In a stunning television twist, a 62-year-old local government worker from Swansea has been revealed as the first-ever secret traitor on the BBC's hit reality series, The Traitors. Fiona Hughes, known to friends and neighbours as 'lovely Fiona', managed to conceal her pivotal role from everyone, including those at a festive Boxing Day gathering, before her duplicity was broadcast to millions.
The Unveiling of a Secret Schemer
Viewers of BBC One's The Traitors watched in disbelief as host Claudia Winkleman handed the clandestine role to Mrs Hughes in the show's first episode. The grandmother, described by those who know her as 'lively, bubbly and full of fun', immediately vowed to Winkleman: 'I will do my best to be as treacherous as possible. This is just wonderful. I'm drunk on power!'
Her friendly demeanour proved to be the perfect cover, fooling her fellow contestants completely. When her identity was finally unveiled to the cast, fellow Traitors Stephen Libby, 32, and Rachel Duffy, 42, were left in shock. A gleeful Mrs Hughes told them: 'I was wonderful, wasn't I? Hollywood is beckoning, I can feel it… I have basically done your job for you for the past few nights.'
A Community Pillar's Double Life
Away from the scheming in the Scottish castle, Fiona Hughes resides in Dunvant, Swansea, with her husband Gwyn and is a pillar of her community. She is the driving force behind vital local services, a stark contrast to her televised persona.
She runs Bluebells, a dementia-friendly lunch club, and as a Swansea Council area co-ordinator, she established the Victoria Saints Men's Club in September 2024. The group, which supports men dealing with loneliness, isolation, and mental health issues, has grown so rapidly it recently moved to larger premises.
'We get together for three hours every Monday morning to put the world to rights over a cup of coffee, a bacon roll, and lots of biscuits,' explained her proud husband Gwyn, who helps with the club.
Neighbours React with Shock and Admiration
Mrs Hughes's appearance on the show was so secret that even her neighbours in Dunvant were completely unaware. She attended a Christmas party on Boxing Day at neighbour Rosemary Evans's home without hinting at her upcoming television fame.
'She didn't say anything about being in Traitors, but she's the sort of person who can keep a secret,' Mrs Evans told the Daily Mail. 'I knew she would do well. I could see her as a Traitor, she'd be good at a cover-up, definitely.'
Another neighbour expressed surprise, stating: 'Fiona is a lovely person, she has spent her life helping people, that's what she does.' This sentiment underscores the dramatic divide between her real-life character and her cunning game-play on the BBC series.
The betrayal has already begun within the game, with Mrs Hughes turning on fellow traitor Hugo Bailey, 51, leading to his banishment in episode three. With the secret now out, viewers will be watching to see if 'lovely Fiona' can continue her treacherous path to the prize fund.
The Traitors continues on BBC One and iPlayer from January 8 at 8pm.
