In a dramatic twist on BBC One's hit reality competition, civil servant Maz became the third Faithful to be "murdered" in the 2026 series of The Traitors. The 59-year-old from Preston was eliminated in a particularly brutal fashion, facing a ruthless face-to-face killing that saw him locked in a cage.
A Shocking In-Person Elimination
The elimination, which aired on Thursday 8 January 2026, marked a significant moment in the current series. Unlike covert eliminations, Maz's removal was a direct, confrontational act. The other contestants, still unaware of his fate, only discovered his absence when he failed to appear for breakfast the following morning, a chilling hallmark of the show's format.
"Let Down" by Fellow Contestants
Upon the revelation of the secret Traitors' identities, Maz expressed his feelings of betrayal. He stated he felt profoundly "let down" by fellow contestants Rachel and Fiona, having placed his trust in them as fellow Faithfuls. Interestingly, his suspicions had been directed elsewhere, as he revealed he had previously suspected Stephen of being a Traitor.
The Aftermath and Game Impact
Maz's departure leaves the remaining players in a state of heightened paranoia. His murder demonstrates the Traitors' bold strategy and power within the game. The elimination of a Faithful in such a direct manner is designed to sow maximum discord and mistrust among the group, complicating their task of identifying the hidden deceivers before the final prize fund is stolen.
The show continues to captivate audiences with its psychological gameplay, where contestants must deduce who among them is lying. Maz's exit is a stark reminder that in the world of The Traitors, trust is the most dangerous currency of all.
