The dramatic return of BBC One's hit psychological game show, The Traitors, has sparked a frenzy of online detective work, with viewers claiming to have already solved two of the series' biggest early mysteries.
Fans Convinced Maz is First Murder Target
The fourth series, which premiered on Wednesday, 1st January, saw host Claudia Winkleman welcome 22 new contestants to the Scottish castle. The opening episode concluded with a tense cliffhanger, as three Faithfuls – James, Netty, and Maz – were placed on the murder shortlist by a mysterious new 'secret Traitor'.
However, fans on forums like Reddit are overwhelmingly predicting that Maz will be the first player eliminated by the Traitors' covert knife. The consensus suggests that James is seen as too valuable for creating chaotic drama, while Netty already has suspicion on her from other players, making Maz the perceived easiest target.
'Maz is the most likely to get murdered IMO – James is far too valuable for creating chaotic narratives, and Netty has heat on her already,' one viewer theorised. Another pointed out the editing, noting: 'Maz is going. James and Nettie both got a lot more screentime.'
The Hunt for the Secret Fourth Traitor
This series introduced a major twist to the format. While Claudia selected Stephen (32), Rachel (42), and Hugo (51) as the initial Traitors, she revealed a fourth, secret Traitor is operating in the castle. This unknown player, who wears a distinctive red cloak instead of green, provides a nightly murder shortlist to the others. Crucially, their identity is hidden from the Faithfuls, the fellow Traitors, and even the audience at home.
The fact that James, Netty, and Maz were on the first shortlist automatically rules them out as being the secret Traitor. Instead, eagle-eyed fans have zeroed in on another contestant: Sam, 34.
Suspicion arose after Sam commented following the first challenge that he was relieved not to be up for murder and wanted to stay 'under the radar'. This phrasing struck many as telling for someone supposedly playing as an innocent Faithful.
'Why would Sam be worried about a 'radar' #TheTraitors,' one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another stated confidently: 'The secret traitor is Sam. so many clues have been given #TheTraitors.' Theories also mention Amanda and Fiona as potential candidates for the mysterious role.
Producers Explain the Dramatic New Twist
Mike Cotton, Creative Director at Studio Lambert, explained the thinking behind this season's shake-up. 'Each series is like its own murder mystery. We never change the core game, but we always work in twists,' he said. 'We thought it would be interesting if you didn't know who one of the Traitors was.'
He added that the power dynamic would challenge the known Traitors, who are accustomed to total control. Claudia Winkleman told the Daily Mail about the intense selection process, conducted in a 'small room with the bosses and an enormous tin of biscuits'. She selected a Traitor who was 'absolutely desperate' for the role.
When Claudia revealed the twist to Stephen, Rachel, and Hugo, Stephen responded with 'This is twisted,' to which Claudia smirked and replied, 'Just the way I like it.'
With the first murder decision imminent and the secret Traitor lurking, the game is already 'brutal', as Claudia warned. Viewers can see how the drama unfolds when The Traitors continues on Friday at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
