The identity of the mysterious Secret Traitor in the BBC's hit show The Traitors has become a national obsession, with social media awash with speculation and theories. The game-changing twist, which introduced a fourth, unknown Traitor swishing around Ardross Castle in a distinctive red cloak, has kept both contestants and viewers in the dark, turning armchair detectives across the UK into avid sleuths.
The Hunt for the Red Cloak
With the early banishment of Traitor Hugo, the Secret Traitor's unmasking is now imminent, likely ahead of the producers' original schedule. The latest episode ended on a cliffhanger, with the remaining Traitors—Stephen and Rachel—poised to meet their clandestine puppet master for the first time in Wednesday's episode. This has fuelled a frenzy of online detective work, with fans dissecting every frame for clues.
Top Suspects and Compelling Theories
The Jekyll & Hyde Candidate: Amanda
Amanda, the retired police detective, remains a bookies' favourite. Her career experience in covert techniques and intelligence policing makes her uniquely qualified. She has openly referred to her "Jekyll and Hyde personality" as a secret weapon, and fellow Traitor Rachel has labelled her "dangerously smart." Hugo's parting comment that Amanda was "better at this game than me" has only intensified suspicions of a Traitor-on-Traitor betrayal.
The Handwriting Analysis: Jade, Roxy, Fiona & Jessie
One of the few physical clues is the scroll left in the turret listing murder options. While it could be a red herring, fans comparing the neat, cursive script to the contestants' chalkboard writing have pinpointed potential matches. The distinctive style appears to align with Roxy, Fiona, and Jessie, while a particular 'J' has also brought Jade into the frame.
The Freudian Slip: Ellie
Viewers' ears pricked up when Ellie, the 33-year-old psychologist, described her strategy in a post-round table interview. She stated that being reserved could make people question if you're "just sitting and watching as a kind of secret traitor." The seemingly accidental use of the exact phrase has led many to believe she let the mask slip. As the first psychologist in the UK series, her mind-game mastery would be a formidable asset for a double agent.
The Library Conspirators: Jessie, Ellie & Fiona
This theory stems from the murder of Ben. After he warned in the library that he'd be "up for murder" if anyone nearby was a Traitor, his name appeared on the hitlist. Those present were Ellie, Jessie, James, Fiona, and the known Traitor Stephen. With James having been shortlisted himself, the focus falls on the three women, particularly Jessie, whose relaxed demeanour has previously raised Hugo's eyebrows.
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: Fiona
Could the seemingly dotty Welsh diva from Swansea be playing the ultimate game? Fiona has admitted to "playing up to being clueless" while cautioning, "Never underestimate a woman of a certain age." Her adept manoeuvring with Amanda and Harriet to oust Hugo demonstrated sharp strategic thinking, leading some Faithful and viewers alike to suspect her.
Other Leading Contenders
The Gender Balance Theory: Jade
After host Claudia Winkleman criticised the male-skewed Traitor recruitment in series two, producers are expected to be gender-aware. With the initial three Traitors being male, the Secret Traitor is widely theorised to be female to restore balance. This puts smart, strategic PhD student Jade, a fan of social deception games, firmly in the spotlight.
The Revenge Plot: Roxy
The covert mission involving the castle's family tree felt significant. Roxy entered the game with her mother, Judy, who was the first to be banished. Could Roxy be the Secret Traitor, seeking revenge for her mum's early exit? Her visible anger at James when he mentioned Judy and her subsequent targeting of him adds weight to this theory.
The Crime Writer: Harriet
A former criminal barrister and author of psychological thrillers, Harriet's professional background makes her a perfect candidate. She spends her life "making up horrible ways to dispatch people," so the role of secret puppet master would be a natural fit. A telling clue emerged on the companion show Uncloaked, where her photo was spotted alongside those of the three known Traitors.
The Logical Eliminations
By discounting anyone who has appeared on the murder hitlists—Maz, James, and Reece—the field narrows. This leaves several younger male contestants, with cocksure Sam's bold accusation-flinging making him a suspect in Rachel's eyes. However, many fans feel a reveal from this group would be an anticlimax.
The Wildcard Outsiders: Claudia or Alan Carr
While extremely unlikely, some fans have playfully speculated about an external player. Could host Claudia Winkleman, the game's ultimate string-puller, also be the Secret Traitor? Or what about chaotic comic and reigning celebrity champion Alan Carr, who hinted in a trailer that Claudia had "big" plans? It's a long shot, but it would be a spectacular twist.
The wait is almost over. When the red cloak is finally removed, one of these ten theories will be proven right, sending shockwaves through the remaining Faithful and finally solving the puzzle that has captivated the nation.
