altogether went against the core nature of The Traitors, especially so close to the end.
One BBC viewer wrote: “I really dislike when the producers interfere because it looks like the Traitors will win (the seer last year, stopping the final murder this year). If they deserve it and the Faithfuls don’t, just let the Traitors win.”
Another added: “Letting them prevent the last murder is awful producer interference? Like what is going on? Such an unfair advantage and we know Rachel is going now. This is heading for the most boring end ever.”
A third fan commented: “Season 4 of The Traitors has had the worst group of Faithfuls. Yet, production has swayed this for the Faithfuls to win. I will be fuming if a Traitor doesn’t win – Rachel and Stephen have worked hard.”
Entertainment Daily has approached the BBC for comment.
Rachel faced a lot of heat tonight (Credit: BBC)
Stephen vs Rachel
In Wednesday’s episode, Rachel warned Stephen that he might hear her name come up in castle discussions – a moment that immediately worried fans that the two remaining Traitors were about to turn on each other.
The following morning at breakfast, Stephen began subtly sowing seeds of doubt. He told Jack that Faraaz had entered the library claiming he believed Rachel was a Traitor. Jade and James later joined the conversation, discussing how Rachel had ignored Harriet’s warnings before Harriet’s explosive exit from the castle.
Stephen continued his efforts in the kitchen with Jade and Jack, reminding them how Rachel had previously helped get Fiona banished as a Traitor in a similar fashion to how Harriet had targeted Rachel.
Meanwhile, Rachel attempted to redirect suspicion onto James. After branding him an “evil genius” at breakfast, she compared him to Columbo while chatting with Faraaz before the mission. James was quick to respond that Columbo was the detective, not the murderer – a remark that didn’t go unnoticed.
James faces banishment as well (Credit: BBC)
Chests of chance cliffhanger
At the Round Table, Jack, James and Jade questioned Rachel on several points, including why she voted for Matt after claiming she wanted to reach the final with him. Stephen also opened the floor against James, despite spending much of the day casting doubt on Rachel.
James faced questions over why he frequently voted the same way as Jack – an issue previously raised by banished Faithful Matt.
The atmosphere became increasingly tense as Stephen and Rachel directly challenged one another. Rachel raised the cage mission, where Stephen had been imprisoned, before Stephen fired back. Despite everything, Stephen ultimately voted for James, staying true to his earlier stance.
The vote ended in a deadlock, with three votes for Rachel and three for James. A second round of pleas and voting produced the same result.
Host Claudia Winkleman then introduced the chests of chance, and in classic Traitors fashion, the episode ended on a cliffhanger – leaving fans to wait until the final to discover who would be banished and whether the Traitors’ fate has already been sealed.
The Traitors star Rachel Duffy isn’t just making headlines for her scheming on the hit BBC show, she’s also serving serious jewellery envy with her stunning earring collection at Ardross Castle.
As Rachel marches towards Friday’s finale (January 23) as one of the series favourites, fans are glued to her every move. From who she’ll throw under the bus next to which breakfast-time look she’ll serve, it seems nothing escapes the eagle eyes of fans of The Traitors… including those gorgeous cherry drop earrings.
Rachel on The Traitors wearing her cherry earrings (Credit: BBC)
Rachel’s earrings become a social media obsession
Aside from her masterful gameplay, viewers can’t get enough of Rachel’s signature earring style.
“Rachel has a very interesting and distinctive style of earrings. I do wonder if she makes them herself or knows someone who does! I will be pondering this when watching The Traitors every night now until she goes. If she goes!” one fan tweeted.
Another added: “Forever jealous of Rachel’s earrings!” A third chimed in: “What I want to know is where she buys her jewellery. They are amazing!”
Where to get Rachel’s cherry earrings
Good news for fans: those striking cherry drop earrings are the Love Potion Cherry On Top earrings by Oriflame, priced at £9.99. The design features a golden stem with a glossy cherry dangling from it – cute enough to steal the show in their own right.
Oriflame even highlighted Rachel wearing them, commenting: “Rachel was sporting our very own Ori Cherry On Top Earrings throughout most of the episode! While she may be a tricky character, she clearly has great taste in earrings!!”
The gorgeous Cherry On Top earrings by Oriflame (Credit: Oriflame)
They’re currently sold out, but fans don’t need to despair. A very similar pair is available on Etsy, sold by Pomela UK, for £14.95.
Whether you’re plotting your next Traitors strategy or just want to channel Rachel’s style, these cherry earrings are the perfect way to steal a little of her spotlight.
Stephen has somehow scraped through yet another day in The Traitors as the competition barrels into the second half – and this time it came down to a slip-up that could have ended his game.
Thursday night’s episode saw Sam finally banished from the castle, leaving just two Traitors still in play. Sam had been under suspicion for a while, and when the vote turned against him, he made sure to insist he was a Faithful right to the end.
With Sam gone, Traitors Rachel and Stephen were faced with a crucial decision over who to murder next in order to steady their positions and redirect attention. Their options were Jessie, Faraaz or Matt. In a blow for viewers, fan favourite Jessie was killed.
In tonight’s episode, Stephen appeared to make a glaring mistake during a conversation with Jade and Jack – but incredibly, it didn’t come back to haunt him at the Round Table.
Jade gave Stephen a look (Credit: BBC)
Fans think Jade noticed Stephen’s mistake on The Traitors
The trio were chatting outside as Jack shared his growing unease, admitting he suspected someone close to him could be a Traitor. At the same time, he reassured them both that he trusted them.
