The latest series of the BBC's hit psychological game The Traitors has unleashed a major new twist that has dramatically shifted the power dynamics within the game, leaving the selected Traitors reportedly "livid".
A Secret Player Shakes the Game to Its Core
During the launch episode on Friday, 1st January 2026, host Claudia Winkleman introduced a mysterious "Secret Traitor" whose identity is hidden from everyone—the other players, the three chosen Traitors, and even the viewing audience. This player, distinguished by a red cloak, holds a superior level of control, dictating a nightly shortlist of potential murder victims from which the regular Traitors must choose.
Claudia, 53, speaking after filming concluded, admitted the trio who achieved their dream of becoming Traitors were furious upon discovering this hidden hierarchy. "It's really fantastic for the Secret Traitor, they're having the time of their lives," she laughed during a series launch screening, highlighting the frustration of the others.
The Trio Reacts to Losing Control
The three Traitors chosen in the opening episode are barrister Hugo, 51, from London; communications boss Rachel, 42, from County Down; and cyber security consultant Stephen, 32, from the Outer Hebrides. Their initial triumph was swiftly undercut by the revelation of the Secret Traitor's power.
Producer Mike Cotton explained the reasoning behind the twist: "The Traitors are used to having all of the power, and for once they don't. There's a shortlist that they have to murder from." He added that the twist would continue "until the Traitors can win back the power," refusing to reveal how long the secret might last.
The chosen Traitors' reactions were immediate. Rachel stated her intent to "hunt that Secret Traitor down," while Hugo quipped, "I'm so annoyed about this - I do not require middle management." Stephen, described by Mike Cotton as a "choir boy that's ready to be corrupted," had earlier expressed his desire to be "naughty."
Cast Secrets and Mission Mayhem
The episode also unveiled other secrets among the 22 contestants. It was revealed that Judy, a 60-year-old child liaison officer, is the adoptive mother of fellow player Roxy, 32—a relationship they are keeping hidden from the group as a strategic advantage.
Furthermore, contestants Netty and Ross discovered they had a mutual friend, a connection producers only identified through social media checks after casting. Their on-screen reunion added another layer of complexity to the social dynamics.
The first mission saw the players earn £10,000 for the prize fund by hauling 100 specially made coffins across a lake and into graves bearing their own names, a task Claudia described as setting the tone for a series that gets "really brutal."
With the Secret Traitor's first shortlist—containing Netty, James, or Maz—leading to a murder in the next episode, the battle for control and the hunt for the mystery manipulator is now the central drama of the series.
