The new season of The Traitors on BBC One has launched with a bombshell twist, plunging the 2026 contestants into a game of trust and treachery like never before. Following the New Year's Day premiere, the action at Ardross Castle is already reaching fever pitch, with a shocking banishment and a major format change orchestrated by host Claudia Winkleman.
Banished Mother and a Castle Divided
The first episodes saw the initial field of 22 players quickly whittled down. Nursery school teacher Netty became the Traitors' first murder victim, which initially cast suspicion on fellow contestant Ross. After a challenge successfully added over £8,000 to the prize fund, the first tense roundtable concluded with Ross convincing the group of his innocence as a Faithful.
Instead, it was Judy who was banished. Her ejection from the game caused an immediate and emotional rift, with her daughter Roxy airing her frustrations publicly. This familial drama has since fuelled intense fan speculation, with some theorising Roxy's extreme reaction could be linked to a hidden role in the game.
Claudia Winkleman's Secret Traitor Twist
In a stunning deviation from the established rules, host Claudia Winkleman revealed that among the contestants lies an unidentified Secret Traitor. This fourth player in a red cloak was selected independently, and their identity is unknown even to the three central Traitors: Stephen, Hugo, and Rachel.
This revelation has sent waves of paranoia through the castle, with the known Traitors now left bewildered and questioning every interaction. The twist fundamentally alters the dynamic, as the Faithful hunt for four betrayers while the core Traitor trio must also watch their backs for a potential rogue agent.
Murder Lists and Mounting Tensions
As episode two concluded, the Traitors were handed their latest murder shortlist, containing the names of Reece, Ben, and Maz – the latter appearing for a second time. They can choose only one to eliminate. Meanwhile, the atmosphere remains volatile following the roundtable, with observers noting this civilian cast is far less forgiving than the celebrity edition, leading to heated confrontations.
With the identity of the Secret Traitor the castle's biggest mystery, bookmakers have tipped retired detective Amanda as the most likely candidate, a theory many fans find compelling. Others continue to scrutinise Roxy's behaviour following her mother Judy's departure. As the numbers dwindle from the original 22, the game promises only to intensify.