It was during this exchange that Stephen seemed to trip himself up.
“What I will say, and I’m saying this more because I know that I am a… Faithful,” he said, visibly stumbling over the word.
Jade responded with an awkward smile before the conversation moved on, but viewers at home were quick to notice.
“Stephen, you just started to say ‘I’m a Tra-Faithful’ and she noticed,” wrote one fan.
Another added: “Stephen to Jack: ‘I know that I’m a T-Faithful.’”
A third summed up the mood perfectly: “This episode is stressing me out for Stephen.”
Stephen and Rachel decided to murder Jessie the night before (Credit: BBC)
Stephen’s lucky escapes so far
Once again, Stephen appears to have landed on his feet. Despite his facial expressions and obvious nerves, no one in the castle has seriously questioned him so far.
Jessie had previously begun to suspect Stephen after Ben’s murder, and again following Ross’s banishment as a Faithful. She was convinced a Traitor had been present in the library when Ben made his confession before being killed.
That night, both Fiona and Stephen were in the room. Fiona was later banished and exposed as a Traitor, allowing Stephen to breathe a sigh of relief. But Jessie quickly turned her attention back to him during the Cage mission. Before she could fully rally support, she was murdered at the start of tonight’s episode.
Rachel’s game plan is working (Credit: BBC)
Rachel appears to bulletproof
Meanwhile, Rachel continues to evade suspicion despite repeated warnings from other players.
Fellow Traitor Fiona turned on Rachel in the second week after believing she had lied about what Faithful Amanda had told her regarding her career. Amanda had privately revealed to Rachel that she was a former Metropolitan Police detective, hoping to strengthen her case against Jade and Sam.
That same evening, Amanda was banished. When Rachel later disclosed Amanda’s former job to the group, Fiona sensed something wasn’t right. She tried to expose Rachel as a Traitor, but her plan backfired and Fiona was voted out instead.
Harriet also raised concerns about Rachel, though her approach failed to convince the group. She only revealed she was a thriller writer and former criminal barrister midway through the game, explaining she didn’t want to paint a target on her back.
By Wednesday night, Harriet had concluded Rachel was a Traitor, but her delivery didn’t land. She snapped at Roxy during breakfast, talked over others, and delivered a lengthy argument at the Round Table. Harriet even urged the group to vote her out so she could “sacrifice” herself as a Faithful and prove Rachel’s guilt.
Instead, both Harriet and another player left the castle without exposing Rachel, reinforcing the belief that Rachel is a Faithful.
Ellie confessed her relationship with Ross before she was banished (Credit: BBC)
Ellie is voted out in The Traitors
Rachel later admitted she had no real plan that day, despite claiming at breakfast that she knew who a Traitor was. She described it as a “white lie”, saying she wanted to observe behavioural changes. She then accused Ellie of acting differently, which swayed the group.
Ellie broke down in tears, trying to explain her game as a Faithful. In the end, Faraaz, Stephen, Jade and Rachel voted for Ellie. Roxy voted James, Ellie and Matthew voted Jade, while James and Jack wrote Matthew’s name.
Before leaving, Ellie revealed her relationship with Ross and confirmed she too was a Faithful – another dramatic exit that leaves Stephen and Rachel still very much in control.
Traitors fans have accused show bosses of cooking up an “agenda” with Rachel Duffy and “pulling strings” to keep her in the castle.
Claims that the episodes are “scripted” come as viewers scratch their heads over how Rachel keeps escaping banishment.
The Traitor has been at the heart of almost every major clash in recent instalments.
Yet she just keeps slipping through the net.
Traitors fans have accused the BBC of ‘having an agenda’ with Rachel Duffy (Credit: BBC)
Rachel has been directly challenged by both Harriet Tyce and Fiona Hughes, with accusations made loudly and publicly.
Yet, somehow, her name keeps missing from the chalkboards.
That confusion reached new levels after the latest Round Table, where Rachel did not receive a single vote.
As a result, some fans are now questioning whether production has a hand in how events are unfolding.
A few have even suggested the BBC has an “agenda”, claiming bosses want Rachel to mirror the journey of series two winner and vocal show supporter Harry Clark.
Traitors fans accuse BBC of ‘scripting show’
The debate has been playing out online, with X users sharing their disbelief during and after Thursday night’s episode.
One viewer wrote: “Not a single vote for Rachel after all this hysteria. Is it that they are dumb or is it production?”
Another replied: “I do think it is scripted as too many things are obvious yet not being said.” A third added: “Surely it’s production. She didn’t even get a mention.”
A fourth claimed: “Prod agenda is for her to be the new Harry.”
Still, not everyone agrees with the theory.
“I think production. But she’s also very popular with the group and she does a good job at talking like a Faithful,” one fan said.
Another commented: “I think Fiona and Harriet going for her in a deranged manner was production pulling strings. But I genuinely think they’re all clues.”
Others shut the idea down entirely, with one writing: “Don’t disrespect production like that. This lot are just bottom set!”
Another added: “Dumbest bunch of Faithfuls EVER. Roxy is also just an absolute whopper. Does my head in.”
ED! has contacted the BBC for comment.
Rachel has managed to avoid banishment despite being heavily in the spotlight twice (Credit: BBC)
Who will Rachel and Stephen murder next?
Rachel has barely left the spotlight since last week, with drama following her at every turn inside the castle.
The mum-of-three first came under fire when fellow Traitor, Fiona Hughes, acting as the Secret Traitor, accused her outright in front of the group.
