As the fourth series of The Traitors approaches its thrilling conclusion, dedicated fans of the BBC reality show are convinced they have deciphered a potential winning strategy for contestant Rachel Duffy. The final episode, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, airs tonight on BBC One and iPlayer, promising to resolve the intense cliffhanger that left viewers on edge.
The Tense Cliffhanger
In the penultimate instalment, the game reached a critical juncture when both Rachel Duffy, who is secretly a Traitor, and James Baker, a Faithful, received three votes each from their fellow players. This deadlock forced them into a high-stakes game of chance to determine who would survive the banishment round. Their fate now rests on the rare Chests of Chance, with one box containing a protective shield that could save either contestant.
Although the episode concluded without revealing the outcome, eagle-eyed viewers have been speculating fervently about how Rachel might stage a remarkable comeback if she survives this pivotal moment. The potential for her to claim the substantial £120,000 jackpot has sparked extensive discussion among the show's passionate fanbase.
The Theorised Winning Strategy
On platforms like Reddit, devoted fans have meticulously analysed the remaining dynamics between the contestants. One popular theory suggests that if James is eliminated through the Chests of Chance, Rachel could leverage her alliance with fellow Traitor Stephen Libby to manipulate the remaining Faithful players.
The strategy hinges on convincing Jack, a Faithful who has already shown susceptibility to persuasion, to shift his suspicions. As one fan elaborated, 'Jack has already changed his vote from Rachel to James, showing she has somewhat convinced him. Granted, he may still have doubt, but as we've seen all season, he is the kind of faithful who can be swayed, especially by someone like Stephen.'
The Crucial Final Rounds
With only five contestants remaining if James departs, the theory posits that Stephen and Rachel could persuade Jack to vote against Jade, thereby keeping Rachel in the game for another crucial round. Despite the considerable suspicion surrounding her, the volatile nature of the game means allegiances can shift dramatically at the last moment.
The so-called 'secret' tactic would fully come into play when only four players remain. By exploiting Jack's apparent trust in Stephen, Rachel could potentially guide votes towards Faraaz, leaving the Traitors in a dominant position to claim victory and divide the prize money between them.
Viewer Speculation and Production Scrutiny
Beyond strategic discussions, some viewers believe they have identified subtle clues in the editing that hint at the Chests of Chance outcome. One observer noted on X, formerly Twitter, 'Rachel’s eyes are looking at an object in a box, James’ are looking at the box in its entirety. Sloppy editing…' suggesting this might indicate Rachel secured the shield.
Another fan recalled previous episodes, commenting, 'The last time they used the box of chance, the shield was at the back. Surely they can’t have put the shield in the same box this time. Rachel cleverly chose the box at the rear.' However, not all viewers are convinced by these visual interpretations, with some dismissing them as inconclusive.
Rachel's Competitive Determination
Rachel has previously made her ambitions clear, stating ahead of the series, 'I will do anything to win. Nothing's off the table. I'm very good at knowing the difference between reality and a game. I'm really competitive in challenges, so I'll do whatever I can.' This ruthless determination aligns perfectly with the high-stakes deception required to succeed as a Traitor.
Recent Developments and Emotional Exits
Earlier in the same episode, contestant Roxy became the latest victim of a Traitor 'murder'. The 32-year-old recruiter, who had struggled to identify the Traitors throughout her time on the show, delivered an emotional exit speech. In a poignant moment of mistaken loyalty, she expressed her hope that either Rachel or Stephen would win, unaware they were actually the hidden Traitors.
Host Claudia Winkleman later revealed that Roxy had been concealing a significant secret – her mother was fellow contestant Judy, aged 60. At the breakfast table following Roxy's departure, James expressed his frustration, questioning his judgment after advocating for her innocence.
All speculation will finally be put to rest when the outcome of the tense banishment is revealed at the beginning of tonight's final episode. The Traitors concludes its fourth series with what promises to be an unforgettable climax, airing at 9pm on BBC One and available for streaming on iPlayer.
