The latest episode of The Traitors 2026 delivered heart-stopping drama, culminating in the dramatic banishment of contestant Amanda following a nail-biting tie-break decided by chance. The episode, which aired on Thursday 8 January 2026, also featured a format shake-up from host Claudia Winkleman and a chilling face-to-face murder plot.
Secret Traitor Unmasked and Format Upended
The surprises began early as the identity of the Secret Traitor was finally revealed. Traitors Rachel and Stephen were left reeling to discover their secret overlord was Fiona, who had been masterfully hiding in plain sight. Host Claudia Winkleman then announced a major change to the game's rhythm: a banishment would now occur immediately after breakfast, not dinner. This swift change saw Faithful Ross eliminated, a move that prompted his partner in the game, Ellie, to vow revenge.
The Tense Roundtable and Detective Reveal
The breakfast roundtable that followed was fraught with suspicion and high-stakes accusations. In a stunning moment, Amanda confessed to being a police detective, sending fellow contestant Rachel into a spiral. Amanda then pointed fingers at both Jade and Sam, intensifying the paranoia around the table.
When the votes were cast, the result was a deadlock: five votes for Amanda and five for Reece. After final pleas failed to break the tie, the fate of the contestants was left to a game of chance, echoing a famous moment from the celebrity series.
A Ruthless Conclusion and a New Threat
The tied vote triggered the return of the dreaded chests. In a cruel twist of fate, Reece found a shield in his chest, meaning Amanda was automatically banished. Exiting the castle, the detective offered a gracious farewell to her fellow contestants, saying, "My house is your house. Take care of yourselves." She notably added, "Apart from Jade, probs," highlighting their intense rivalry.
The episode concluded on another cliffhanger, with three Faithfuls—Reece, Maz, and Sam—selected for a potential murder. In another terrifying twist, the Traitors were instructed to carry out the killing face-to-face, promising even more visceral drama in the next instalment of the hit BBC show.
