Viewers of the BBC's hit reality series The Traitors were left reeling after an unprecedented and audacious tactical play unfolded during Friday's (9 January 2026) episode. Contestant Matthew, a 35-year-old creative director from Northern Ireland, executed a stunning 'heel turn' that has been dubbed a 'deal with the devil'.
The Unprecedented Proposal
Initially a Faithful in the show's fourth series, Matthew took a colossal risk by directly addressing the hidden Traitors, Stephen and Rachel. Speaking to them through a concealing wall, he laid out a chilling proposition. He urged them to reject host Claudia Winkleman's expected offer to recruit a new Traitor at their next meeting. Instead, he demanded they murder fellow Faithful contestant Jessie.
In exchange, Matthew promised his future allegiance. "And then the next time you seduce, you can seduce me," he stated, before asking the pivotal question: "So my question is, do we have a deal?" This brazen attempt to negotiate his way onto the dark side marked a first in the show's history, blurring the lines between Faithful and Traitor strategies.
Viewer Reaction and Strategic Speculation
The twist sent shockwaves through the show's dedicated fanbase, with many expressing astonishment on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). A significant point of discussion was Matthew's previously low profile, with one viewer joking: "He felt the 'which ones matthew again' vibe brewing and had to act FAST." Another wrote: "Didn't even know Matthew existed until a couple of episodes ago and here he is making a deal with a devil what a guy."
However, some fans speculated this could be a deeply deceptive double-bluff. Crucially, Matthew never explicitly stated he would accept a recruitment offer if it came. This aligns with his pre-game interview philosophy, where he declared there was no "morality" in the game. "I think I allow myself to become a different person when I play games, and I allow myself to be brutal, in the way that you must be if you want to win," he explained.
What Comes Next for The Traitors?
This game-changing move has irrevocably altered the dynamics of the competition. Whether Matthew's gamble pays off or spectacularly backfires remains to be seen. His actions have forced both the Traitors and the remaining Faithful to completely reassess their strategies. The episode has set a new benchmark for tactical play in reality television, proving that even the most under-the-radar contestants can seize control of the narrative.
Audiences will have to wait to see the consequences of this pact when The Traitors continues on BBC One next Wednesday at 8pm. One thing is certain: Matthew has ensured he will no longer be the contestant nobody remembers.
