The breakout star of the latest series of BBC One's hit reality show The Traitors has broken her silence, detailing the reasoning behind her divisive gameplay. Fiona Hughes, the 62-year-old local government officer who entered the castle as the clandestine 'Secret Traitor', was banished in last Friday's dramatic episode after a turbulent run.
The Strategy Behind the Secret Shortlist
Speaking to Scott Mills on his BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, Fiona reflected on her unique position. As the Secret Traitor, her identity was concealed from both fellow contestants and the audience. A key part of her role involved compiling a shortlist of potential murder targets for the other traitors – Rachel, Stephen, and Hugo.
She explained her selections, which included contestants Netty, Ben, and Maz. "I genuinely believed they were the three most faithful players in the game," Fiona stated. "Their demeanour just screamed 'faithful' to me. Netty was wonderfully open and friendly, Ben was a clever veteran, and Maz exuded an aura of peace. I wasn't part of the turret discussions, so the others didn't know my reasoning."
The Turret Confrontation and 'Plonker' Admission
Fiona's departure was triggered by a heated confrontation with fellow traitor Rachel, 42, which captivated viewers. The clash erupted after Rachel claimed that the banished faithful Amanda had confided about being a former police detective. Fiona vehemently disputed this, countering that Amanda would have shared such a secret with her, given Fiona's own extensive family background in law enforcement.
Looking back on the argument that ultimately sealed her fate, Fiona was self-deprecating. "I've been a bit of a plonker," she admitted candidly. She described watching her final episode at a noisy family watch party, saying it was "impossible to take it all in" and that she plans to watch it again quietly.
Life After the Castle
Since her banishment, Fiona says she has "loved" observing the remaining traitors struggle to uncover the identity of the mysterious red-cloaked figure in their midst. Despite her game ending in episode six, she described the overall experience as "wonderful".
"It was only six episodes but it felt as if I had been there a lifetime," she remarked, summing up her intense journey in the Scottish castle.
The full interview with Fiona Hughes was broadcast on Wednesday 14th January 2026. The Traitors continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
