- Fiona is revealed as the show’s red-cloaked “secret traitor”, chosen by Claudia Winkleman in episode one.
- The secret traitor had special powers, including compiling the shortlist for murders.
- Fiona joins confirmed traitors Stephen and Rachel in the castle turret, changing game dynamics.
- The twist altered strategy after Hugo and Ross were banished.
Who is the secret traitor?
The Traitors has unmasked its previously anonymous fourth deceiver. In Wednesday’s episode the red-cloaked secret traitor lifted her hood to reveal Fiona, who had been secretly operating since host Claudia Winkleman selected her in the opening episode.
Fiona’s reveal came four episodes into the series. She walked into the castle turret and joined fellow traitors Stephen and Rachel, saying: “I was wonderful, wasn’t I?” Her admission confirmed viewers’ suspicions and explained a string of tactical moves seen earlier in the series.
What powers did the secret traitor hold?
Unlike the other traitors, the secret traitor had knowledge of everyone’s true status and specific powers. Fiona had been allowed to compile the shortlist of contestants the main traitors were permitted to murder, giving her indirect control over who faced danger at the round table.
That extra role made Fiona a unique force: she could influence decisions from the shadows, while the other traitors still worked to manage alliances in plain sight.
How the twist changed the game
The twist forced both players and viewers to reassess alliances. The show had already seen the banishments of Hugo and sales assistant Ross. Ross’s exit revealed a personal subplot: contestant Ellie disclosed to the cameras that Ross was her boyfriend and vowed to “avenge his death” — a detail Ross said made him suspicious of Ellie in the house.
Fiona’s arrival into the traitor trio also created immediate tension. Rachel admitted she was nervous Fiona might “ruffle a few feathers,” while Fiona joked that “Hollywood is beckoning” after revealing her identity.
How viewers reacted
The secret traitor twist aimed to engage home audiences by keeping one traitor anonymous so viewers could play along. Some fans were surprised Fiona was revealed relatively early; speculation on social media suggested Hugo’s banishment may have accelerated the unmasking.
The launch episode drew an average overnight audience of 6.4 million viewers on New Year’s Day, with subsequent episodes averaging 5.8 million — numbers likely to grow once on-demand viewing is counted.
What’s next for the game?
With Fiona now in the open, the remaining faithful must adapt their strategies. The traitors’ dynamic has shifted: the trio must balance existing alliances with the new power structure and the risk that revealing a secret ally could undermine their control.
Expect the coming episodes to test loyalties and strategy as contestants react to the reveal and the consequences of having a fourth traitor operating in plain sight.
Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2j7jzvzxmo
