The treacherous game within the Scottish castle took another shocking turn on Thursday, 15 January 2026, as the latest episode of the BBC's hit show The Traitors delivered high-stakes drama. With the series now past its halfway point, the remaining players faced a tense challenge, a dramatic banishment, and a murder plot that could spectacularly backfire.
A Murder Attempt in the Dark
The central intrigue of the episode revolved around the scheming Traitors, Rachel and Stephen. The duo decided to commit another murder, selecting a target from among the Faithful contestants. However, their plan was thrown into jeopardy by a critical unknown: a recent challenge had seen seven of the twelve remaining Faithfuls win protective shields.
With the Traitors left completely in the dark about who held these shields, their chosen victim, James, might very well have been under its protection. This sets up a scenario where Rachel and Stephen's murder attempt could be completely blocked, leaving them empty-handed and potentially exposing their desperation to the group.
Harriet's Explosive Exit
The breakfast table became a battleground as Harriet launched a spectacular confrontation against Rachel. In a bold move, she not only accused Rachel but also revealed her own background as a former professional and a best-selling crime author, aiming to leverage her analytical skills.
Despite the powerful attack, Harriet's strategy proved to be her undoing. Mirroring the fate of a previous contestant, Fiona, she was perceived as going too hard, too fast. This placed her directly in the firing line, and by the end of the round table discussion, Harriet was banished from the game.
Twists, Offers, and Rising Tensions
Elsewhere in the castle, other players navigated the complex web of alliances and deceit. Matthew received a response from the Traitors after previously making them an unusual offer, the details of which added another layer of mystery to the game's dynamics.
The episode underscored the intense psychological pressure on the contestants, with one Faithful, Matty, openly stating he was "re-evaluating how I'm looking at everyone." The irony, as highlighted by the show's live commentary, was palpable with the Traitors operating right under his nose.
The action continues as The Traitors airs on BBC One, with viewers eagerly waiting to see if the shield will indeed nullify the latest murder and what repercussions will follow for Rachel and Stephen's risky gamble.