Despite the explosive moment, Rachel managed to flip the situation and Fiona was the one banished.
History then appeared to repeat itself with crime writer Harriet Tyce.
The Traitors was back on screens tonight and wasted no time diving straight into the drama, as Adam was revealed to be the latest contestant murdered.
After weeks of gripping twists and mounting suspicion, viewers went into the episode convinced Jessie was about to be killed, especially after the Traitors struck a deal with Matthew. Tensions were high as fans waited to see who would walk into the kitchen, with many bracing themselves for bad news.
In the end, the result came as both a relief and a surprise. While plenty of viewers were happy with the outcome, others were left wondering whether the Traitors really made the smartest call.
Adam has left the castle (Credit: BBC)
Adam becomes the next player murdered
The episode opened with Traitors Rachel and Stephen weighing up their next move, and it was clear they were thinking several steps ahead.
With pressure starting to build around Rachel, the pair focused on a decision that could redirect suspicion elsewhere. On paper, murdering Jessie seemed straightforward. They had already promised Matthew she would be next, with the plan to recruit him afterwards.
But doubts had begun to creep in about Matthew himself, with some players already questioning whether he could be a Traitor. Keeping him in the game, and under scrutiny, could work in their favour. So instead, Rachel and Stephen settled on Adam as their target.
Explaining the decision, the Traitors said: “If we murder Adam, it also takes someone out of the game that I can’t read. He’s someone I can’t sway because I don’t have a good relationship with him.”
With shields in play, the Traitors had no guarantee their plan would work. But luck was on their side, and Adam was successfully murdered.
Reflecting on his time in the castle, Adam said: “I wanted to carry on playing but they murdered me. They’ve done me in my sleep. I’m happy for as far as I have come in this game. It’s been a life-changing experience. Everything I have learned and every person I met I have took a little bit on board.”
Jessie survived the murder (Credit: BBC)
Fans react to the murder
Viewers were quick to share their reactions, and many admitted they were relieved Jessie survived the night.
Taking to X, one wrote: “So glad they got rid of Adam.”
Another added: “They got so lucky picking Adam. One of the only people with no shield.”
Others weren’t so convinced it was the right move. “Adam was the best Faithful on that show. Not a single person was suspicious about him,” one fan argued.
Another questioned the odds: “How on earth did they actually murder someone with no shield? They really had luck on their side.”
Several viewers admitted they were caught off guard. “Adam? I thought they were going to go for Jessie,” one shared.
Not everyone was happy to see him go. “I’m actually upset about Adam leaving. He seemed like such a nice guy,” one fan wrote, while another added: “Adam didn’t deserve to leave, he hasn’t done anything wrong.”
Meanwhile, Jessie’s survival was widely celebrated. “So glad Jessie is still in the game,” one commented, with another adding: “Jessie is safe, thank you Traitors.”
But while fans largely took the murder in their stride, one person was far from pleased.
Matthew wasn’t too happy (Credit: BBC)
The Traitors left Matthew worried
Earlier in the week, Matthew had met secretly with the Traitors and asked who they planned to murder next. When they told him Jessie, he proposed a deal: kill her and recruit him.
So when Jessie walked into breakfast alive and well, it was clear Matthew was rattled.
One fan observed: “Matthew’s probably so annoyed right now.” Another added: “Matthew is so fixated on the fantasy of being recruited and I fear that’s never going to happen.”
Others questioned his approach entirely. “Matthew is playing this game as a Traitor. Does he know he’s still a Faithful?” one asked.
Summing up his frustration, Matthew said: “Jessie wasn’t murdered last night. She had the shield. So, I’m just wondering if the deal I made with the Traitors is still on?”
With trust already fragile and expectations shattered, the fallout from Adam’s murder looks set to ripple through the castle in the days ahead.
The Traitors returned to BBC One tonight (January 14) – and Harriet’s bold attempt to seize control of the game ended in total disaster.
After days of hype following Matty’s dramatic cliffhanger, it was Harriet who truly stole the spotlight. Unfortunately for her, what she clearly believed was a game-winning move turned into one of the biggest self-inflicted downfalls the show has ever seen.
Rachel couldn’t hide her surprise when Harriet came for her (Credit: BBC)
Harriet’s ‘ultimate power play’ on The Traitors tonight
Having won the right to question the Traitors, Harriet marched into the confessional brimming with confidence. She told Rachel – who was hiding in the confessional – that she was convinced she was a Traitor, warning there was “nothing they could do about it” and vowing to expose her at the next roundtable.
Before storming out, Harriet delivered the killer line: “Bet you wished you killed me when you had the chance.”
Viewers were stunned. “Harriet didn’t just drop the mic, she launched it,” one fan joked. Another declared: “Harriet for Prime Minister.” At that moment, it looked like the Faithfuls had a mastermind on their hands.
Breakfast bombshell backfires
Harriet doubled down the next morning, telling the group she was no longer playing as part of the collective and revealing her real-life background as a crime writer and former criminal barrister.
She openly named Rachel as her target, announcing she’d had enough and was going after her at the roundtable. But instead of rallying the Faithfuls, her aggressive approach instantly set alarm bells ringing.
As suspicion spread through the castle, the mood shifted fast. “She’s gone too hard,” one viewer warned. Another predicted: “Everyone’s going to turn on Harriet now.”
Harriet exploded over breakfast (Credit: BBC)
Rachel turns the tables
Rachel, meanwhile, calmly deflected the accusations. She claimed she’d been trained to read micro-expressions by an ex-FBI agent and revealed she’d built a mental “file” on every contestant – enough to cast doubt on Harriet’s certainty.
