Sharp-eyed fans of the hit BBC show The Traitors are convinced they have unmasked the mysterious Secret Traitor ahead of schedule, following what appears to be a significant behind-the-scenes error.
The Uncloaked Blunder
The fourth series of the psychological reality competition, presented by Claudia Winkleman, returned to BBC One last week, introducing a major new twist: a Secret Traitor whose identity is hidden from both the audience and the three regular Traitors. The mystery figure holds power, dictating which Faithful contestants are targeted for murder.
The plot thickened after the remaining Traitors, Rachel and Stephen, won a risky challenge in the episode aired on Saturday 3 January 2026, earning the right to discover the Secret Traitor's identity. The episode concluded on a cliffhanger, with the reveal promised for Wednesday 7 January.
However, viewers now suspect the cat is out of the bag thanks to the weekend's spin-off programme, Traitors: Uncloaked. Host Ed Gamble was seen interviewing Celebrity Traitor Cat Burns and series three contestant Charlotte Birman against a backdrop of four framed photos of this year's participants.
The Tell-Tale Photograph
Three pictures showed the known Traitors: the recently banished Hugo (with his face crossed out), Rachel, and Stephen. It was the fourth photograph that sparked the theory. The image was of contestant Harriet, a crime writer and former barrister, leading fans to deduce she is the clandestine player.
This suspicion was compounded by Harriet's actions in the main show, where she led the charge against Hugo at the round table, constructing a compelling case that resulted in his banishment. Social media erupted with analysis, with one viewer noting: "She could really have played it perfectly getting rid of the fellow barrister and cementing her position as a Faithful to the group so early in the game."
Handwriting Hints and Fan Theories
Observant fans have pointed to another potential clue: similarities between Harriet's handwriting and the script on the murder lists delivered to the regular Traitors by the Secret Traitor. This digital sleuthing has added fuel to the fire of speculation.
Meanwhile, online detectives are also probing another potential secret, theorising that contestants Ellie and Ross faked their initial meeting on a train in the series' first episode, suggesting a pre-existing connection.
The Wait for Confirmation
Whether the fan detective work is accurate will be confirmed when The Traitors returns on Wednesday 8 January at 8pm on BBC One. The alleged blunder has certainly intensified anticipation for the episode, proving that for the show's dedicated audience, the game continues well beyond the broadcast.
