The explosive return of BBC's The Traitors on New Year's Day has been overshadowed by a tantalising mystery, as eagle-eyed fans believe they have spotted a critical clue that could unmask the new Secret Traitor.
The Secret Traitor Twist Shakes the Game
Viewers were thrilled to see the beloved series return on January 1, 2026, introducing a major new gameplay twist. Alongside the three regular Traitors—Rachel Duffy, Hugo Lodge, and Stephen Libby—a fourth, Secret Traitor was selected, wearing a distinctive red cloak.
This anonymous player holds significant power, providing the other Traitors with a nightly shortlist of three contestants they are allowed to murder. Crucially, the Secret Traitor's identity is hidden from everyone, including their fellow conspirators, a move that left the regular Traitors visibly frustrated.
A Potential 'Mistake' in the Murder List
The first major clue emerged during the latest episode. After a task, ten contestants were eligible for murder. The Secret Traitor, who cannot target themselves or the other Traitors, had to choose three names from this list.
When Traitor Rachel Duffy opened the scroll, she announced the chosen trio: James, Netty, and Maz. However, keen fans and analysts like Samantha Bartlett at The Mirror noted a potential slip. The name 'Netty' was reportedly written as 'Nettie' on the scroll.
"This was either a genuine mistake from the Secret Traitor, which could be a damning error for them in the future, or it may have been done on purpose to throw the Traitors off the scent," Bartlett explained.
Handwriting and Future Roundtables Under Scrutiny
This spelling anomaly has sent the fandom into a detective frenzy. Bartlett suggested that if Netty avoids murder, viewers should watch closely at future roundtables to see who else spells her name with an 'ie'.
Furthermore, the handwriting on the scroll is being analysed. One fan on X pointed out a unique style in the letter 'Z' in 'Maz', suggesting it could be another identifying feature to watch for during the game's signature roundtable discussions.
Some sceptical viewers have theorised that host Claudia Winkleman might have written the list herself, but the potential clue has nonetheless become a major talking point. Whether a clever red herring or a fatal error, this detail has given audiences a fresh puzzle to solve as they attempt to unmask the Secret Traitor before the faithful do.