Crucially, Harriet then pushed for what she called the “ultimate power play”, urging everyone to vote her out to prove she was a Faithful and expose Rachel once and for all.
It was a gamble that failed spectacularly.
Harriet banished in brutal twist on The Traitors tonight
Taking Harriet at her word, the group voted her out – and when she revealed she *was* a Faithful, jaws hit the floor.
“Harriet went from best player ever to worst in one episode,” one viewer laughed. Another added: “She literally asked to be banished.” A third summed it up perfectly: “The confidence was unreal – and it completely ruined her game.”
With Harriet gone, fans are now convinced the balance of power has shifted firmly in Rachel’s favour – and that one overconfident move has changed the course of the series.
The Traitors continues Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8pm on BBC One.
The Traitors viewers were left hanging on Friday night (January 9) after crime writer Harriet Tyce won the chance to ask the Traitors a question – only for the episode to end before her moment was shown.
Instead, fans only saw Matty’s interaction with Traitors Rachel and Stephen, during which he asked them to murder Jessie and recruit him next. Harriet’s question was held back as a cliffhanger, with viewers told they’d have to wait until Wednesday’s episode (January 15) for the reveal.
But it appears that wait may already be over, after a spoiler was briefly shared online – and then swiftly deleted.
Harriet Tyce’s unseen question has sparked major spoiler fears (Credit: BBC)
Harriet’s question ‘revealed’ in deleted spoiler
The apparent leak comes from former Traitors contestant Linda Rands, who is set to appear on BBC spin-off show Uncloaked. As the aftershow is pre-recorded, guests have typically already seen upcoming episodes.
Linda was asked on TikTok about Harriet’s question to the Traitors – prompting speculation that she already knew what was said in the confessional.
According to The Sun, Linda referenced the questions Harriet asked, before one follower commented: “What questions did Harriet ask? I thought we hadn’t seen Harriet’s yet?!”
Linda did respond, revealing details of the questions Harriet asked. ED! has seen the comments. However, we’ve decided that we won’t spoil the suspense for Traitors fans.
The BBC also declined to comment.
Rachel is already under suspicion from Harriet (Credit: BBC)
Does Uncloaked hint at Rachel and Stephen’s fate?
The spoiler has reignited fan theories that Uncloaked may also be inadvertently revealing the outcome of the series.
Viewers have noticed that former Traitors tend to appear on the spin-off show in episodes linked to a Traitor’s banishment. With Linda expected to feature this week, some fans believe it could spell trouble for current Traitors Rachel and Stephen.
Fans fear Stephen’s time as a Traitor could be running out (Credit: BBC)
One eagle-eyed viewer shared the theory on social media over the weekend, convincing others that the next banishment may already be easy to predict.
“I spotted this too. It’s giving the game away. They need to keep the identity of the Uncloaked guests a secret until broadcast,” one viewer commented. “I clocked that too, but thought it was too obvious, pack it in Uncloaked!” another also urged.
Find out what happens when The Traitors returns on Wednesday (January 15) at 8pm on BBC One.
The tense exchange followed Rachel’s revelation that Amanda — who was banished at the round table — had privately told her she was a retired police detective.
Fiona accused Rachel of lying, insisting Amanda had never shared that information with her. “I think you have done this for your own benefit,” Fiona said, adding that she didn’t believe Rachel “for one minute”.
The Traitors picked up from Thursday night’s episode (Credit: BBC)
The Traitors star Reece becomes the latest contestant murdered
When they later reunited in the turret, Fiona and Rachel confronted each other over the situation. Despite admitting they no longer saw eye to eye as Traitors, the pair — alongside Stephen — still had to agree on a murder that evening.
Acknowledging that many players did not suspect him of being a Traitor, the group ultimately decided to target Reece, who had narrowly avoided elimination several times throughout the series.
The following morning, Reece failed to return to breakfast, confirming the Traitors’ joint decision.
Viewers were quick to react — and many were unimpressed — taking to social media to voice their frustration.
Viewers were unhappy with Reece’s murder (Credit: BBC)
‘Getting rid of Reece makes no sense’
“They killed Reece… omg I hate them,” one viewer wrote on X.
“That was the dumbest murder ever,” another shared.
“It’s depressing they murdered Reece, like damn,” a third commented.
“Poor Reece didn’t catch a break,” said a fourth.
“Justice for Reece,” another viewer added.
“Getting rid of Reece makes no sense. THIS IS The Traitors! Easy mercy killings aren’t what we want. Take risks, take out big players, do the game properly — worst Traitors ever!!” one fan ranted.
Meanwhile, another echoed the frustration, writing: “I’m [bleep]ing fuming they’ve killed Reece off.”
However, in another turn of events, Fiona became the latest contestant banished from the round table.
The Traitors returned tonight (January 8) with a dramatic episode that ended in Faithful Amanda being voted off at the round table – and, judging by the reaction online, plenty of viewers were more than satisfied with how it played out.
The episode began with a brutal reminder of how ruthless the game has become, as Maz was murdered in plain sight by Traitors Stephen, Rachel and Fiona.
But it was the round table later on that really had everyone talking…
Reece was nearly banished tonight (Credit: BBC)
Traitors contestant Amanda voted off
Tensions were high when the round table vote resulted in a deadlock between Reece and Amanda, forcing the group to go back and vote again.
