Traitors Finale: James's 'Traitful' Catchphrase Splits Audience Opinion
The dramatic conclusion of The Traitors 2026 has left fans buzzing, but not just about the ultimate winners. Contestant James managed to steal a portion of the spotlight with a unique catchphrase that has sharply divided viewer sentiment.
A Memorable Exit Speech
James was banished during the first round table of the finale episode, marking an early exit from the high-stakes game. In his farewell address, he reflected on the experience, stating, "I've learned a lot about myself, and it's just been an incredible experience. I feel strangely serene right now. What a game. Thank you." He then added a twist that would become the talk of social media, saying, "The first round table, when the blindfolds went on, I was selected immediately, and have been from the start as a t-t-traithful...faithful."
The Birth of 'Traitful'
This playful stumble over the word "faithful" led to the coining of the term "Traitful," which James repeated during his subsequent appearance on Uncloaked with fellow contestant Roxy. While intended as a humorous and slightly confusing play on words, the catchphrase quickly sparked a polarised reaction online.
Viewer Reactions: From Cringe to Adoration
On one side of the debate, some viewers branded the phrase as "embarrassing" and criticised it for feeling forced or awkward. However, a significant portion of the audience embraced it wholeheartedly. Many fans expressed that they would miss James, with some even declaring him their "favourite contestant ever" for his memorable contribution.
The Final Outcome
Amidst this catchphrase controversy, the finale ultimately saw Stephen and Rachel emerge victorious after successfully banishing all remaining Faithfuls in the final roundtable. This outcome, combined with James's linguistic legacy, ensured that the 2026 season of The Traitors ended on a note that was both decisive and delightfully divisive.
