The first-ever Secret Traitor on the BBC's hit show The Traitors, Fiona Hughes, has shared fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets from her time in the Scottish castle, including a cunning plan that never made it to air.
The Weight of the Red Cloak and a Failed Gambit
Fiona Hughes, a 62-year-old from Swansea, became an instant part of The Traitors history when she was revealed as the inaugural Secret Traitor during the show's fourth episode. Reflecting on the experience, she described the surreal moment of arriving at the iconic castle and the immense responsibility that came with the crimson cloak.
"To be given the privilege of being selected as having the red cloak was wondrous, but I did feel a lot of responsibility and power which went to my head," she admitted. Her initial strategy involved nominating contestants who appeared overwhelmingly faithful, hoping her fellow Traitors would understand her logic.
Her journey took a dramatic turn when she lost her traitor status and had to integrate with established traitors Rachel and Stephen. Feeling like an outsider, Fiona made the explosive decision to turn on Rachel during a roundtable, accusing her of "fibbing"—a gentler term she preferred over lying. The move backfired, leading to her banishment, but she stands by her choice to act on her own terms.
The Sobriety Strategy: A Cunning Ploy That Didn't Air
In one of the most intriguing revelations, Fiona disclosed a calculated tactic that was left out of the final edit. While other contestants relaxed with drinks after the high-pressure roundtables, Fiona deliberately stayed sober.
Her shrewd plan was to encourage others to drink more, hoping it would lead to hangovers and loose lips the next day, giving her an information advantage. "I wanted to get them drunk... I'd be able to manipulate them and I could glean some information," she explained. She wryly conceded that this "cunning ploy" ultimately failed, much like her on-screen gambit.
Working with an Icon and Becoming a 'Hun'
Fiona also shared her experience of working with the show's iconic presenter, Claudia Winkleman, praising her as "lovely" and "marvellous." She expressed particular admiration for Claudia's mother, veteran journalist Eve Pollard, whom she has long considered a heroine.
Since her appearance, viewers have showered Fiona with affection, dubbing her a "hun"—a term she initially misunderstood. After googling it, she admitted she still wasn't entirely sure of its meaning but graciously accepted the moniker, touched by the public's kindness and the support from across the United Kingdom.
Fiona Hughes's time on The Traitors may have been cut short, but her insights provide a captivating glimpse into the mind games and unaired strategies that define the beloved BBC series.
