TV presenter Richard Osman has pointed out a subtle production detail in The Traitors that could have signalled a major turn in the game for contestant Matthew Hyndman. The observation came after a dramatic cliffhanger left viewers reeling.
The Dramatic Church Confessional
In the episode aired on Friday, January 9, 2026, the previously low-profile Matthew won a rare chance to question the Traitors in the Church confessional. In a stunning move, he instructed the hooded villains—Rachel and Stephen—to murder his fellow Faithful, Jessie, and then recruit him in return.
"Do we have a deal?" Matthew proclaimed, leaving the nation waiting to see if the Traitors will accept his bold offer when the show returns on BBC One at 8pm tonight.
Osman's Industry Insight on the 'Light Edit'
Discussing the twist on The Rest is Entertainment podcast with co-host Marina Hyde, Richard Osman shed light on a common television editing technique. He suggested Matthew's lack of screen time in earlier episodes was likely deliberate.
"So, oftentimes you will go light on someone in the edit because you know that they’re a big player later on," Osman explained. Marina Hyde agreed, adding, "There’ll be more coming."
This insight implies that Matthew's sudden prominence was a planned narrative device by the producers, designed to maximise impact when his character finally made a power play.
Could the High-Risk Gamble Backfire?
While the edit may have hinted at his importance, experts question whether Matthew's strategy is wise. Game theorist Dante Kalise told Metro that such a shift can make a player "instantaneously unreliable" to others.
Furthermore, murdered Faithful Reece argued that the move has cornered the Traitors. Earlier in the same day, Matthew was voted the "fairest of them all" by the castle, cementing his trustworthy image.
"Rachel and Stephen can’t go to breakfast the next day and start spreading heinous things about Matthew," Reece noted, suggesting any sudden slander would expose them.
The nation now waits to see if Matthew's calculated risk will see him join the treacherous ranks or become their next victim.
