The treacherous game within Ardross Castle reached a new peak of drama on Thursday, 15 January 2026, as the latest episode of BBC's The Traitors delivered a spectacular failed murder attempt and a self-sacrificial banishment that left viewers reeling.
A Murder Plot Thwarted by Shields
In the nail-biting second half of this year's series, the remaining Traitors, Rachel and Stephen, were seen conspiring to murder a Faithful. However, in a critical twist, their intended target was strongly suspected of possessing a shield, rendering the murder attempt unsuccessful. This pivotal decision followed a tense challenge where seven of the twelve remaining Faithfuls won protective shields, leaving the Traitors completely in the dark about who was safe from their nocturnal scheming.
Harriet's Explosive Confrontation and Sacrifice
The episode's most incendiary moments belonged to Faithful Harriet, who launched a stunning and direct accusation against Rachel during the breakfast gathering. In her dramatic reveal, Harriet disclosed her previous career as a barrister and her success as a best-selling crime novelist, using her analytical skills to dissect Rachel's behaviour.
Not content with one confrontation, Harriet doubled down, confronting Rachel a second time. While her instincts about Rachel's treachery were proven correct, her aggressive strategy ultimately backfired. Mirroring the fate of former contestant Fiona, Harriet's forceful approach put her directly in the firing line at the round table, leading to her banishment from the game. Her departure was framed as a deliberate sacrifice to expose a Traitor, a move that has sparked debate about whether playing the perfect strategic game is even possible for a Faithful.
Other Castle Intrigues and Future Implications
Elsewhere in the castle, the episode was packed with subplots. Faithful Matthew received a cryptic response from the Traitors after making them a highly unusual offer, the details of which remain shrouded in mystery. The fallout from Harriet's exit and the failed murder sets the stage for an intensely paranoid atmosphere among the players.
The series continues to be presented by Claudia Winkleman, whose role has been the subject of recent commentary suggesting she is at a pivotal career moment. Furthermore, discussions around the show have highlighted a concerning pattern regarding the early exit of minority ethnic contestants, questioning the social dynamics at play.
With the Traitors' power diminished by their failed kill and the Faithfuls' numbers bolstered by shields, the next round table meeting promises to be a decisive battle of wits and persuasion. The Traitors continues on BBC One.
