The Traitors has returned to BBC One for its fourth series, and the psychological competition has introduced its most dramatic twist yet: a hidden traitor whose identity is unknown to everyone, including the audience.
The new series opens with 22 ordinary contestants arriving at a remote castle in the Scottish Highlands, all hoping to outwit one another and claim the cash prize. Among this year’s players are a retired police chief inspector, a crime novelist and a psychologist, setting the stage for a tense battle of strategy and suspicion.
Host Claudia Winkleman revealed that barrister Hugo, 51, communications chief Rachel, 42, and cyber security consultant Stephen, 32, had been chosen as traitors. However, viewers soon learned there was a fourth traitor operating in complete secrecy. This mystery player wears a red cloak, rather than the traditional green, and will not be identified to the other traitors or to viewers at home.
While their identity remains hidden, the secret traitor holds significant power. They are aware of who the other three traitors are and are responsible for narrowing down the pool of potential murder victims, limiting the traitors’ choices each night.
Reacting to the revelation, Hugo admitted the twist had shifted the balance of power, saying the advantage of being a traitor usually lies in having full information – something now taken away.
The first mission saw contestants divided into teams to row across water and retrieve gold coffins, each marked with a player’s name. Successfully placing a coffin into a grave added £1,000 to the prize fund and put that named player at risk of being murdered. The group managed to secure £10,000, leaving ten contestants vulnerable.
From that group, the secret traitor reduced the list to just three names: civil servant Maz, nursery teacher Netty and gardener James. The episode ended before revealing who would be eliminated.
Away from the murders, personal secrets also emerged. It was revealed that child liaison officer Judy, 60, is the adoptive mother of fellow contestant Roxy, 32. The pair have chosen to hide their relationship from the rest of the group. Meanwhile, retired detective Amanda and crime author Harriet Tyce both plan to downplay their professional backgrounds to avoid drawing suspicion.
The Traitors series four follows the success of the recent celebrity edition, which was won by comedian Alan Carr.
The show continues on BBC One TONIGHT at 8pm, buckle up!
