A recently banished contestant from the hit BBC show The Traitors has addressed the swirling fan theory that every player is secretly connected, sparked by the cryptic family tree in the castle foyer.
The Theory That Won't Die
Since the series began, viewers and participants have been obsessed with deciphering the Latin inscription on the ornate family tree. It warns: 'Beware whom you trust as your own blood... Among intimate friends lurk the most secret enemies.'
This intrigue exploded with the revelations that Judy and Roxy were mother and daughter, and that Ross and Ellie were in a secret relationship. Fans are now convinced that hidden links exist between all the players.
Fiona's Blunt Verdict
Speaking exclusively after her banishment on Friday's episode, Secret Traitor Fiona Hughes told Metro she paid the theory little mind. "I think I just glanced the whole time I was there because I wasn't sure if it made any difference anyway," she said.
"So I didn't take much notice of it. And I still haven't. It was just kind of that bit of paper that's in the hallway." Fiona added that she saw the family tree as a potential distraction from her own game strategy.
When pressed on whether other secret connections remain, she replied: "Possibly. But I'm not sure. And I haven't given it much brain time either."
A Fellow Banished Player's Perspective
Banished Faithful Reece Ward shared a different view, explaining how the theory affects gameplay. "Obviously, you're on high alert anyway because of past situations in previous seasons," he said.
"So obviously the minute you suss out [that] someone in here might know somebody else in here... That's the power that you don't want anybody else to have." He admitted players often spiral down a "rabbit hole" looking for non-existent links.
The Dramatic Downfall
Fiona's exit on January 10, 2026, made her the fifth player banished this series. Her departure followed a fiery confrontation with fellow Traitor Rachel Duffy, where Fiona spectacularly accused her in front of the group.
On her failed gambit, Fiona explained: "Rachel was a strong and formidable woman, and there was no way that I could have beaten Rachel in any other way. I could see that all of the Faithfuls were never ever going to consider Rachel as a traitor. So my cunning plan spectacularly backfired."
Despite this, she holds no grudge and even refrained from voting for Rachel at the final roundtable. "I would love for Team Traitors to win," Fiona stated, praising both Rachel and remaining Traitor Stephen.
Fiona leaves as the show's first-ever Secret Traitor, remembered for her explosive final move. She has no regrets: "I embraced and enjoyed every single moment in that castle... I wanted to be master of my own downfall."
The Traitors continues on BBC One and iPlayer at 8pm on Wednesday.
