Traitors Triumph as Faithfuls Flounder in Predictable Final
The dramatic conclusion to the 2026 series of The Traitors delivered a frustratingly predictable outcome, with the scheming duo of Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby claiming the £95,750 prize after faithfuls repeatedly failed to unmask them. What could have been a redemptive finale for the loyal contestants instead became a masterclass in manipulation and missed opportunities.
A Catalogue of Clues Ignored
From the opening moments of the final episode, the faithfuls had chances to change their fate. Rachel Duffy faced potential elimination within the first five minutes but secured her position by winning the chest of chance against James Baker. This early victory set the tone for her continued dominance, as she expertly manipulated fellow contestants Faraz Noor and Jade Scott throughout the concluding stages.
Looking back across the series, numerous red flags were visible to viewers that faithfuls consistently overlooked. Rachel's bold claims about "FBI training," theories passed from eliminated contestants, and regular revelations of extra details should have raised suspicions. Meanwhile, Stephen Libby displayed physical tells during round table votes, appearing flushed and sweaty on screen, while verbal slips like referencing "last night" in connection with turret conversations went unremarked by his fellow players.
Faithfuls' Fatal Flaws
The faithfuls' detective work proved consistently inadequate, with host Claudia Winkleman likely experiencing considerable frustration as opportunities were squandered. Faraz Noor failed to vote out a traitor on the two occasions it was possible, and his repeated U-turns on targeting Rachel ultimately cost him any claim to the prize money. "I made a plan, and I didn't even follow it myself," he later admitted on the spin-off show Uncloaked, highlighting the strategic confusion that plagued the faithful faction.
Jack Butler's semi-final decision to vote for his friend James Baker kept Rachel in the game and significantly influenced the final outcome. Even previously eliminated faithfuls like Harriet and Jessie, who had made accurate predictions before their departures, were ignored by remaining players. Harriet's emotional breakfast outburst targeting Rachel, rather than a considered approach, likely ended the faithfuls' chances of victory. "I was beaten by the master, we were completely outplayed," she conceded afterwards.
Traitors' Tactical Triumph
Rachel and Stephen's success was built on consistent manipulation and a steadfast pact never to vote against each other. Stephen's theatrical expressions and performative shock mirrored techniques previously employed by contestants like Alan Carr, proving effective in maintaining his cover. Former traitor Fiona Hughes even left clues pointing toward Rachel on her final day in the castle, but these hints went unheeded by the remaining faithfuls.
While the victorious pair undoubtedly played exceptional games as traitors, the evidence against them was frequently in plain sight. The satisfaction viewers typically experience when faithfuls successfully identify traitors remained elusive throughout this series, with the finale delivering more frustration than suspense. As Rachel and Stephen claim both the prize money and plaudits, attention turns to whether future contestants will demonstrate sharper detective skills in forthcoming series of the popular BBC reality competition.