That second vote changed nothing, with both players once again receiving seven votes each. With no way to separate them, the decision was handed over to fate.
Both Amanda and Reece were asked to choose a chest, knowing that only one contained a shield. The player who found it would be safe.
Luck wasn’t on Amanda’s side. Her chest was empty, meaning Reece lived to fight another day.
As she left the game, Amanda revealed she was a Faithful – prompting disappointment among the remaining players that they had once again banished one of their own.
Meanwhile, it was Amanda was banished at the round table tonight (Credit: BBC)
‘This is the best episode ever’
While the Faithfuls inside the castle were left deflated, many viewers at home were far less sympathetic, taking to social media to celebrate Amanda’s exit.
“Amanda is going home, serves her right for picking on Jade from day one,” one user wrote on X.
“Amanda is so bad at #TheTraitorsUK game. She has been fixated with Jade being a Traitor that she missed all the clues and did not look towards anyone else. I wonder how she was as a detective,” another person shared.
“Amanda [bleep]ed herself over. She was too obsessed with Jade in each roundtable & wouldn’t let go of her. Despite no one else targeting her. If she voted Stephen/Reece, she would be still here,” a third remarked.
“THANK GOD AMANDA IS GONE,” a fourth declared.
“Amanda was terrible. Glad she’s gone,” a fifth said.
“Amanda is gone, this is the best episode ever,” a sixth person wrote.
The Traitors stars Ross and Ellie weren’t strangers after all when they entered Ardross Castle, it has now been confirmed.
Tonight’s show (January 7), saw the Secret Traitor’s identity revealed and Ross banished from the Traitors castle.
“The Traitors have done their work, because they have framed Ross,” Ellie said afterwards in the confessional. “I’m really sad to see him go… Especially because Ross is actually my boyfriend.”
Clips of the couple engaging in secret conversations in the castle were then shown, before Ellie told the confessional cameras: “What I’ve got to do now is avenge his death. I’ve got to work a lot harder. I want to catch a Traitor for him.”
Ross knew Netty and Ellie before filming started (Credit: BBC)
Ellie and Ross’ relationship secret
Ellie’s reveal finally lifted the lid on perhaps the show’s worst-kept secret. Earlier this week, a resurfaced photo of the pair was shared online.
Speculation had been building since the BBC One series began that the pair already knew each other before filming. And, earlier this week, that theory gained traction after a since-deleted image, said to date back to summer 2024, emerged on Reddit and quickly caught fans’ attention.
Since series four launched, viewers questioned whether Ross, 37, and Ellie, 33, were already acquainted, with many pointing out how comfortable they appeared when meeting on the Traitors train for the so-called first time.
The opening episode confirmed Ross had a real-world connection to Netty, who has since been murdered. But attention then turned to whether Ellie was also part of his pre-show circle.
A Reddit user uncovered a photo from a “team outing” shared in June 2024 by an account named @damospersonaltraining. The image showed Ross standing beside Ellie, with his hand resting on her back.
The caption read: “Team outing with the best personal trainers in London.”
The photo featured Ross, Ellie and seven others at a restaurant called Eco. It has since been deleted, and while Ross still appears connected to the account, Ellie no longer features in any visible grid posts.
Viewers were quick to weigh in on the discovery. “Ooooo well done detectives!” one fan wrote, while another predicted: “Things are gonna get interesting!”
Others questioned the timeline. “When was The Traitors filmed? I’m wondering if they met on the show and something blossomed from there,” one asked. Another responded: “It literally says June 2024… it wasn’t filmed a year and a half ago.”
After Ellie’s bombshell admission tonight, viewers took to the hashtag. “Ross and Ellie were dating. Yeah, we knew,” said one. “To be fair to Ross and Ellie, you couldn’t tell they were together from their behaviour in the castle. That takes some doing,” a second commented.
“No one’s surprised by that,” said a third. “I called Ross and Ellie in the first episode,” bragged another. “Ross and Ellie are in a relationship!” said another, adding a meme that saw a girl pretending to be shocked.
No one was shocked by Ellie’s reveal (Credit: BBC)
Super sleuthing revealed Ross and Ellie were a couple long before she confessed
Since filming wrapped, Ross has been spotted commenting on Ellie’s social media posts, fuelling further speculation that their connection extends beyond the show.
Fans also noticed that Ross had liked a LinkedIn post shared by Ellie in July. As Metro reports, Ross commented: “Congratulations! Great work Dr Buckley,” when Ellie announced she had qualified as a chartered psychologist. There are also reports the pair have been on holiday together.
One fan commented: “They could be a couple potentially. I did see Ellie react when Netty recognised Ross.” Another added: “She glances at him when everyone is sitting in a group after Traitors are chosen. It’s just a split second, but it looks like she’s checking his reaction to what’s being said.”
The Traitors struck again tonight (January 3), claiming another Faithful as Ben was murdered and removed from Ardross Castle – and the Secret Traitor twist came to a premature end.
But while Ben’s exit was shocking enough, it was Hugo’s very public – and very dramatic – reaction at breakfast that really got people talking and sealed his fate as the first Traitor to be exposed.
Traitor Hugo silenced the room to pay tribute to Ben at breakfast… after murdering him (Credit: BBC)
What did Hugo say on The Traitors tonight?
As the group gathered for breakfast and learned that Ben had been murdered, Traitor Rachel didn’t hide her frustration, declaring: “I’m raging.”
Fiona then began to speak, recalling a comment Ben had made the night before. “Ben last night said: ‘If I’m not here in the morning, look at…’ who?” she asked.
