Jade Scott, the PhD student currently captivating millions on BBC One's hit show The Traitors, has revealed a devastating family secret she has carried for years. While viewers watch her strategise in Ardross Castle, Scott has been navigating life after an unimaginable personal loss that occurred when she was a teenager.
A Heartbreaking Discovery in Hong Kong
In August 2018, Scott's world shattered. Her mother, Maggie Fung, 44, and her seven-year-old half-sister were found dead in their apartment in the Tai Kok Tsui district of Kowloon, Hong Kong. The tragedy was discovered after their domestic worker, who had been away, raised the alarm upon being unable to contact them.
Firefighters forced entry into the home, where they made a heartbreaking discovery. Ms Fung and her young daughter were found unconscious in one another's arms on a bed. Paramedics confirmed they had been deceased for some time, possibly up to a week. A suicide note was found at the scene.
Reports at the time indicated that Ms Fung, who worked at a medical clinic, had recently separated from her boyfriend and was believed to have been overwhelmed by the situation. She had arranged for her domestic helper to take a holiday, as she and her daughter were supposedly due to travel overseas.
Rebuilding a Life After Loss
Scott, now 26 and a researcher in women's health and pregnancy at Warwick University, shared her secret during an emotional dinner party hosted by presenter Claudia Winkleman for the final eight contestants. The conversation turned to how they would spend the prize money, prompting Scott to open up about her past.
"My parents got divorced when I was 7. My mum moved back to Hong Kong," Scott explained. "She had a kid, and then in 2018, they were both found dead. I've had to really rebuild myself from that point onwards, and I'm proud of myself for getting this far."
She described the profound impact of the loss, stating, "I was very close with her, so it was a shock to the system. Our parents form a part of our own identity. I had to rebuild myself." Scott admitted the trauma affected her ability to trust, saying, "It takes me time to let people in because it takes me a minute to get comfortable. I think it comes across as standoffish at first."
In a subtle tribute to her mother, Scott has a dainty tattoo of Ginkgo leaves on her arm, a symbol often associated with resilience and enduring love.
Family Background and Show Dynamics
Scott's father is Stuart Scott, HSBC's former head of currency trading. In 2016, he faced allegations of using insider information to profit from a $3.5bn currency deal. He strongly denied the claims and, after a legal battle, successfully blocked his extradition to the US. American prosecutors dropped the case in August 2023.
On the show, Scott's revelation affected her fellow players. Fellow contestant Rachel Duffy, who was a Traitor at the time, admitted, "As a traitor listening to people pour their hearts out at that table, it is hard to make your next decision knowing what people have gone through."
Despite being a Faithful, Scott has faced persistent suspicion from other players. During the latest roundtable, her name was raised again, but it was Dr Ellie Buckley, 33, who was ultimately banished. In a dramatic exit, Dr Buckley revealed she had entered the game with her boyfriend, Ross Garshong, who had already been voted off.
As the competition intensifies, with only eight contestants remaining after the murder of Jessie Roux, Scott continues her journey on The Traitors, carrying a story of profound personal resilience beneath the game's deceptive surface.
