The high-stakes psychological game of The Traitors reaches a critical juncture tonight as the clandestine pact proposed by contestant Matthew will finally receive a response. The latest series on BBC One has whittled down the original players to just 13 remaining contestants, with only two hidden Traitors left among them.
A Cliffhanger Offer from the Confessional Box
Last Friday's episode, broadcast on 9 January 2026, concluded with a stunning proposition that left viewers on the edge of their seats. Matthew, a 35-year-old competitor, was one of three players who earned a rare chance to communicate directly with the Traitors via a secret confessional box.
Utilising the second of his two permitted questions, Matthew did not merely seek information. Instead, he presented the Traitors with a strategic and ruthless plan: to murder fellow contestant Jessie and, crucially, to recruit him to their side at the next available opportunity. This bold move to potentially switch allegiance from Faithful to Traitor has set the stage for a dramatic power shift within the ancient Scottish castle.
The Current State of Play in the Castle
The game is now in its second half, with the prize fund growing steadily. The Faithfuls are intensifying their efforts to unmask the remaining deceivers, though Matthew's actions suggest not everyone is playing a straightforward game. The most recent banishment at the round table saw a significant victory for the Faithfuls, as they successfully voted out Traitor Fiona.
Fiona's exit came after she made a perilous and somewhat reckless move against fellow player Rachel, inadvertently drawing unwanted attention to herself and sealing her fate. Her departure has left the Traitors' ranks depleted, increasing the pressure and intrigue surrounding Matthew's offer of recruitment.
How to Watch the Next Dramatic Chapter
Viewers will discover how the Traitors have deliberated over Matthew's treacherous deal when the show continues tonight, Wednesday 14 January 2026. The main episode airs on BBC One at 8pm, followed by the companion show Uncloaked at 10.05pm, which will provide further analysis and discussion.
With the group now reduced to little more than a dozen, every decision, alliance, and accusation carries immense weight. The question hanging over tonight's episode is whether Matthew's calculated gamble will pay off, pulling him into the shadows, or if it will backfire spectacularly, making him the next target for banishment or murder.