Before she could finish, Hugo jumped in and took control of the room. “Guys guys guys, before we do that, can we just have a moment. Because Ben, I was next to him yesterday and I was sweating a bit, but that senior gentleman gave absolutely everything. That was a tough mission. So whoever has done that is beyond mean.”
In the diary room, Rachel was clearly unimpressed. “Oh my god, why did he do that? When he literally commanded the room, that was a little bit too much,” she said.
Later, Harriet shared her growing suspicions with Rachel outside, vowing to challenge Hugo at the roundtable that evening.
Rachel was raging over Hugo’s breakfast speech, and egged the Faithfuls on to banish him (Credit: BBC)
Viewers react
Social media quickly lit up, with many viewers convinced Hugo had overplayed his hand.
“Looking forward to Hugo being voted out at the roundtable tonight,” one viewer wrote. “Hugo is such a terrible Traitor, he’s captain obvious right now,” said another.
“Oh my god, Hugo is SOOOOO camp and dramatic and it’s gonna be his downfall,” one fan joked.
Others were even more blunt. “Hugo you’re done for if you keep on yapping,” one said. “Is Hugo going to be the first Traitor to fall?” another asked.
“Hugo will be the first Traitor to go,” predicted one viewer, while another urged: “Hugo shut up, you’re giving it away.”
Johnny has so far gone undetected as a Traitor (Credit: BBC)
So what happened at the roundtable?
With tensions running high and suspicions swirling, tonight’s roundtable proved to be a dramatic one. Hugo was confronted by Harriet. Ross went for Stephen and sparks flew between James and Reece.
“The time for talk is over,” the hostess with the mostess then declared, as it came to the vote.
In a shock to Hugo, Stephen turned on him, voting for his fellow Traitor to leave. Rachel didn’t, though, instead going for Ross. It wasn’t enough to save Hugo, though, as the viewers’ predictions about him being the first Traitor exposed came to fruition, as he was voted out.
But the extended episode wasn’t over yet…
Claudia revealed that Rachel and Stephen had been tasked with a secret mission. They were told there would be no murder and, instead, they would have a chance to meet the Secret Traitor. To do so, they had to shortlist nine players for murder before the night was over.
To select them, they had to dip their fingers in red ink and leave a fingerprint mark over the players on the family tree picture. If they managed to complete the task, the Secret Traitor would join them in the turret and become an equal Traitor.
Rachel completed the mission as Stephen kept watch. Meaning the identity of the Secret Traitor was set to be revealed. But complaints poured in as the credits rolled…
‘Ridiculous’
Some were fuming that we now have to wait till next week to find out the identity of the Secret Traitor.
“Nooooooo we have to wait till next Wednesday!!!!!” complained one. “Nearly threw my drink at my telly ffsss i can’t wait till Wednesday,” another complained. “Ridiculous how we need to wait until Wednesday to see the Secret Traitor,” a third added. “Fuming,” said another.
Others were baffled that the twist had come to an end so soon.
“They should hold off showing the public the Secret Traitor for at least 3 more episodes,” another added. “The Secret Traitor twist being active for like 3 episodes… I thought the whole point was we didn’t know who it was? Seems kinda pointless,” another agreed.
“The twist feels a bit wasted if it’s finished by episode 4?” another agreed. “Well done Hugo, you getting caught has spoilt the Secret Traitor twist for the rest of us,” another fumed.
The Traitors returns on Wednesday (January 7) at 8pm on BBC One.
The Traitors 2026 fans are certain they know who the Secret Traitor is after a major clue.
The iconic BBC gameshow kicked off its new series this week and saw 22 brand-new contestants arrive at Ardross Castle in Scotland, hoping to walk away with the £120k prize pot.
However, longtime host Claudia Winkleman confirmed a twist: she has not only picked three Traitors, but a mysterious Secret Traitor too, whose identity is not known…
And now, fans have ‘worked out’ who it is after a giveaway clue in the latest episode…
Fans have spotted a handwriting ‘clue’ (Credit: BBC)
Secret Traitor ‘worked out’ by Traitors 2026 fans
On Friday (January 3) The Traitors returned to screens. During the instalment, the Traitors (Hugo, Stephen and Rachel) murdered Netty, after the Secret Traitor sent them a list of potential victims that they had to choose from.
However, with speculation mounting about the Secret Traitor’s identity, fans reckon they have ‘worked out’ who it is already….
Fans think Jade is the Secret Traitor (Credit: BBC)
Fans think Jade is Secret Traitor
Before Judy was banished from The Traitors, viewers paid attention to each player’s handwriting on their board, which had ‘Judy’ written on.
The fans then compared the writing style to the Secret Traitor’s list of names. And fans now have their number one suspect: Jade, a PhD student from the West Midlands.
“Jade is the Secret Traitor! Based solely on how she writes her J’s! Did I do it, have I figured it out?” declared one viewer on X.
Another added: “Jade’s handwriting is the only one that, to my eye, even comes close to the secret traitors.” A third chimed in: “Jade’s handwriting on the J is so so similar to the Secret Traitor. I’m saying it’s her.”
Fans said Jade’s handwriting is similar (Credit: BBC)
What else did fans say?
Other fans also reckon Jade was picked as a Secret Traitor because she told Claudia at the start of the show that she wanted to be a Faithful.
A fan mused: “The fact that Jade was the only person to say she wanted to be a faithful and called herself a gamer and wanted to be a traitor hunter but then is randomly nervous after blindfolds come off makes me think they made her the secret traitor…” Another penned: “Jade didn’t want to be a traitor with Claudia, thinking maybe her.”
