The Traitors 2026: Tensions Escalate Between Rachel and Stephen Ahead of Penultimate Episode
With the final of The Traitors fast approaching, the growing prize pot is within touching distance for the remaining contestants, including the two Traitors who are hoping to steal the lot. Stephen and Rachel have been plotting in the turret since the first episode of the series and have so far successfully dodged being banished, despite multiple Faithfuls making strong cases against them both.
Celtic Duo Aims for Historic Final
This week, the Celtic pair are attempting to become the first Traitorous duo to make it to the final together—unless one of them stabs the other in the back. They started strong by giving James the ceremonial dagger, which he used with his two votes at the round table to banish Matthew. As the seven remaining players reeled from his departure, the usually quiet Faraaz pitched a theory and correctly named Rachel as a Traitor, leaving viewers wondering how she will wiggle out of this predicament.
Turret Tensions and Warnings
Rachel may have made things worse for herself in the turret, as she issued Stephen a warning that left him questioning their pact. This development adds to the rising tensions between the duo, who vowed to stick together after fellow original Traitor Hugo was banished. Their chaotic yet expert navigation of the game has kept fans on edge, with many rooting for their messy alliance to survive.
Faithfuls Struggle Amid Emotional Bonds
In preparation for tonight's episode, a rewatch of recent instalments reveals that a touching dinner party, where contestants shared personal backstories, may have played right into the Traitors' hands. By opening emotional channels between players, it made casting aspersions—correct or otherwise—infinitely more difficult, complicating the Faithfuls' efforts to identify the betrayers.
Remaining Contestants and Schedule Details
The show's 22 players have whittled themselves down through brutal murders and banishments, leaving seven contestants still in the game. The Traitors airs tonight at 8pm on BBC One, with the penultimate episode setting the stage for a dramatic finale. Tomorrow's episode is scheduled for 8.30pm and will be longer, marking the culmination of this gripping series that has transformed into a BBC behemoth through strategic scheduling changes.
As the crowd thins and the plot thickens, all eyes are on Rachel and Stephen to see if their alliance can withstand the pressure or if internal strife will lead to their downfall.
