Crime novelist and former barrister Harriet Tyce, currently captivating audiences on BBC One's The Traitors, has revealed she had to have a serious conversation with her husband to convince him she wasn't plotting a divorce. The author, who played a pivotal role in banishing the first Traitor, Hugo Lodge, found her professional research spilling over into her personal life.
An 'Occupational Hazard' of Crime Writing
In an interview with Killer Nashville released shortly before her appearance in the Scottish castle, Tyce discussed the challenges of researching her gripping plots. She admitted that her internet search history is a constant concern, especially when delving into grim subject matter for books like her Sunday Times bestseller, Blood Orange.
"I think that's an occupational hazard!" Tyce stated when asked if she worried about someone stumbling across her searches. She elaborated that her upcoming novel deals heavily with divorce, leading to a necessary preemptive chat with her spouse. "I've had to tell my husband up front that all of my searches about family law and custody battles are for book purposes and not because I'm planning an escape route," she explained.
From Legal Drama to Reality TV Triumph
Tyce's analytical skills, honed from her legal career, have translated seamlessly to the game. She was instrumental in the round-table crusade that saw fellow contestant Hugo Lodge banished as the first Traitor of the series on 7th January 2026. Her strategic mind has made her a standout player on the show, which continues nightly on BBC One and iPlayer.
However, her competitive nature isn't confined to the castle. The author recently confessed that the board game Monopoly is banned in her household. "My husband and I don't play Monopoly anymore because it would have led to a divorce after a particularly bad game," she said. "I very much like winning. I want to win if I'm doing something, I want to be the best."
Fan Theories and the Secret Traitor
Meanwhile, Tyce has become central to fan speculation surrounding hidden relationships among the contestants. After the revelations that Roxy and Judy are mother and daughter, and that Netty and Ross share mutual friends, viewers are scrutinising every detail.
Some theorise that Tyce and the banished Hugo Lodge could be siblings, while others point to their shared professional background in law. This buzz adds another layer of intrigue as fans eagerly try to unmask the identity of the Secret Traitor, whose reveal is anticipated in Wednesday night's episode.
Ultimately, Harriet Tyce's experience showcases the unexpected crossover between crafting fictional crime and navigating the deceptive gameplay of The Traitors, all while maintaining harmony at home despite a suspicious search history.