Meanwhile at the end of the episode, the Secret Traitor was tasked with creating the murder shortlist again.
Named on the list – and therefore confirmed as Faithfuls – were Ben, Reece and Maz. One of those names had already appeared the night before, further reducing the pool of suspects.
The Traitors continues on BBC One on Saturday (January 3) at 7.45pm.
The Traitors offed their first two Faithfuls of the 2026 series tonight (January 2), as episode two delivered another dramatic hour inside the castle. And, while the series may be racing ahead, for Netty and Judy, the game came to a brutal end.
The episode opened in the turret before the contestants gathered for their first breakfast, where the remaining Faithfuls were told that Netty had been murdered overnight.
Ross – who knows Netty in the real world – was quick to admit that her departure felt like a “huge weight” off his shoulders. That confession immediately raised eyebrows, with fellow players soon questioning whether he had something to hide.
“Poor Ross, I feel so sorry for him but he’s doomed I fear,” one viewer commented.
Hugo is most definitely a Traitor (Credit: BBC)
Time for a mission… and the first banishment
After Claudia Winkleman dramatically removed Netty’s portrait and tossed it to the floor, the group headed out to face their first mission of the series.
The challenge saw the contestants add £8,750 to the prize pot, while Amanda, Faraaz and Jade secured immunity from murder. That protection, however, didn’t extend to the roundtable. In the first banishment of the series, Judy was voted out of the castle. She then confirmed she was a Faithful – and not the Secret Traitor.
With that revelation, the mystery deepened. The hunt for the Secret Traitor is now fully underway, with both viewers and players scrutinising every detail. And it seems the show itself may be quietly offering some clues.
Amanda’s true identity is still unknown (Credit: BBC)
The race to find the Secret Traitor hots up
Sharp-eyed fans noticed something intriguing during tonight’s episode. While Traitors are clearly labelled when they speak directly to camera in the diary room, some Faithfuls are now being identified too – once their status is fully confirmed.
One viewer wrote: “I don’t know if it’s an editing mistake or not but one of the dude’s had Faithful by his name when he was giving his interview but some of the others had nothing? Was that on purpose or just an error?”
Another echoed the confusion: “Why do only some of the names have Faithful next to them?”
“Have you noticed that on their VTs some of them say ‘Faithful’ and ‘Traitors’ but some of them don’t say anything?? Are we getting some hints?” another asked.
Other fans were quick to join the dots. “We know he’s defo a Faithful now because he was on the list for murder.” “They were the ones put up for murder last night so can’t be the Secret Traitor,” another confirmed.
As more players are ruled out, it appears producers may be subtly narrowing the field when it comes to the identity of the Secret Traitor.
James has been confirmed as a Faithful (Credit: BBC)
Tonight’s murder shortlist
Once again, the Secret Traitor was tasked with creating the murder shortlist tonight.
Named on the list – and therefore confirmed as Faithfuls – were Ben, Reece and Maz. One of those names had already appeared the night before, further reducing the pool of suspects.
So who will the Traitors choose to strike next? Viewers won’t have to wait long to find out.
The Traitors 2026 stormed back onto BBC One tonight with a jaw-dropping opener that saw Claudia Winkleman unleash multiple twists within minutes – including the introduction of a Secret Traitor that has already turned the game on its head.
From the moment the first episode began, it was clear series four was not going to play by the old rules. Claudia wasted no time explaining the mystery behind this year’s red cloak, something that had kept fans guessing in the run-up to launch. By the end of the 65-minute episode, viewers had met all 22 contestants, discovered who the Traitors are – or at least some of them – and learned that one player has a very personal secret lurking inside the castle.
Here is everything we learned from episode one of The Traitors 2026, including the first clues about who the Secret Traitor could be.
The Traitors’ Claudia Winkleman returned tonight with 22 new contestants (Credit: BBC)
The Traitors 2026: What the red cloak means
The episode opened with scenes of the 22 contestants making their way towards Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, all with their eyes firmly on a prize pot that could reach £120,000. But before any of them arrived, Claudia had already been at work.
Under the cover of darkness, 12 hours earlier, Claudia appeared alone in the castle holding a red cloak. Addressing the unseen wearer, she said: “You stand before the Traitors’ Turret. Before you take the Traitors oath, I imagine you are wondering why this cloak is a different colour. I can now reveal you have a special role. You are my Secret Traitor.”
Later, Claudia was shown speaking directly to the red cloak as it hung on a mannequin. She teased viewers: “Just when they think they know how to play, I am also going to pick a Secret Traitor. Nobody will know who that is – not the Traitors and not even you. It’s naughty, isn’t it?”
Who are The Traitors?
Once all the contestants had arrived, Claudia summoned them to the first Round Table of the series. Blindfolded, they waited as she walked around the group, tapping four players on the shoulder to mark them as Traitors. However, viewers only saw three of those faces revealed, with the fourth deliberately kept hidden.
The three confirmed Traitors for 2026 are Hugo, a 51-year-old barrister; Rachel, a 42-year-old head of communications and mum-of-three; and Stephen, a 32-year-old cyber security consultant.
Claudia later confirmed their identities in a piece to camera, adding: “But what you didn’t see is who I picked for my Secret Traitor. Do you know who it is? Could you guess?”
She also revealed there would be no murder on the first night.
The three named Traitors are Stephen, Rachel and Hugo (Credit: BBC)
The Traitors 2026: Who is the Faithful?
