Fans of The Traitors have expressed outrage over what they perceive as a rigged finale, with many accusing the show of favouring certain contestants. The final episode saw traitors Rachel and Stephen walk away with the £95,750 prize, leaving viewers questioning the integrity of the game.
Throughout the series, several contestants were eliminated shortly after displaying personality, leading to criticism that the show rewards blandness. The final five consisted of two traitors and three quiet players, which many felt made for a predictable and unsatisfying conclusion.
Rachel, described as 'terrifyingly ruthless', dominated the endgame by manipulating the remaining players. She convinced the group to banish faithfuls Jade and Faraaz, despite their innocence, before turning on Jack. The other finalists notably refused to join the winners at the end, suggesting lingering bitterness.
Viewers took to social media to vent their frustration, calling the outcome 'fixed' and 'unfair'. Some pointed to the early reveal of the Secret Traitor and unresolved secret connections as evidence of format flaws. Others argued that the show's design inherently favours duplicitous players over honest ones.
Despite the backlash, the finale was praised for its tension, with one critic comparing the final moments to 'watching a man put his head inside a crocodile's mouth'. However, many feel the series as a whole was a 'damp squib' compared to previous years, saved only by Rachel's Machiavellian performance.
