After a week of feverish speculation across social media and living rooms nationwide, the mystery of the secret Traitor on the BBC's hit reality show has been solved. The reveal, however, has sparked a wave of disappointment among dedicated fans who feel the production missed a major opportunity for suspense.
The Scarlet Cloak Comes Off
The fourth season of The Traitors returned to BBC One with a major new twist. Host Claudia Winkleman announced that alongside the main group of Traitors, a single, secret scarlet-cloaked Traitor was operating in the shadows, unknown even to their fellow conspirators and the viewing public.
The plot thickened after the dramatic banishment of contestant Hugo on Saturday night, January 7, 2026. Once Hugo was revealed as a Traitor, the remaining two – Stephen and Rachel – were offered a chance to uncover their secret ally's identity. To do so, they had to perform a risky task in full view of others, placing a fingerprint on a family tree picture to shortlist nine contestants for murder.
The third episode concluded on a cliffhanger, with the scarlet-cloaked figure knocking on a turret door. The moment of truth arrived when the cloak was removed to show Fiona, a 62-year-old local government officer from Swansea, who greeted her fellow Traitors with a characteristic giggle.
Hints Were There All Along
In hindsight, viewers noted that Fiona had dropped several clues leading up to the unveiling. During a mission, she wore a conspicuous red raincoat indoors, and later casually mentioned owning a red bikini reminiscent of supermodel Cindy Crawford.
More tellingly, in the third episode, she admitted to "playing up to being dotty and clueless" before delivering a pointed warning: "Never underestimate a woman of a certain age." These statements, fans argue, were almost a direct confession.
Viewer Backlash Over Timing
Despite the clever hints, the reaction to the reveal's timing has been mixed, with a vocal section of the audience expressing clear dissatisfaction on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many believed the secret should have been kept under wraps for longer to maximise dramatic tension.
Ben posted: "I’m quite disappointed. I wish it had been more of a shock." User Michael agreed, stating: "Been magnificent but this is probably too soon." Another fan, Luce, commented: "They could’ve at least kept it hidden for a bit longer."
The sentiment was echoed widely, with one viewer exclaiming "OMG THEY ACTUALLY REVEALED THE SECRET TRAITOR??? – They SHOULD have kept it a secret LONGER!!!" and another simply asking, "but why didn’t they keep the secret traitor…. A secret?"
Prior to the reveal, other contestants like crime writer Harriet and psychologist Ellie had also been high on the list of suspects for eagle-eyed viewers.
The Traitors continues on BBC One on Thursday at 8pm.