With Hugo, Rachel and Stephen exposed as Traitors, that leaves 19 other players in the game. Eighteen of them are Faithful, but one is secretly working alone as the Secret Traitor.
Episode one also delivered two unexpected personal revelations. Early on, it emerged that Netty and Ross already knew each other, having met around 10 to 15 years ago through a mutual friend in London. Netty was delighted by the reunion, admitting she loved seeing a familiar face, while Ross was far more cautious, describing the situation as “suss”.
The bigger bombshell came towards the end of the episode, when Roxy revealed in a confessional that Judy is actually her mum. The pair have chosen to keep their relationship secret from the rest of the group. Roxy explained that coming into the game as a known pair could look like an alliance, while Judy said she was enjoying the secret, especially as nobody else has a clue.
Roxy has revealed Judy is her mum (Credit: BBC)
Who is the Secret Traitor?
Meanwhile, the three Traitors were left reeling when Claudia paid them an unexpected visit. She told Hugo, Rachel and Stephen: “I have a small confession. You are not the only Traitors in this castle. At the Round Table, I picked one other Traitor. The Secret Traitor. You still have power, but not quite as much.”
Claudia explained that the Secret Traitor would work alone and would not join them at night. Instead, they would control the murders by providing a shortlist each evening. The Traitors can only murder someone on that list. Crucially, the Secret Traitor knows the identities of all the Traitors, while none of them know who the Secret Traitor is.
Stephen quickly shared his suspicions, telling the others he had a feeling the Secret Traitor could be Judy. Rachel, however, made it clear she was furious about the loss of control and vowed to hunt the mystery player down.
The Traitors: Who gets murdered first?
The first mission of the series saw the contestants bank £10,000 for the prize pot, but it also put 10 players at risk. Sent to a lake filled with 100 floating wooden coffins, the group had 45 minutes to retrieve gold-marked coffins and place them into open graves, each worth £1,000. Every grave was labelled with a name, and those whose graves were filled became vulnerable to murder.
By the end of the task, Rachel, Fiona, James, Ross, Adam, Judy, Reece, Faraaz, Maz and Netty were all placed at risk. As a Traitor, Rachel was secretly safe, leaving the Secret Traitor to decide which names appeared on the murder shortlist.
Claudia later delivered that shortlist to the Traitors, confirming they could only choose between James, Netty or Maz. The episode ended on a tense cliffhanger, with the first murder of the series still to be revealed.
The Secret Traitor has narrowed down the kill list to 3 – but who is under the red cloak? (Credit: BBC)
When is The Traitors on again?
The Traitors returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer tomorrow, Friday January 2, 2026, at 8pm for another 65-minute episode.
The launch continues with a three-night run, with episode three airing on Saturday January 3 at the earlier time of 7.45pm, running for a full 75 minutes.
“I’d never squash the beef. I’d swallow it whole,” Lisa declared when asked if she’d make amends with Kyle during a November 13 interview with Access Hollywood’s Housewives Nightcap. “I still have an axe to grind, but I’ve moved on.”
Although Lisa, 65, insisted she was “too busy” to care about her ex-castmates, she was planning to avoid them at BravoCon.
“I think there’s six of them,” she explained of how many of her Bravolebrities she was hoping to steer clear of. “[But] I think [Bravo is] sensitive … They don’t want a problem, so they’re not going to suddenly have me sitting next to Beverly Hills housewives.”
While Lisa confirmed she was still in touch with Garcelle Beauvais, 58, saying that she loved her, she confessed to recently telling Andy Cohen, 57, he’d have to fire everyone for her to consider a return.
“What I said was, ‘All of them,’” she replied after being asked about a text he had sent her.
Getting back to Kyle, Lisa said it wasn’t much of a revelation when Kyle said she could go Brad or Angelina in the season 15 trailer.
“Anybody could go Angelina or Brad,” Lisa noted.
As for why she believes that Kyle and Mauricio have yet to divorce, Lisa suspected it was “complicated,” signaling their kids and finances. She then said they could “find their way back to each other” before suggesting Kyle “should be with Morgan.”
“I think she should just bring it out in the open if that’s what she wants,” Lisa stated. “I don’t understand what the fuss is. Where is all this ambiguity? If you want to be with a woman, be with a woman.”
Then, after reflecting on her 43 years of marriage with Ken Todd, joking that their relationship “lasted longer than [she] anticipated,” Lisa denied she would be a part of the upcoming season of The Traitors.
“I can unequivocally say bullsh*t. I’m not doing Traitors. I can’t say I haven’t been asked but I’m definitely not doing Traitors,” she clarified.
Also during the interview, after noting that she’ll be opening a Wolf restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona, in “about six weeks,” Lisa explained how the Pump Rules reboot differs from past seasons.
“That last season, it very much moved on from the restaurant. Now we’re back to grass roots. So we have this nucleus, the restaurant, which always pulls them back together. And that’s what I used to really love about the show — because they have to work together and they have to make it work and sometimes they don’t, but it’s multifaceted … it’s a very interesting show this season. They’re young, they’re naughty — naughtier,” she teased. “It’s very different because they’re just such different characters.”
That said, there are some similarities.
“I suppose going back to the early days of Vanderpump Rules, just seeing them struggling together, that’s an essential part of it,” Lisa shared. “It feels a little vintage Vanderpump but with a whole new set of problems.”
Vanderpump Rulesseason 12 premieres on Tuesday, December 2, at 9/8c.
