A major fan theory is gripping viewers of The Traitors on BBC One, suggesting that the entire cast of the fourth series may have entered the game in secret pairs. This comes after two hidden relationships were dramatically revealed in the treacherous corridors of Ardross Castle.
The Clues in the Castle
The theory gained traction after the early unmasking of two covert connections. First, the banished Judy was exposed as the mother of Faithful contestant Roxy. Shortly after, psychologist Ellie confessed that fellow player Ross, who had just been banished, was her boyfriend.
Fans now believe these reveals are just the beginning. Sleuths point to a framed family tree prominently displayed in the castle's lobby—the same one the Traitors defaced with red fingerprints to mark murder targets—as a significant clue. The Latin inscription on it warns: “Beware whom you trust as your own blood. The sharpest knives are often handed over the table by trusted servants.”
Further hints include recurring cutaway shots to a 1934 copy of Who’s Who? in the castle library. With the series not yet at its midway point, speculation is rife that more pre-existing ties between the 22 contestants are waiting to be uncovered.
Potential Secret Pairs and Family Links
Is Fiona Reece's Mum? Sweet shop assistant Reece, 27, has said he “worships” Fiona, 62, “like a mum”. With Reece being a Welsh name and Fiona hailing from Swansea, some believe she could be his mother. Others speculate his close bond with retired detective Amanda, 57, indicates a maternal link.
Are Jessie and Jack Dating? Orange-haired sleuth Jessie from Hull raised eyebrows during a cage mission when she whispered “Love you!” to Essex personal trainer Jack, 29, after knowing him for only four days. Her joyful leap into his arms upon his release has fuelled romance rumours.
Is Faraaz Maz's Grandson? Viewers noted 22-year-old Faraaz seemed deeply affected by the murder of Maz, a 66-year-old practising Muslim and family man from the North. Their similar gentle demeanour and rhyming names have led to theories of a familial connection.
Are Rachel and Matt Siblings? A more tenuous theory suggests Northern Irish contestants Rachel and Matthew might be brother and sister, potentially avoiding each other on screen.
Are Matt and Stephen Engaged? Some fans hope the two out gay men, Matt from Edinburgh and Stephen from the Isle of Lewis, are secretly a couple. Stephen wears a ring that could be an engagement band, and Matt mentioned using prize money for a “big gay wedding”.
Other Intriguing Connections
Theories extend to professional links. Both murdered contestant Maz and ex-detective Amanda are former police officers, leading some to wonder if they once worked together.
Elsewhere, the first banished Traitor, barrister Hugo, 51, robustly defended PhD student Jade, 26, prompting paternal speculation. An exchange where Hugo seemed to know about Amanda's police past also hinted they might be siblings.
Crime novelist Harriet Tyce, 52, may have slipped up by telling Reece, “I’ve never seen you cry like that before,” suggesting a prior connection. Some even speculate Essex boys Adam and Jack could be brothers.
The most outlandish theory proposes an identical twin is being secretly swapped in and out by producers—a plot twist that would truly spin heads in the castle.
As the game continues, viewers will be watching every glance and conversation for clues to unravel this tangled web of potential relationships.
