In an exclusive revelation, Paul Gorton, a star from the second series of the hit BBC show The Traitors, has claimed that the entire cast of the current season is linked in some way. As the show captivates audiences on BBC One, Gorton suggests fans have overlooked crucial clues about the relationships between contestants.
Uncovering Hidden Links in the Castle
The 2026 series of The Traitors is only in its second week but has already delivered high drama with two murders, three banishments, and the surprise unveiling of three relationships. The latest episode saw psychologist Ellie Buckley reveal that recently banished personal trainer Ross Garshong was her boyfriend. This followed the premiere's disclosure that child liaison officer Judy Wilson is the mother of fellow contestant, recruiter Roxy Wilson.
Ross's prior friendship with contestant Netty Osterberg also came to light early on. These revelations, coupled with the prominent framed family tree of the cast displayed in the castle, have led to intense speculation about further hidden connections. Paul Gorton has now weighed in, telling The Mirror, "I think everyone is connected - either friendship or family. Everyone."
Friendships and Colleagues: The New Theory
Gorton believes that while major family ties have likely all been exposed, thanks in part to diligent social media sleuths, the show may be hiding a web of professional and personal friendships. He pointed to specific pairings that have raised his suspicion.
"Maz and Amanda - all of a sudden Maz is a retired police officer. Did he work with Amanda? Are they colleagues? Are they friends?" he questioned. Gorton theorised that work relationships often bring together people who might not socialise otherwise, making them perfect for the show's complex social dynamics.
He also highlighted potential links between banished barrister Hugo Lodge and ex-barrister Harriet Tyce. "Did they work together? Are they ex work friends? That would be a good strategy for the casting team to recruit colleagues because I don't think that's ever been done in the show before," Gorton added.
He noted that such connections are harder for the public to uncover, especially with contestants like the Secret Traitor, Fiona Hughes, who maintains a low online profile. "She's not on Instagram," he said.
The Traitors' Strategy and Impending Downfall
Shifting focus to the game itself, Gorton analysed the current Traitors' tactics. He criticised the initial approach of Faithfuls-turned-Traitors Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby, who he says were overly paranoid about the Secret Traitor mission.
"The Secret Traitor mission was not a threat," Gorton stated. "They immediately saw the Secret Traitor as the enemy but they should have ignored it. They should have thought that the Secret Traitor would become a part of the team at some point."
He believes this misstep has led to critical errors, particularly for Stephen Libby. "They went too paranoid, way too quick, too insecure. It's now got to this point where Stephen has made a couple of really big mistakes and Jessie [Stride] has picked up on them. He's got a lot of evidence coming up against him," Gorton explained.
With 17 contestants remaining, the game is heating up. In tonight's episode, the remaining Traitors—Rachel, Fiona, and Stephen—will plot another murder. The Traitors continues tonight at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
