The latest series of the hit BBC show The Traitors has introduced a devious new twist, sending its dedicated fanbase into a frenzy of detective work. Host Claudia Winkleman revealed the existence of a 'Secret Traitor' in the first episode, which aired on New Year's Day.
The Secret Traitor Twist Explained
Claudia Winkleman shocked both players and viewers by announcing that alongside the usual three chosen Traitors, a fourth, secret one was in play. "I’m also going to pick a Secret Traitor and nobody will know who that is - not the Traitors and not even you. It’s naughty, isn’t it?" she told the audience. This twist is designed to give viewers the same uncertain experience as the Faithful contestants.
The Secret Traitor wears a distinctive red cloak, while the three main Traitors—revealed to be Rachel, Stephen, and Hugo—remain in traditional green. Crucially, while the main trio are unaware of the Secret Traitor's identity, the Secret Traitor knows exactly who they are. Their key power is to provide the other Traitors with a shortlist of Faithful contestants they can murder each night.
Fans Believe They Have Cracked The Code
Since the reveal, fans have been scrutinising every frame for clues. One compelling theory, gaining significant traction online, points to contestant Jack, a personal trainer and chess player.
A key piece of evidence cited by a superfan is a detail from the first roundtable. "They didn't show a board with his handwriting on which probably would have been a match with the scroll that was given to the main traitors," they argued. This omission has led many to believe the editors are deliberately hiding Jack's handwriting to conceal his secret role.
Other fans quickly concurred. One social media user posted a handwriting comparison, asking "Could Jack be the Secret Traitor??" Another stated emphatically, "Jack is the secret traitor I just knoooowwwwwwww." A third noted the focused edit, saying, "They focused in on everyone’s board at the round table except Jack’s and now I’m convinced he’s the secret traitor."
Why Jack Fits The Profile
Supporters of the theory highlight Jack's background as a strategic chess player. One fan quipped, "My current theory for the Secret Traitor... is this guy, Jack. They specifically showed us the clip where he says he plays chess every day and competitively, is strategic, and good at reading people. This kind of role in the background suits him perfectly."
The idea that a chess player is "used to working by himself" aligns perfectly with the isolated, clandestine nature of the Secret Traitor role, further fuelling the speculation.
The mystery continues to unfold, and viewers will be watching Jack's every move with heightened suspicion. The Traitors returns for its next episode at 8pm on Wednesday, January 7, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
