The long-anticipated identity of the secret contestant on the reality show The Traitors will be unveiled in the upcoming episode, surprising millions of viewers. This development follows the unexpected elimination of barrister Hugo, marking a significant shift in the dynamics of the game. The remaining players, Stephen and Rachel, have been given a challenging mission to regain control from the hidden Traitor, who has been operating behind the scenes since the show’s inception.
In a dramatic twist, Stephen and Rachel were tasked with selecting nine potential victims for “murder” in a chilling challenge involving a family tree painting in the castle. This intense scenario required them to dip their fingers into blood-red ink, marking their targets with fingerprints. If they succeeded, one of the chosen individuals would be “murdered” the next day, allowing the secret Traitor to join the ranks of the visible players.
The pressure was palpable as Stephen described his anxiety during the task, expressing, “My heart is just pounding. I’m praying and praying no one walks through this castle right now.” Rachel took the initiative to manage the fingerprinting while Stephen kept a watchful eye on the surroundings. In a strategic move to deflect suspicion, Rachel even included Stephen’s name among the nine victims, alongside other contestants such as Sam, Jade, Amanda, Reece, Maz, James, Jack, and Faraaz.
Against all odds, they completed the task without being discovered. Later, host Claudia Winkleman confirmed that the remaining Traitors successfully created their shortlist, regaining a sense of power just before their first encounter with the secret contestant.
While the impending reveal has generated excitement, not all is well among the Traitors. As the episode drew to a close, Rachel expressed her skepticism regarding the new recruit, stating, “Whoever walks through that door, we don’t need them.” This sentiment comes on the heels of Stephen’s ruthless betrayal of Hugo during a heated roundtable discussion, a move he justified as necessary for his survival in the game.
Reflecting on his actions, Stephen remarked, “This is crazy. I hadn’t expected to be throwing a fellow Traitor’s name around this early in the game.” Meanwhile, Rachel celebrated Hugo’s departure, claiming he “dug his own grave.” The duo then made a pact to protect each other, aiming to reach the final together and split the impressive jackpot of £120,000.
As the tension escalates, viewers can tune in to see how these new developments unfold. The next episode of The Traitors airs on January 7, 2026, at 20:00 GMT on BBC One and iPlayer.
